Jaguar is finally back in the compact exec game, after its so-so attempt with the fwd-biased Ford Mondeo-based X-Type.

It was a nice car, and you really couldn’t bash it on anything other than its peasant roots (and fwd bias), but with the new XE, Jaguar is really aiming for a much bigger chunk of the sector – it’s a much more serious attempt than the X-Type, for which they built an entirely new factory…

It’s an innovative car, which uses aluminum extensively throughout its structure and body. Its engines are new, modular and efficient, and its styling is sleek and not offensive (bar the oversized rear lights that look like they’d have been a hit in 2004). The technology it offers is also of the times, as is its emphasis on efficiency with a twist of sportiness.

However, Jaguar chose to make life hard for itself by launching the XE when it did, as it’s set to go up against some seriously talented and competitive rivals. You know the usual suspects: BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4 (which will be replaced fairly soon by an all-new model), Lexus IS, Infiniti Q50 and Cadillac ATS.

The question we ask is simple: which car do you think is the most desirable in this corner of the market? You can use the poll provided in this post to make answering simple, but using the comments box below for some venting is fine too.

POLL

Which is the most desirable compact executive sedan?

Photo Gallery