The successor to the X-Type, it was designed by Ian Callum and launched at the October 2014 Paris Motor Show.

[12] Due to high demand for the vehicle production capacity was increased by adding a line at Castle Bromwich Assembly.

An extended-wheelbase version—exclusively for the Chinese market—called XEL commenced production at the Chery Jaguar Land Rover plant in Changshu in 2015.

[17] The system, developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies, is a hydraulically-actuated variable valve lift (VVL) technology enabling "cylinder by cylinder, stroke by stroke" control of intake air directly via an internal combustion engine's inlet valves.

[26] In late 2020, mild hybrid options were announced, as modifications to the Ingenium 2.0L engines with an additional 48 Volt belt alternator starter system.

The interior features a flush rotary gear selector which rises and becomes functional once the engine is started.

The central console features an 8-inch (20 cm) or optional 10.2-inch touch screen, providing access to in car entertainment, satellite navigation and vehicle settings.

[32] To create the 50:50 weight balance the battery is located in the boot, consuming space normally accommodating the spare wheel.

[9] An electric power steering system is fitted and the XE comes with a choice of four different road wheel sizes.

[9][20][30] Jaguar expected the XE to obtain a five star Euro NCAP safety rating which was proven in 2015.

[40] The base car was modified by Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) team, with carbon fibre body panels and aerodynamic aids including a front splitter and rear wing, carbon fibre and Alcantara interior trim, 400 mm carbon ceramic brake discs in front with six-piston calipers, unique 20-inch wheels with Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres, and a supercharged and intercooled 592 hp version of the 5.0 L Jaguar AJ-V8.