SPIED + VIDEO: It Sounds Like This Leaping Cat Is Going To Shake Up The Entry-Level Luxury Space — Jaguar XE HEARD For The FIRST Time

I've been saying it for a while and I am going to just echo my existing thesis about Jaguar Land Rover. JLR is unstoppable right now.

Sure, you can argue that the company doesn't move a lot of volume but, my God, have they turned around that formerly sinking ship. This automaker is going to have a legacy like Rudy from 2010 to 2020.

While we've seen JLR have a variety of successes over the past several years, the next car up is the now dubbed Jaguar XE. The XE will be the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class competitor. And from what we're hearing, it sounds like the leaping cat is coming equipped to the teeth.

Though we're sure the company will have an entry-level 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, what we see testing in the clip below is a six-cylinder that loves to scream. From here, I'll let the video do the talking.

Jaguar has returned to the Nürburgring Nordschleife with two new prototypes of the 2016 Jaguar XE. Judging by the sound it is running the same engine as the V6 F-Type. Rumours suggest the XE will have a four-cylinder engine, but will also be offered in a performance version with a supercharged 3.0 liter V6 from the F-type, that we believe is seen here been tested. Remarkable detail is that one of the 2 prototypes had a little incident on the track. At the start of the day it had 2 side mirrors, but later on it was missing one and the camouflage was also a bit damaged.

MattDarringer - 5/24/2014 2:29:49 PM

-2 Boost

You do know that total US sales of Jaguar last year was below 18,000 units. You may call that unstoppable, but I call it damn near dead. The XE has to be BMW 3 series good, for a lower price and pushed out to dealers with honey leases. The XE could triple Jaguar sales, that is if it is not a Camryized XF.

Agent00R - 5/24/2014 9:18:26 PM

0 Boost

Pst. Read this.

"Jaguar 2013 Sales Performance

Jaguar recorded a 42% year on year increase in sales, selling 76,668 vehicles in 2013 - its strongest full year sales performance since 2005 with new records set in 17 markets including, Brazil, India, Russia and China. The iconic British motoring marque also emerged as the fastest growing major premium brand in the USA, Germany and India in 2013. This strong global performance was primarily driven by F-TYPE introduction and a new annual record for XF retailing 47,391 saloon and Sportbrake models. XJ also delivered its best full year performance for ten years with 19,677 vehicle sales, with particular strong demand from North America and China thanks to the introduction of All-Wheel Drive, and an enhanced engine line up which includes the 3.0 V6 and 2.0 4-cylinder petrol engines.

Jaguar delivered year on year increases in every major region with North America, now the brand's top selling region. Full year regional performances were as follows: the China Region up significantly, North America up 44%, Asia Pacific up 33%, Europe up 17%, UK up 15% and other overseas markets up 31%."

MattDarringer - 5/24/2014 9:26:48 PM

-1 Boost

Pst READ THIS: @Agent00R your number is WORLDWIDE sales. 16,952 was total JAGUAR sales in the USA source: http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2012/10/jaguar-brand-sales-figures-usa-canada.html

You're reporting JLR gains as Jaguar gains. The big sales gains are at LAND ROVER NOT JAGUAR. Jaguar, however, is definitely near dead.

Agent00R - 5/24/2014 10:20:08 PM

0 Boost

Ugh. @MattDarringer, think critically.

I know they're worldwide sales figures. All companies are operating on a global basis. Look at the YOY increases.

AND you're incorrect. That's JAGUAR SALES FIGURES ALONE.

jeffgall - 5/24/2014 6:07:44 PM

+1 Boost

If executed well with the right look and quality, Jaguar could easily charge 3 series money. This may not become the sales leader, but it will shift some sales from the competition. Having 3 A4s in a row which I have been really happy with, I'll be taking a look at the Jag.

Agent00R - 5/24/2014 9:19:01 PM

+1 Boost

Jaguar doesn't need to beat BMW, it just needs a bite of the apple.