When Jaguar first introduced its mid-sized S-Type in 1999, it made the brand more accessible and more appealing to a younger generation of buyers.
The S-Type is a smartly styled motorcar that hints at an illustrious heritage. Whenever I see the S-Type, I think about the remarkable XK 120, a sports car Jaguar unveiled for the 1948 Motor Show.
Built at the Castle Bromwich plant in Birmingham, England, the S-Type sports classic Jaguar lines with a wonderful blend of retro and contemporary styling.
Luxury, quality and craftsmanship have always been hallmarks of Jaguar's premium mid-sized S-Type sports sedan. For 2007, Jaguar takes luxury to the next level with the addition of several new standard features and a new luxury package for the flagship S-Type R model.
However, it's not just the S-Type R that gets the luxury treatment. For 2007, both the entry 3.0 and V8-powered 4.2 come outfitted with Jaguar's highest-quality soft-grain leather-trimmed seats with contrast piping, Burl Walnut veneers and bright mirror caps.
The entry-level S-Type 3.0 is even more appealing by including the Premium Package - previously a $1,600 option - as standard. It includes electrically adjustable pedals, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a memory system for the driver's seat, door mirrors, steering column and pedals, power lumbar adjustment, and electrochromic mirrors.
My tester was a
2007 Jaguar S-Type 4.2. It made quite a positive statement with its British Racking Green exterior finish, chrome wire mesh grille, leaping cat hood ornament and optional 18-inch wheels.
As much as I enjoyed admiring my test model's exterior styling, I found its cabin equally as pleasing. I took pleasure in the aromatic and beautifully upholstered seats.
I also enjoyed the abundance of wood trim within this posh cabin. The only thing I'd improve would be legroom; at 6'3" I'm a bit taller than most drivers.
The S-Type range offers three variants; a 3.0-liter V6, 4.2-liter V8, and the S-Type R powered by a supercharged 4.2-liter V8.
All S-Types feature a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission with a classic Jaguar J-gate shifter, which also allows for manual shifting.
The 3.0 V6 is rated at 235 horsepower. The 4.2 V8 produces 300 horsepower. The supercharged 4.2 V8 in the S-Type R pounds out 400 horsepower.
The naturally-aspirated 4.2-liter V8 in our tester provided likable power. The sophisticated V8, which is both smooth and quiet, provides good torque off the line and for passing.
While our particular S-Type test model didn't deliver quite the agility as some of the vehicles it competes against, the ride is pleasing and comfortable.
For the ultimate in sports sedan handling, the S-Type R features an enhanced Computer Active Technology Suspension (eCATS), a two-stage sport suspension. The S-Type R also pairs eCATS with R Performance brakes and 18-inch alloys fitted with high-performance, P245/40 R18 tires.
Features like stability control, emergency brake assist and traction control are standard on the rear-drive S-Type. Also featured in S-Type is Jaguar's industry-leading Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.) with ultrasonic front passenger sensing coupled with dual-stage front airbags.
Introduced as the world's first ultrasonic occupant sensing system, A.R.T.S. combines ultrasonic occupant sensing with a series of other sensors that collects data on passenger weight, position of the driver in relation to the steering wheel and whether or not safety belts are being worn to tailor the airbag response.
For those that appreciate the Jaguar S-Type as much as us, there's just one more model year available before its replacement, the 2009 Jaguar XF, hits the showroom.
2007 Jaguar S-Type 4.2-liter
Engine 4.2-liter (300 hp) V8
Transmission 6-speed automatic
Drive Type RWD
Fuel Economy 18 city/26 highway
Base Price $55,335
As Tested $56,800 (includes $665 for destination)
Website http://www.jaguar.com/us