Forget everything about the old Jaguar X-Type, and feast your eyes on the just revealed, all-new 2016 XE. The entry-level Jaguar sedan is finally here and it marks a whole new era for the UK automaker. Claiming it to be a "true driver's car," the XE couldn't be mistaken for anything other than a Jaguar with its short front overhang, longer rear overhang and dynamic, cab-rearward stance. Like the larger XF and XJ sedans, the XE carries on with a coupe-like profile and has a drag coefficient of just 0.26.

Add to that a strongly-sculpted hood, optional 20-inch forged alloy wheels, and many styling elements taken from the F-Type and you've got one sexy sedan that may make the BMW 3 Series (and other rivals) look boring to some. Speaking of the 3 Series, Jaguar was intent from the get-go for the XE to take down that benchmark premium sedan. To help make that happen, the performance-oriented XE S is powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 making 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. It has a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. This engine will be mated to a new and improved version of the ZF 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters found in other Jags and Land Rovers.

And, for the record, the XE has been engineered to handle the supercharged 5.0-liter V8. The car is also the first Jag to be equipped with electric power steering. Step inside and you'll notice the cabin has a straightforward design with exquisite materials and finishes. It also features the carmaker's new InControl Infotainment system. Constructed mainly of lightweight, high-strength aluminum, the Jaguar XE won't go on sale in the US until sometime in 2016. Could it become the new standard bearer for its class? It's entirely possible and rivals brands have likely already taken notice.