The upcoming Jaguar XE, the first BMW 3 Series->ke290 competitor to come out of Britain, is still a long way from revealing its skin and engine lineup, but it appears the sedan is also in for a hotter version aimed at the more powerful M3->ke2366.

At least that's the word from Auto Express, with the British outlet claiming the brawnier XE will carry an XER-S badge and a V-8 engine rated at 550 horsepower. That's the same amount found in the F-Type R, which is motivated by a supercharged, 5.0-liter, V-8 mill.

Details are scarce at the time of this writing, but if that output proves to be true, the new M3, which relies on just 425 ponies coming from a 3.0-liter, inline-six powerplant, will be in very big trouble.

Of course, we still have to take a look at the XER-S' design before drawing any conclusions, but we're expecting for a more aggressive body kit to come with that "R-S" lettering on the trunk and the extra power. There's no word on when the XER-S is scheduled arrive, but we're guessing it will hit showrooms by the end of 2016.

Updated 06/02/2014: Today we have created a very cool rendering for the upcoming Jaguar XER-S. Check it out after the jump.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2017 Jaguar XER-S.

2017 Jaguar XER-S

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Jaguar XER-S
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Rendering

When compared to the base XE, the future XER-S should add a lowered body, redesigned lower lip, black grille surrounds, redesigned air outlet at bonnet and side, new rear spoiler, redesigned rear view mirrors, RS badge in grille, black housing for headlamps.

Competitors

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG S

We already established that the upcoming XER-S will obliterate the 2015 BMW M3, but now we have to find out whether the U.S. market is home to a proper competitor or not. Naturally, our first thought goes to the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, which should receive a brand-new iteration pretty soon. Word on the street is that the beefed-up sedan->ke142 will arrive with up to 480 horsepower on tap, making it a lot less powerful than the Jag->ke39.

There is some good news though. Although not confirmed yet, the Germans are planning on releasing an S version of the C63 AMG, one that will deliver more power and feature several enhancements in the visual and drivetrain departments. With the brand-new, 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V-8 tweaked even further, the range-topping C63 AMG is likely to benefit from at least 500 horsepower. It might not be enough to smoke the XER-S in a straight line, but those AMG dynamics are tough to beat.

Jaguar XE