It was the only GMT360 SUV not available with rear-wheel drive and, along with the Saab 9-2X, one of the first Saabs to feature standard all-wheel drive. 9-7X was also the first production Saab with a V8 engine. It also featured substantial chassis revisions, including a -inch (mm) lower ride height, revised bushings and dampers, standard rear air suspension, and quicker steering to sharpen the handling. The interior design was inspired by the Saab 9-5 with features like the console-mounted ignition switch and swing-out cupholder retained. Missing were the "night panel" switch that extinguished all unnecessary dash lighting, as well as the Saab active head restraints.