Jaguar XE brings British panache to entry-level premium sedan (pictures)

Jaguar announced the XE model at the 2014 Paris Motor Show as a new, smaller sedan in its line-up.

The XE exhibits some of the styling cues seen on other Jaguar models, most notably the XF.

The XE's overall design isn't a huge departure from other sedans on the market today.

The XE's interior space classifies it as a compact car, similar to the BMW 3-series and Audi A4.

Fastback styling has become typical among sedans today.

With almost 75 percent of its structure made from aluminum, the XE is very light.

This example features S badges with Jaguar's green and red livery, although the US market equivalent will show R-sport badges.

This top trim model gets a supercharged 3-liter V-6 engine good for 340 horsepower.

This example shows aggressive air intakes, although other trim levels may look different.

Fender vents with insets make for a nice stylistic element.

The XE uses a rear-wheel-drive format drivetrain, and all-wheel drive will be available.

The XE's suspension manages to be comfortable, yet the stiff body makes for good handling.

Other power choices for the XE will be 2-liter diesel and 2-liter turbocharged gasoline engines.

Sport seats aren't too heavily bolstered as to limit cabin access.

Red upholstery with black insets may a bit showy for most people.

The XE is intended as an entry-level premium sedan, and its cabin materials are not quite up the standards of its more costly siblings.

Electric power steering makes for direct and precise control.

Jaguar sticks with conventional analog gauges here.

The shifter dial is a Jaguar set piece, introduced on the XK model in the last decade.

Although this example shows Jaguar's current navigation electronics, Jaguar promises a whole new system for the US launch of the car.