A cat flows like dark liquid in moonlight, and so do the lines of a Jaguar S-Type. You can buy other mid-size luxury sedans with similar performance, but you won't find another that looks anything like this. And that, really, is the point of any Jaguar. If you are charmed by its looks, then there is no alternative.
But even from a more objective point of view, we like the Jaguar S-Type. It's a comfortable car, it handles well, and it makes a statement when it pulls up to a five-star hotel.
The base 3.0-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 powerful V8 engine. If that isn't enough, you can spring for the high-performance S-Type R, which boasts a supercharged engine, adaptive sports suspension, and bigger front brakes.
The S-Type sedan is certainly a better car now than when it was launched in 1999. Even then we praised its beautiful exterior and rich interior, and enthused over its sporty handling. Jaguar re-engineered the S-Type for 2003 and revamped its styling for 2005 when the wonderful ZF six-speed automatic transmission became standard across the range. Additional refinements arrived with the 2006 models. The premium-level 4.2-liter V8 was re-tuned just slight to deliver even 300 horsepower in its naturally aspirated form and 400 horsepower with a supercharger. At the same time, both the base 3.0-liter V6 and the normally aspirated V8 achieved ULEV emissions status. A new Conti-Teves braking system promised more stopping power.
For 2007, Jaguar has focused on interior refinement. All S-Types now come with the same grade of leather, the premium grade. And there is no more Premium Package for the base model because all of the features it added are now standard.
Another more gradual but no less significant change: Jaguar's quality has been dramatically improved over the past few years and recent buyers report being very happy with their new S-Types.