Jaguar XE | spy shots

Jaguar is preparing to launch the XE -- a completely new sedan -- next year, and until now we've only seen the car testing with body mules based on the XF. But Carsguide's spy photographers have just snapped the XE production prototype during winter testing in Sweden, giving us a first look at the car's proportions. 

A teaser image issued by Jaguar last week showed just the face, with styling cues echoing the XF, but we now also see the car's proportions, although some of the lumpy rear is likely to be cladding intended to disguise its lines.

The XE will be underpinned by Jaguar's new aluminium iQ(A1) platform -- also to be used by the next generation of the XF -- and will feature a more compact body and shorter front and rear overhangs.

The new sedan will be powered by a choice of turbocharged four-cylinder engines dubbed Ingenium in both petrol and diesel, with a strong focus on fuel efficiency while still offering performance. But the newcomer is also a candidate for the 250kW/450Nm 3.0-litre V6 that powers the F-Type, to make for a range-topping variant.

The transmission across all models is likely to be an eight-speed auto, driving the rear wheels as standard but with an all-wheel drive option -- choices to arm it against key German rivals: the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3-Series and Audi A4.

The XE is tipped for a debut later this year, followed by a roll-out into overseas showrooms early in 2015 and arrival here later that year. Expect it to be strategically priced against the rivals, which have entry points starting as low as $53,000.

This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott