The first official image of the all-new Jaguar C-X17 SUV – or crossover, if you like – hits the web ahead of the car’s official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Jaguar has also confirmed the C-X17 debut a new modular platform that will underpin a number of future production models.

The idea of using a modular platform allows the car makers to build different cars on the same sort of chassis and running gear. It greatly reduces the cost of development and production. Different tuning of chassis and suspension then ensures that those cars won’t end up feeling exactly the same to drive.

The more important thing about the Jaguar C-X17, though, is the way it looks. The car is currently a concept, but chances are the final production model will close very close to what you see here. It certainly inherits some of its lines from Jaguar’s current range, but its size and proportions give it a unique character.

It did take Jaguar a long while to make up their mind about making a SUV, but it seems that they’ve done it right. More pictures and technical details are expected to be released soon.