Pushing Jaguar’s new modern image further is the C-X17’s interior, which mixes classic textures such as Conolly leather and Houndstooth-pattern trim with modern materials like ruthenium, milled aluminium and black brushed anodised metals. The beautiful Caesium Blue paintwork and 23″ Dark Atlas graphite grey alloy wheels make for a dominant display of colour, with the darkened lower sections of the C-X17 attempting to visually lower its height. On the whole, the C-X17 is somewhat reminiscent of the Infiniti FX with strongly sculpted sides and a narrow, sporty, rear window with prominent spoiler. Styled by Ian Callum, the C-X17 is distinctly a Jaguar with its mesh grille and XJ-inspired narrow headlights at the front, with tailiights clearly influenced by the F-Type at the rear. WIth the iQ[Al} platform Jaguar should be able to fill those gaps much quicker. Take, for instance, the XF Sportbrake which appeared almost five years after the saloon. The adaptable, lightweight chassis system gives Jaguar a range of possibilities to explore in terms of new products – crucial for a company which has often been seen to lag behind the competition in exploring new niches. I have no doubt it fits into a strategy aimed at important world markets such as the USA and China where such vehicles are of significance – even Bentley wants in on the 4×4 action – but it still represents a radical departure from Jaguars of old.įor now, at least, the C-X17 is very much a technology showcase aimed at displaying the possibilities available from the new iQ aluminium monocoque technology. Surely no matter what the price point or specification, somehow it will be treading on the toes of either a Land Rover or Range Rover branded product. In a world where Jaguar and Land Rover are held together in one company, you have to question just how requisite a Jag SUV really is. Whether it may be a necessary evil is a matter of personal opinion, but a Jaguar SUV seems likely – if it happens, expect it to look like this. One thing is certain: if Porsche survived the Cayenne, a Jaguar SUV won't be a tragedy at all for the brand.You wait for ages for one performance crossover concept car, and then two come along at once. Still, the 213mm (8.4in) ground clearance and Jaguar’s intelligent All-Wheel Drive system would make occasional off-road escapades possible.
With its low height, “optimized center of gravity” and use of dynamic technologies such as Torque Vectoring by Braking, Jaguar says the C-X17 could offer “sedan car-like handling” and refined on-road dynamics, suggesting a clear differentiation from Land Rover vehicles that are more off-road oriented. Among its many advanced technologies the Interactive Surface Console is a multi-screen infotainment network that links passengers with each other and the outside world through social media channels. If it will be produced, the interior will suffer the most significant changes, as it is obviously too futuristic for a production vehicle. At 2,905mm (114.4in), the long wheelbase suggests plenty of interior space too, although the study’s cabin only features four seats. It does manage to look slim and athletic, despite its dimensions - 4,718mm (185.7in) long, 1,649mm (64.9in) tall and 1,959mm (77.1in) wide. Whether they will build it or not, the C-X17 does look like a modern day Jaguar, incorporating most of the styling cues seen on current production models.
The Tata Motors-owned carmaker says the iQ architecture will form the basis for a new range of future Jaguars, the first of which will be a mid-size premium C/D segment sedan in 2015. Jaguar says the C-X17 announces “next-generation lightweight technologies in the form of an all-new advanced aluminium monocoque architecture,” incorporated by the study. Although the British company doesn’t say it specifically, with the C-X17 Concept shown in Frankfurt, it is testing the waters for a production SUV that may launch within the next few years. Luxury car manufacturers need SUVs in their lineup if they want to make money, and Jaguar seems to have an understanding of that.
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