The first five-seat version of the Jaguar C-X17 concept has been unveiled at the Guangzhou motor show in China, giving the strongest hint yet of what is anticipated to become the brand’s first-ever production SUV.
Seen in blue at the Frankfurt motor show – and again in silver in Dubai – with four individual freestanding bucket seats and two occasional ‘leisure’ seats, the Liquid Gold Jaguar C-X17 marks the first time the SUV concept has been displayed with five conventional seats.
Along with showing Chinese audiences a new, more luxury-focused version of the concept, the five-seater seemingly takes the Jaguar crossover another step towards final production form.
Claimed to merely illustrate the diversity of vehicles that could be produced using Jaguar’s new aluminium architecture, dubbed ‘iQ[Al]’, a C-X17-inspired production crossover is anticipated to enter production in 2016 following the launch of a 3 Series-rivalling premium mid-sized sedan in 2015.
Apart from the revised rear seat, the updated C-X17 features a Jet and Tan leather interior with ruthenium, milled aluminium and black brushed anodised metal finishes and waxed Clay Walnut wood door inserts.
The concept’s centre tunnel, which incorporates an ‘Interactive Surface Console’ infotainment system, has been shortened to allow for middle-seat passenger legroom, while a 28-speaker Meridian 3D surround sound audio system replaces the previous 12-speaker unit.
Dark ruthenium-finished 23-inch alloy wheels and a new rear exit detection (RED) system complete the concept’s variations.
Designed as a safeguard against approaching blind-spot objects, such as cyclists, while opening vehicle doors, RED uses sensors to warn exiting passengers of quickly approaching hazards. Jaguar says the system is activated as soon as a passenger places their hand on the interior door handle.
Jaguar Land Rover group marketing director Phil Popham said the latest version of the luxury sports crossover had been specially developed for the Chinese market.
“Bringing premium technology to an accessible price segment, combined with new ultra-efficient engines, class-leading dynamics and Jaguar’s renowned beauty and purity of form, we are poised for a monumental leap forward,” Popham said.
Measuring 4718mm long, 1959mm wide and 1649mm tall, the all-wheel-drive Jaguar C-X17 borrows styling cues from both the XJ sedan and F-Type sports car – the latter recently unveiled in coupe guise at the LA auto show.
