What's this all about?

Here's the first full set of shots of the much talked about Jaguar XE saloon. Unveiled at what can only be described as an extravaganza in London, the XE is squarely targeted at the German compact executives that dominate the market, namely the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

What's under that bulging bonnet?

At the time of writing, the only version of the XE we've been allowed to see is the XE S, a sporting four-door model that should be considered more a rival for the Audi S4 than say the BMW M3 Saloon. It's powered by the same supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine as you'll find in the Jaguar F-Type, producing 340hp at 6,500rpm and 450Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. We're even promised the exhaust popping fireworks that make the F-Type so special. It'll be quick too, with 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.

There'll be a diesel too though, right?

But of course, the XE wouldn't last long in Europe without a decent diesel engine and Jaguar is making all the right noises about its new 'Ingenium' units. First up will be a 2.0-litre turbodiesel and though we have to wait until the Paris Motor Show next month to hear more, we're told that CO₂ emissions will be as low as 99g/km, with combined economy of 75mpg.

How has Jaguar done this?

A few things. One: the XE's body is largely made up of aluminium, keeping weight down. Two: with a Cd of 0.26 the XE is the most aerodynamic Jaguar ever made. Three: Jaguar will offer buyers a choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearboxes.

Any cool technology inside?

The XE debuts Jaguar's new InControl infotainment system, based around an eight-inch touchscreen interface. We're promised lightning-quick response times, intuitive voice control, SD card satnav (that can be updated remotely), Wi-Fi and sophisticated smartphone interactivity. .

Where do I sign?

First deliveries won't take place until the start of 2015. We're told that the Jaguar XE will start at about £27,000 and that an XE Sportbrake estate is likely to join the range in 2017, bringing total annual production well over 100,000 units. That'll take place in an all-new production facility at the JLR plant in Solihull, which is apparently part of a £1.5 billion investment, creating 1,700 jobs in the UK.

Shane O' Donoghue - 8 Sep 2014