Jaguar's new XE saloon represents a "pivotal moment" for the company as it prepares to do battle with Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the compact executive saloon market.
The new car was unveiled in a glitzy celebration at London's Earls Court, which saw performances by Emeli Sande, the Kaiser Chiefs and Eliza Doolittle.
Speaking ahead of its unveiling, Jaguar's global public relations manager Jonathan Griffiths, said: "It is a pivotal moment for Jaguar. The launch of the XE represents an exciting new chapter in Jaguar's growth plans and we fully expect it to redefine the medium sports saloon."
The model unveiled at the London event was a supercharged XE S, powered by a six-cylinder, 3.0-litre petrol engine which delivers 335bhp, with a 0-60mph acceleration time of just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.
Jaguar says it will release details of further models in the range at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show taking place next month.
The firm did however reveal the XE range would include the cleanest and greenest Jaguar yet produced in the shape of the XE 2.0-litre diesel.
It will be powered by one of the new generation of Ingenium engines being built at Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) new engine plant near Wolverhampton.
The four-cylinder diesel powerplant will emit just 99g/km of CO2, meaning it will be exempt from UK road tax. It will also deliver potential fuel economy of 75mpg.
Jaguar revealed the diesel car would also be available in manual form, making the XE the first manual Jaguar for nine years.
A 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine will also be made at the Midland factory.
One of the chief characteristics of the new XE is the extensive use of aluminium in its construction, something which Jaguar says enhances both its dynamics and its efficiency, as well as delivering a supple ride.
The XE's aluminium-intensive monocoque is the first in the mid-size segment and the XE is the first model developed from JLR's new modular vehicle architecture, though it is the fifth car to use the metal extensively since it was pioneered in the Jaguar XJ in 2003.
The XE also has the accolade of being the lightest, stiffest and most aerodynamic Jaguar yet.
Other features include an all-new 'InControl' infotainment system, which will allow people to access smartphone apps through the vehicle's touchscreen and Intelligent Active Safety technologies.
The car also functions as a Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling multiple devices to connect to the internet, while remote functionality will allow users of smartphones to connect to the car and control a range of functions.
These include seven-day timed pre-setting of the XE's climate control system, locking or unlocking the doors, or starting the engine.
Jaguar says the XE will also offer low ownership costs, with the entry level model costing just £27,000.
The XE will go on sale in 2015, with the 3.0-litre XE sitting at the top of the range.
Kevin Stride, vehicle line director for Jaguar XE, said: "Jaguar's position as the leading premium manufacturer of aluminium vehicles allowed us to develop a light, stiff body structure that is ground-breaking in its class.
"It enables the XE's advanced chassis technologies to deliver an unprecedented balance of agility and levels of refinement previously found only in vehicles from the segments above."
The XE will be the first Jaguar to be manufactured at the company's plant in Solihull in an all-new, purpose-built facility, part of a £1.5 billion investment that is set to create 1,700 jobs.
Ian Callum, Jaguar director of design, said: "Our mission was to create an exciting and dynamic design clearly reflecting the XE's positioning as a serious driver's car.
"The cab-rearward proportions and tight packaging achieve that and give the XE the appearance of movement even when it's standing still.
"It bears a strong family resemblance to the F-Type and will stand apart in the crowd."
