The Jaguar XE is an aluminum 3-series fighter

Jaguar didn't unveil its BMW 3-series-fighter at the Geneva motor show, but it did christen it. The aluminum-heavy sport sedan will be called the XE when it begins its global rollout in 2015.

The XE isn't exactly a surprise. We've already encountered the sedan's lightweight aluminum architecture -- one of its main selling points, at least according to Jaguar -- in the form of the C-X17. Jaguar brought that crossover concept to the Frankfurt motor show last year.

From the one teaser photo Jaguar shared, the XE bears more than a passing resemblance to the C-X17 concept; the hood and grille, for example, are nearly identical. Photos of the car's aluminum frame suggest a very short rear deck -- a near-fastback configuration used to good visual effect on the XF.

We have a little more info on the powertrain -- the XE will be powered by a “new family of high-output, fuel-efficient petrol and diesel engines.” All we know about this engine family, which Jaguar has dubbed “Ingenium,” (Christ...--ED) is that it includes a pair of 2.0-liter four-cylinders (one gasoline, one diesel). Jaguar says they'll be capable of propelling the cars “over 186 mph” while returning class-leading fuel economy.

No word on whether or not all-wheel drive will be offered, but the automaker seems aware of the demand for that feature.

Jag promises “full XE technical and range details” later this year. Expect to see the car on sale globally mid-2015; it will arrive in United States showrooms sometime after that.

By Graham Kozak