Details about the new Jaguar ->ke39 XQ-type midsize crossover are emerging from Coventry ahead of the $45,000 model's expected debut next month in Frankfurt->ke235. Exclusive TopSpeed renderings offer a speculative glimpse at the styling of this make-or-break next generation of aluminum models.

Twinned with the XQ-type is the Q-type sedan, which will be the smallest models in Jaguar->ke39's range outside of the F-type sports cars. The XQ-type aims for the sweet spot of the premium crossover market occupied by the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, each of which are formidable competition for Jaguar's first American family SUV.

Fast-tracking the XQ-type's ‘PLA’ code name aluminum chassis and body panels means this new compact benefits from both a nimble chassis and the best current and future components in the Jaguar ->ke39 Land Rover parts bin. Both the XF's 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the supercharged V-6 are expected, with the latter to offer Jag's new Instinctive AWD as seen on both the U.S.-market XF and XJ.

A sporty bias for The XQ-type offers enough space between this model and the Land Rover SUVs, and the XQ is even likely to run as a rear-drive model in base configurations.

The XQ's performance will be closely benchmarked against its German rivals, with further R and R-S options on the table. The beauty of this chopped-length PLA architechture, which will also underpin the new XF and XK, is that even the compact models will be quite wide and should be able to fit the firm's rorty supercharged V-8 under that shapely 'bonnet.'

Is this the dream Jag for sporty crossover shoppers? Click past the jump to stare into the future of the Jaguar XQ-type, which is a sure thing to be officially imported into the U.S. as a late 2015 or early 2016 model.

2016 Jaguar XQ-type

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Jaguar XQ-type
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 240
  • Torque: 240
  • Transmission: 9-Speed Auto
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Spy Shots

April 28, 2014 - First testing session

2016 Jaguar XQ-type - TopSpeed Exclusive Exterior Rendering

Jaguar is back in trench mode after the successful styling of its XF and F-type sports cars takes hold. The mode is now to bring the line to a consistent place. As wild as the rear pillars of the new XJ are, they are about as kooky as Jaguar lead designer Ian Callum gets when styling his beauties.

The sweeping profile and raked rear glass from the XF Sportbrake will make it over intact, creating a high cowl and ensconced cockpit very similar to the Q5. The large wheels are clearly designed for some light soft-roading, but a lack of major fender fares and off-road addenda will help target the XQ-type at only non-Land Rover shoppers.

Today's slinky lamps and white LED whiskers will join the nose of the XQ-type, which features a near-vertical grille and the super short overhangs of premium rear-drive cars.

Seating just five people, the Jaguar can afford to have slim windows and the giant wheels preferred by many crossover buyers. The Range Rover Evoque's giant glass moonroof will alleviate any claustrophobia in back.

The big shame about both the Q5 and X3 is a quite compact load bay compared to the sporty ride height and thirsty mileage that crossovers all share. The XQ-type will also be quite compromised in the trunk with the seats up, but first-class under-floor and side cubbies mean the Jaguar's trunk will be as posh as the rest of the vehicle.

The XQ-type and Q-type sedan have a noticeably short rear overhang, which helps sporty styling as well as dynamic handling. It does not help trunk space or the ability to fit a full-size spare tire under the cargo area. Run-flat tires and the gel repair kit reinforce how sporty the XQ-type will be.

2016 Drivetrain, Suspension and Brakes

The Jaguar is expected to be primarily rear-drive for most of its diesel and the turbo four-cylinder base American engine. The reason for this is JLR's high fleet consumption and also the longitudinal engine layout versus transverse in the Evoque.

This means the XQ-type cannot share the Evoque's "new" on-demand AWD that disables rear drive on the highway. The Evoque's nine-speed autobox is engineered to fit both engine formats.

The AWD model is expected to run Jaguar's potent supercharged V-6 paired to the XF's new Instinctive AWD technology. Even this runs a rear bias - ensuring some drift potential for this big cat.

From a projected 7.2 second sprint for the base XQ-type, the AWD V-6 is expected to scorch the earth with a 5.1 second lunge to 60 mph.

2016 Jaguar XQ-type - Projected Performance Details:

Engine

2.0-liter Turbocharged 16-valve I-4 With DI, DOHC And CVVT

3.0-liter Supercharged 24-valve V-6 With DI, DOHC And CVVT

Drive Layout

Front-engine, Rear-drive, est

Front-engine, All-wheel-drive, est

Power

240 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm, est

330 @ 5,100 rpm, est

Torque

240 pound-feet @ 3,500 rpm, est

305 @ 3,400 rpm, est

Transmission

9-Speed Automatic, est

9-Speed Automatic, est

0-60 mph

7.2 seconds, est

5.1 seconds, est

Top Speed

130 mph, est

155 mph, est

EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined)

23/33/24, est

18/25/21, est


Competition

BMW X3

Well, we all anticipated a nice facelift for the X3 for 2014, but that never came, so now we just have to see how low the small SUV retains the "old face" of BMW. We're sure it will see a revision sometime before the XQ-Type breaks cover.

We do expect to see the same 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine heading up the pack in the new X3, with its 240 horsepower output and its 6.6-second run to 60 mph. AS for the range topper, we anticipate seeing a slightly revise six-cylinder TwinPower engine tweaked to somewhere just north of 300 horsepower.

Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 is a relative neewbie to the luxury compact crossover realm, but its 220-horsepower 2.0-liter engine and its optional 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 engine with 272 horsepower certainly are well seasoned. These engines turn in 6.5 and 5.8-second sprints to 60 mph, respectively, putting them on par with the competition, despite the lacking power. Additionally, the Audi is just far more classy looking than the Bimmer.