The rival to the 3 Series will be built on an all-new, aluminium-intensive architecture and will use the new family of Ingenium engines – all designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK. It will also feature a world-first in the form of the All Surface Progress Control system, which ensures rear-wheel drive traction from standstill even in extreme conditions

The new model uses double wishbone front suspension derived from the F-TYPE and including some key components designed to deliver Jaguar XFR-levels of stiffness, whilst at the rear, there’s the “Integral Link” multi-link suspension.

The XE will also become the first Jaguar to be equipped with the latest generation Electric Power Assisted Steering, said to deliver the renowned Jaguar feel and response.

The XE also sees the debut of All Surface Progress Control, marked out as class first and designed to work like a low-speed cruise control to deliver optimum traction in the most slippery conditions without skidding and without the driver using the pedals. 

The XE will be powered by Jaguar Land Rover's newly announced Ingenium family of lightweight diesel and petrol turbocharged engines, which are expected to deliver sub-100g/km emissions and will also support hybrid drive systems.

Mike Cross, chief engineer of Vehicle Integrity, said: ‘Jaguars have always been renowned for a balance of precise handling and a high-quality ride. The XE is the culmination of everything the company has learned over the years. The Integral Link rear suspension provides a combination of supple ride and crisp handling that is unmatched in this segment. We are on target to deliver a vehicle that dynamically outperforms our rivals.’