You could purchase an additional mid-size luxury sedan with similar performance, but you won’t discover another that looks anything like this. And that, truly, will be the point of any Jaguar: If you are charmed by its looks, then there is no alternative.
But even from a far more objective point of view, we like the Jaguar S-Type. It’s a comfortable vehicle, it handles well, and it makes a statement when it pulls up to a five-star hotel. The base three.0-liter V6 delivers responsive performance, thanks partly to the superb six-speed automatic transmission. Opt for the 4.2 model and you get thrilling performance from its potent V8 engine. If that isn’t sufficient, you can spring for the high-performance S-Type R, which boasts a supercharged engine, adaptive sports suspension, and larger front brakes.
Jaguar is marking the S-Type’s departure with some final styling changes. All 2008 S-Types will wear the more conspicuously racy three-scoop front bumper that formerly belonged exclusively to the super-performance S-Type R. Eighteen-inch wheels have also been made standard; and 19’s are now optional on base V6 and V8 models, and standard on the R. Additionally, the final 750 S-Types produced is going to be specially equipped Satin Editions, with distinctive interior trim and exterior colors.
We’ll miss the S-Type which, in its ten year life span improved in some way nearly each year. Even when it was launched in 1999 we praised its lovely exterior and wealthy interior, and enthused over its sporty handling. Jaguar re-engineered the S-Type for 2003, and again revamped its styling for 2005, when the wonderful ZF six-speed automatic transmission became standard across the range. Extra refinements arrived with the 2006 models: The premium-level four.2 liter V8 was re-tuned just slightly to deliver a nicely even 300 and 400 horsepower in its naturally aspirated and supercharged forms, respectively. At the identical time, both the base 3.0-liter V6 and the atmospheric V8 achieved ULEV emissions status. Along with a new Conti-Teves braking system promised even far more stopping power. Last year, 2007, saw significant upgrades in regular equipment.
Model Lineup
Jaguar offers 3 S-Type models for 2008, distinguished primarily by their engines. Each and every comes with rich leather upholstery and all of the other characteristics connected having a premium luxury automobile. All come with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The S-Type 3.0 ($48,335) is powered by a 235-horsepower three.0-liter V6. Standard equipment also includes automatic dual-zone climate control; one-touch tilt-and-slide power glass sunroof; 140-watt AM/FM/CD stereo; burl walnut interior trim; leather seats with contrasting piping; heated front seats with several power adjustments for the driver and passenger; power adjustable wood-and-leather steering wheel; power-adjustable pedals; memory system for seat, pedals, outside mirrors and steering column; split folding rear seat; power windows; remote central locking; electrochromic mirrors inside and out; rain-sensing windshield wipers; Reverse Park Control; programmable garage-door opener; and, new for 2008, 18-inch alloy wheels. Nineteen-inch wheels are optional ($1200).
The S-Type four.2 ($55,835) comes having an effective, 300-horsepower four.2-liter V8, plus a 320-watt Alpine premium stereo with six-CD changer; DVD-based satellite navigation; Bluetooth connectivity; xenon headlamps with automatic leveling; Front Park Control; additional seat adjustability; burl walnut gear selector knob; electric rear sunblind; and foot well rugs embroidered with the Jaguar logo. Standard wheels are still 18-inch but are of a distinct design, and 19-inch rims are again optional.
The high-performance S-Type R ($64,335) gets a 400-horsepower supercharged version of the identical 4.2-liter V8 and most (but not all) of the standard four.2’s amenities. Chassis upgrades incorporate Jaguar’s enhanced Pc Active Suspension (eCATS), larger brake discs up front, and new 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside are performance-style seats, a ski hatch in the rear seat, and new Satin Mahogany woodwork replacing last year’s gray-stained bird’s-eye maple. The shift knob is leather-covered and there’s no wood on the steering wheel. Stainless exhaust ideas, a trunk lid spoiler, and the deletion of some exterior brightwork alert the outside world to your intentions.
A Luxury Package ($3,000), exclusively for the R-model, adds Adaptive Cruise Control and reverts to a far more conventional walnut-burl interior theme. It also adds soft-grain leather with contrasting piping, and includes an electric rear sunblind and premium foot well rugs; and restores bright exterior trim to the bumper blades, grille surround, mirror caps, and side window frames.
Optional across the range is Sirius Satellite Radio ($450). three.0-liter models can be upgraded with a Navigation/Bluetooth Package ($2,800), auto-leveling xenon headlamps ($675), and Front Park Control ($250). Adaptive Cruise Control is provided as a stand-alone ($2,200) on the R. Special-order paint and trim ($1,000) are obtainable for any S-Type.
The final run of 750 three.0 and 4.2 models is going to be Satin Editions, with matt-finish Satin Mahogany veneers inside the dash and doors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a chrome-and-leather shift knob. Five exterior colors will likely be offered (Ebony, Liquid Silver, Lunar Grey, Radiance, and Porcelain) having a selection of Champagne/Mocha or Charcoal/Charcoal interior trim.
For safety, all S-Types come with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control; Emergency Brake Assist (EBA); frontal, seat-mounted side-impact, and side-curtain airbags; and Jaguar’s Adaptive Restraint Technology System (ARTS) which uses ultrasound (additionally to the usual sensors) to collect information on the size and position of front-seat occupants before deploying the airbags with proper force.
