  The EPIC detectors on XMM-Newton provide the most sensitive broad band
(0.3-12 keV) X-ray spectra to date. Observations of 6 Seyfert 1 galaxies,
covering a wide luminosity range, are examined with the aim of identifying the
primary X-ray continuum and constraining superimposed emission and absorption
features. A soft excess emission component is seen in every case, but with a
spectral form which differs markedly with luminosity across our sample. Current
interpretations of the soft excess range from intrinsic thermal emission from
the accretion disc to reprocessing of harder radiation absorbed in the disc
skin. Visual examination of the broad-band EPIC spectra suggest that the
luminosity trend in the observed spectral profiles may be governed primarily by
differences in the line-of-sight absorption. In that case the underlying
continuum could have a common form across the sample. Examination of spectral
features in the Fe K band confirm the common presence of a narrow emission line
at 6.4 keV. Modelling of the EPIC spectra above 7 keV is shown to be critical
to quantifying (or confirming) a broad Fe K line in at least some cases.
