Exalt, the third faction introduced in the XCOM: Enemy Unknown expansion, XCOM: Enemy Within, is a renegade human organization whose ultimate goal is the genetic perfection of the human race. They view themselves as the rightful rulers of Earth, ushering the species into a new era of evolution.

They're an organization that strikes from the shadows, enacting nefarious and secretive plots to disrupt XCOM operations and weaken the organization's presence worldwide.

For Exalt, it's all about achieving that goal - regardless of how many human lives are lost in the process.