Jaguar has released the first image of its XE sedan ahead of its Paris motor Show debut in October 2014.
The all-new XE saloon is aimed at the global market of compact premium cars, which is currently dominated by the BMW 3-series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4.
Dressed in a bizarre body in white cover, the image reveals that the XE will follow in the footsteps of the XF and adopt a stylish front fascia with a rectangular grille that is flanked by slender headlights. We can also see large rearview mirrors, a dramatic roofline and protruding wheel arches.
The XE is based on an all-new rear and all-wheel-drive aluminium architecture and will be powered by 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder versions of the company’s new ‘Ingenium’ engine range.
According to Jaguar, Ingenium is a “new family of premium, lightweight, low-friction, low-emission 4-cylinder petrol and diesel units that utilises the most flexible engine architecture ever produced by Jaguar Land Rover, with an advanced design configured to suit in-line and transverse installations for rear and all-wheel drive configurations”.
The new engines, which are about to enter the pre-production phase, will be built at the new JLR engine factory close to the M54. They will eventually replace the 4-cylinder Ford-derived units currently used in Land Rover’s Evoque family.
