Jaguar is preparing to enter the ultra-competitive luxury crossover segment with an all-new model, but the Jaguar Land Rover boss refuses to call it a “crossover” officially.
This is the first vehicle of its kind for the British automaker, being primarily inspired by the C-X17 concept, which debuted in Frankfurt, Germany, and was later modified for a highly-publicized appearance in Guangzhou, China. The more recent variation will be the design carried over to production with only small changes like less futuristic headlights and larger door mirrors.
The unnamed vehicle will share most of the components under its skin with the 2016 XE sedan, which rivals the BMW 3-Series. It will be available with several different engines, including a direct-injection 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 that produces over 300 horsepower and at least one turbodiesel model for European buyers.
Jaguar explains that it is not calling this vehicle an SUV or a “crossover” because a Jaguar SUV is not possible. According to JLR boss Ralf Spleth, SUVs and 4×4 vehicles are reserved for the Land Rover brand, while the unnamed Jaguar vehicle is “more road-orientated” and will therefore require a different kind of name.
While the details are still scarce, we expect Jaguar to debut this vehicle either at the Geneva Motor Show in March or Frankfurt Motor Show in September. It will likely go on sale in North America as a 2017 model.
Jaguar also revealed a new infotainment system called InControl at the Paris Motor Show this year, which promises to improve both safety and comfort.
