The Saab 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin, specifically the 2.0t BioPower XWD variant produced in 2011, represents a late iteration of Saab’s compact executive car. This model, a facelift of the second-generation 9-3, was primarily aimed at the European market, offering a blend of practicality, performance, and Scandinavian design. The “Sport Combi” designation indicates the wagon (estate) body style, while “Griffin” denotes the trim level. The 2.0t BioPower engine highlights Saab’s commitment to flexible-fuel technology, capable of running on gasoline or a blend of gasoline and ethanol (E85). Production of this specific configuration was limited to the 2011 model year, coinciding with the final months of Saab’s independent operation before its eventual bankruptcy in December 2011.
Saab 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin: Overview
The 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin occupied a competitive segment, facing rivals such as the Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3 Series Touring, and Volvo V60. Saab differentiated itself through its unique design language, focus on driver ergonomics, and innovative features. The XWD all-wheel-drive system provided enhanced traction and stability, particularly in challenging weather conditions. The BioPower engine offered a performance boost when running on E85 fuel, appealing to environmentally conscious drivers and those seeking increased power output.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2011 Saab 9-3 2.0t BioPower XWD is a 1.998-liter (121.93 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder engine. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger with an intercooler to produce 163 horsepower at 4,000-6,000 rpm and 320 Nm (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,750 and 3,500 rpm. The BioPower capability allows the engine to run on gasoline or E85, with increased output achievable when using higher ethanol blends. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 81.6 hp/l. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission and Saab’s XWD all-wheel-drive system. This system employs an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute torque between the front and rear axles, providing optimal traction and handling. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 8.9 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in approximately 8.5 seconds. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 205 km/h (127.38 mph).
Design & Features
The 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin features a classic station wagon body style, offering a practical and spacious interior. The 2011 facelift brought subtle styling updates, including revised front and rear fascias, updated headlights, and a redesigned grille. The interior is characterized by Saab’s signature Scandinavian design, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and comfort. The cabin comfortably seats five passengers and offers 477 liters (16.85 cubic feet) of trunk space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1331 liters (47 cubic feet) when folded down. Key features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels (302mm front, 292mm rear), electric power steering, and independent suspension – McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. Safety was a priority, with the 9-3 incorporating features designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The XWD system also contributes to safety by enhancing stability and control in adverse conditions. The vehicle’s kerb weight ranges from 1625 to 1745 kg (3582.51 to 3847.07 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 2200 kg (4850.17 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Saab |
| Model | 9-3 |
| Generation | 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin (facelift 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0t BioPower (163 Hp) XWD |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | December, 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.8 l/100 km (19.9 US mpg, 23.9 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg, 33.6 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 195 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 163 Hp @ 4000-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1750-3500 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B207H |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-scroll turbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1625-1745 kg (3582.51 – 3847.07 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2200 kg (4850.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 455-575 kg (1003.1 – 1267.66 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 477 l (16.85 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1331 l (47 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 61 l (16.11 US gal | 13.42 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4691 mm (184.69 in.) |
| Width | 1762 mm (69.37 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2038 mm (80.24 in.) |
| Height | 1492 mm (58.74 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2675 mm (105.31 in.) |
| Front track | 1524 mm (60 in.) |
| Rear track | 1506 mm (59.29 in.) |
| Front overhang | 1002 mm (39.45 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1014 mm (39.92 in.) |
| Drivetrain | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 302 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 292 mm |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
| Tires size | 225/50 R17; 235/45 R17; 225/45 R18; 235/45 R18; 235/40 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17; 7.5J x 17; 7.5J x 18; 8J x 19 |
The 2011 Saab 9-3 Sport Combi II Griffin 2.0t BioPower XWD, though short-lived, represents a compelling blend of Scandinavian design, practical functionality, and innovative technology. Its unique BioPower engine and XWD all-wheel-drive system set it apart from its competitors, offering a distinctive driving experience. However, its production coincided with the unfortunate demise of the Saab brand, making it a rare and collectible vehicle today.
