It's rather curious that it's taken Saab so long to get round to producing an all-wheel drive car but such is the case. Still, you can now talk to your dealer about specifying XWD, the company's innovative new all-wheel drive system, on your 9-3 saloon or estate and to celebrate its availability, the Swedes are bringing us a special model, the Turbo X, showcasing the new technology in a package intended to evoke memories of the old black 900 Turbo models of the Seventies and Eighties. Buyers of this car get the 9-3's fastest engine - a 280bhp V6 Turbo - allied to a sport-tuned chassis with unique suspension, brakes and wheels.

So what is XWD? Well, it's an 'active' 4WD system that not only splits torque delivery between both axles, but also between the rear wheels. In effect, this stretches the performance envelope of the chassis, for example, raising the threshold at which ESP throttle and braking interventions are triggered. In other words, though Saab might be late to the all-wheel drive party, they have at least come well dressed for the part, offering a level of driver involvement and dynamic chassis control never seen before from a car bearing the Griffin badge.

The really clever part of this whole process is the way that torque is split between the rear wheels, depending on which has more grip. It's all down to what Saab call eLSD, the first application of an electronically-controlled, rear limited slip differential in this segment of the market. It uses inputs from the rear wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 40 per cent of torque between the drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more traction. When cornering hard, this yaw damping effect helps the rear of the car more closely follow the direction of the front wheels.

The driving benefits of the XWD system are best appreciated out on the open road. Data from the ABS/ESP sensors - measuring wheel speed, yaw rate and steering angle - is utilised by the Saab XWD control module. Rear drive is instantly applied to balance oversteer and understeer characteristics, improving stability and roadholding.

"Saabs used to be individual cars, this one is again."

In an effort to exploit the full benefits of XWD, the chassis of the Turbo X version we're looking at here has been lowered by 10mm and the springs and dampers stiffened to minimise body movement. To maintain a constant ride height irrespective of load, self-levelling dampers are fitted at the rear. Stopping power is also increased with larger brake discs fitted: internally ventilated (345 mm diameter x 30 mm) at the front and externally ventilated (292 mm diameter x 20 mm) at the rear. Standard 235/45 R-18 tyres ensure strong mechanical grip for the 18-inch alloy wheels.

The powerhouse at the heart of the Turbo X is a 24-valve, 2.8-litre V6 turbo engine generating 400Nm of torque between 2,150 and 4,500 rpm and maximum power of 280bhp. The engine specification includes a lightweight, all-aluminum construction with a 60-degree angle between the cylinder banks for perfect balance, variable inlet valve timing and twin-scroll turbocharging. It is offered with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

If you want a Turbo X, then you're going to have to like black, since that's the only colour on offer - a homage, Saab say, to its illustrious black 900 Turbo forebear. To be fair, the metallic finish does look very smart, with the front grille and all exterior detailing accented in a matte grey titanium-like finish. At the front, a deeper lip spoiler and integrated air intake contribute to reduced drag while also increasing air flow to the engine and intercooler.

At the rear, the re-profiled bumper and insert panel lower the point of air flow separation, further reducing drag and assisting high speed stability. The Saloon features a rear spoiler that extends the line of the boot deck, reducing high speed lift forces at the rear axle. The standard SportWagon estate already has a similar spoiler that extends the rear roof line.

The Turbo X is further distinguished by unique, 18-inch alloy wheels (though you can have 19-inch if you really want to bring the bling) with a grey titanium-like finish that is supposed to evoke the look of Saab's classic three-spoke design. Twin, rhomboid-shaped tailpipes complete the exterior additions.

Inside, it's again black, black and more black. The sports seating, with additional bolstering, is upholstered entirely in black leather. The sporty ambience is further emphasised by a unique carbon-fibre finish to the main fascia, door inserts, glove box and gear shift console. The driver gets a thick-rimmed, soft grip leather steering wheel. It's finished in.. yes, you've guessed it, as is the optional full leather interior package.

In recognition of Saab's turbo heritage, the Turbo X boost gauge is a replica of the original 900 Turbo display. One touch we particularly liked was the personalised greeting that appears when you get behind the wheel and switch on the ignition. A rather cheesy 'Ready For Take-off' message flashes in the main instrument display, then your name and the edition number of the car pops up on the display, assuming your supplying dealer has been kind enough to programme it in.

Saabs used to be individual cars, a trait sadly rather lost in the GM-controlled era. At least the Turbo X makes some attempt at returning buyers to this feeling of individuality, something that used to be the Swedish brand's trademark. For that, it's a welcome addition to the range.