Jaguar has given the world a better view of its compact executive saloon, the XE, which will be aiming to take on the best the premium German marques have to offer.
Set to be launched in 2015, the XE will be competing against the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4.
Billed as the most important car Jaguar has ever made, some analysts have predicted the XE will be the start of a product offensive as the firm seeks to quadruple its sales.
The latest XE teaser picture shows it with transparent body panels, exposing the sub-frame and crash structures and gives a much clearer indication of what the new car will actually look like.
Up to now the Midland car-maker had revealed just one teaser image of the front of the vehicle.
The XE is also likely to be followed by an SUV/crossover and both will be the first cars to be built at Land Rover’s Solihull factory.
The switch from Jaguar’s Castle Bromwich plant is because of the lightweight aluminium monocoque, which will roll off a new purpose-built production facility being created in Solihull.
With the XE, Jaguar has pledged to deliver “the most advanced, efficient and refined sports sedan in its class”.
David Bailey, professor of industrial strategy at the Aston Business School, believes it will prove a “game-changer” for Jaguar, along with the SUV/crossover which is set to follow it.
Pointing out that much of Jaguar Land Rover’s recent success has been driven by Land Rover (the firm last week announced pre-tax profits of £2.5 billion) the new models in the pipeline could do much to alter the balance.
“Most of growth so far has been from Land Rover and Range Rover,” said Mr Bailey.
“Clearly with a range of new Jaguar models coming on stream that may well change and I hope it does.
“The XE is going to compete with smaller executive saloons like the BMW 3-Series.
“Added to that Jaguar really needs a luxury crossover, so these are two potential markets Jaguar is poised to go into.”
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