Tech behind new Jaguar XE

The upcoming Jaguar XE will use its new all-aluminium platform and a specially developed range of efficient engines to take on premium rivals when it launches next year.

After three years of hints and glimpses at heavily-disguised prototype models, Jaguar finally revealed the name of its BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-class competitor at the Geneva motor show last week. The XE, which will slot underneath the XF in Jaguar's line-up, is aimed at the booming global compact premium car market.

The XE will be adorned with a high-tech aluminium platform and a new range of efficient four-cylinder engines, currently being developed by Jaguar-Land Rover and dubbed 'Ingenium'.

These are just some of the technical highlights of the new baby Jaguar.

Built to be scalable

JLR's new iQ[Al] architecture has been at the core of the car's development. It's scalable, and design boss Ian Callum says it could be used for a wide range of vehicles in the future, likely including the C-X17 SUV and a longer XF replacement. The architecture means the XE could be available in both rear and all-wheel drive forms.

Futureproofed

The XE's platform is made from a mixture of pressed aluminium sheets, extrusions and castings joined with rivets and aerospace adhesives. Using rivets and adhesives to join the components means that other materials - such as carbonfibre - could be used on future versions.

Efficient engines

According to Jaguar, the 'Ingenium' range of 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engines use the most flexible engine architecture ever made by the firm. Described as being 'a new family of premium, lightweight, low-friction, low-emission four-cylinder petrol and diesel units', the range is currently set to enter the pre-production phase at JLR's engine factory. High performance versions with around 400bhp are also planned. Both the petrol and diesel Ingenium engines have also been designed to take a wide range of forced-induction set-ups, from single turbos to twin turbos and combined turbos and superchargers.

A flash of light

Jaguar flashed up an image of the XE's front suspension at Geneva. It's a sophisticated, lightweight aluminium double-wishbone arrangement that will also underpin the next XF.