Skip to main content

Jaguar’s C-X17 crossover concept is one bloated blue wildcat

jaguars c x17 crossover concept is one bloated blue wildcat jaguar cx17 2 1200
The Jaguar C-X17 is big, fast, gorgeous - and not at all capable off-road. Image used with permission by copyright holder

What’s the one thing that is wrong with the Range Rover Evoque? Is it too small? Is it too expensive? Is it too good looking? Is it too capable off road?

If those are the answers you gave, you’ll absolutely love the latest Jaguar C-X17 crossover concept pictured above.

Although the latest Jag is slated for its official debut in a few days on the floor of the Frankfurt Auto Show, a few images have leaked to the web via Carscoops.

The C-X17 is a concept but looks nearly production ready. Likely, Jaguar will tone down the interior slightly as it looks more vodka bar than British luxury cabin with its blue lights and space age seats.

What we do hope continues on to the production model are what appear to be touch sensitive, virtual infotainment and climate control dials.

We don’t yet know what will be under the hood of the C-X17 but it’s likely to be a version of the Range Rover Evoque’s Ford EcoBoost-based turbo four-cylinder. We’d rather see the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 from the F-Type but that’ll probably be saved for a sporty R variant of the crossover to compete with the forthcoming Audi SQ5.

While that all sounds fine and dandy, we have one bit of bad news: Jaguar has insisted its crossover won’t be at all as off-road capable of its cousin, the Evoque. Instead, it will focus on performance and luxury.

Why would any one buy it, then? Want Jag performance? Get an XF. Want off road luxury? Get a Range Rover. We’re not quite sure what Jag was thinking on this one.

Nick Jaynes
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…
Mercedes-Benz G580 first drive: old-school off-roader goes electric
2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 from three quarter view.

American car buyers mostly know Mercedes-Benz as a luxury brand. But for decades, the automaker has also produced the tough, rugged G-Class (also known as the Geländewagen or G-Wagen), an SUV not afraid to get its leather upholstery muddy. And now, this iconic Mercedes is going electric.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology — the final name of the SUV previously known as the EQG — isn’t the first electric off-roader. The Rivian R1S and R1T and GMC Hummer EV have proven that electric powertrains and off-roading are a great combination. But the electric G-Wagen is different because it’s based on an internal-combustion model — and a very traditional one at that.

Read more
Honda believes hydrogen semi trucks will make the case for fuel cells
Honda hydrogen fuel-cell semi truck.

Honda remains committed to hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, but the market for those vehicles remains limited. So Honda is looking at other uses for fuel cells -- including commercial trucks.

To show how that could work, Honda converted a semi truck to fuel-cell power, replacing its diesel engine with three fuel-cell modules. Together, the three modules produce a combined 321 horsepower, and can propel the truck to a top speed of 70 mph. There's enough onboard hydrogen storage capacity for a 400-mile range with a full load, Honda claims.

Read more
Mercedes-Benz G580 vs Rivian R2: Is the much cheaper Rivian actually better?
2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 from three quarter view.

Mercedes-Benz has finally taken the wraps off of the new "Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology." Yeah, it's a mouthful, but it's basically a new electric G-Wagon. It looks a lot like the G-Wagon you know and love, but with an electric powertrain and a battery. It's not the only electric SUV out there, however, and there are some great ones -- like the Rivian R2.

Both the Mercedes G580 and the Rivian R2 have a lot going for them, but they also approach the electric SUV slightly differently. Is one better than the other? I put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The approach that the two vehicles take to design is quite different -- and you might like one better than the other.

Read more