Jaguar S-Type

The car is based on the same body style as the Lincoln LS, using the joint Jaguar-Ford DEW Platform. All models of the car were produced at Jaguar's Castle Bromwich factory in Birmingham, England.

The Jaguar S-Type is recognized as an alternative to the midsize luxury E-class from German automaker Mercedes-Benz. Although it does not have the stamp of high-quality German manufacturing under its hood, the Jaguar S-Type has several strong qualities that make it one the best luxury cars available. Known for its signature Jaguar design, those with a classic sense of style take an instant liking to it.

Another important aspect of the Jaguar S-Type that makes it viable as a luxury car option is its refined feel. The exterior of the car seems dated for its time, but Jaguar created it to be a "new classic." The interior of the Jaguar S-Type is also top-notch, along with its ride quality. Critics praise its handling for being very sharp and responsive. Overall, the Jaguar S-Type holds the reputation of being a pleasure to drive, and throughout its tenure, Jaguar continually improved the car's performance and ride quality.

Production of the Jaguar S-Type stopped in 2008 with the same model year being the last version of the vehicle. Improvements to the final 2008 version include a new styling in the front-end that molds to the 3.0-liter V-6 and 4.2-liter V-8 engines. Moreover, the standard wheels are upgraded to 18-inch alloys and offer the option of various 19-inch alloys from which customers can choose. Another version of the Jaguar S-Type, called the S-Type R, comes standard with the 19-inch Barcelona wheels.

The interior accents are of Satin Mahogany, in lieu of the previously gray-toned Birdseye Maple veneers. The 750 Jaguar S-Type car, or special "Satin" edition model, has these rich Satin Mahogany veneers, a chrome and leather-wrapped shifter, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The 2008 version Jaguar S-Type is fitted with a six-speed automatic overdrive transmission. The car comes standard with air-conditioning and a sunroof, along with power windows, door locks, and seats. The performance of the Jaguar S-Type, however, is substandard and cannot match the specifications of the other powerful sedans with which it competes. Yet, it must be noted that the car was never meant to be a performance vehicle in the first place. All versions of the Jaguar S-Type, irrespective of whether they contain a V-6 or a V-8 engine, are fun to drive. The car is designed to give customers a smooth, comfortable, and joyful ride, and it succeeds at this. Nevertheless, fuel consumption remains a problem, getting only 17 mpg in the city. On the highway, the car offers decent mileage: 25 to 28 mpg.

The first version of the Jaguar S-Type made its debut at the 1998 Birmingham Motor Show. Its first model, the 1999 Jaguar S-Type, went into production in the spring of 1999. Jaguar dubbed this first model the X200, and it can be distinguished from later versions by its U-shaped driver console.

The Jaguar S-Type R was introduced in 2002. This particular model was designed with performance in mind, with its direct competitors being the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG and the BMW M5. A 4.2-liter V-8 powers the Jaguar S-Type R and produces 400 hp. It can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. It rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels, and it flaunts monochromatic paint as well as a wire-mesh grill. It also has built-in fog lamps, a front apron, rear apron, side-skirts, rear spoiler, and a rear sub-frame base. It displays a distinctive 'R' logo on the front fenders and boot lid and is the most expensive Jaguar S-Type on the market. Later models of the Jaguar S-Type R are fitted with an Eaton M112 supercharger that can deliver an extra 20 hp (in addition to the V-8 engine's 400 hp).

In 2003, Jaguar offered an optional touch screen navigation system, but for the most part the design remained the same as the X200 version of Jaguar S-Type. Apart from the optional navigation system, the 2003 version of the Jaguar S-Type also has an electronic paddle switch parking brake instead of the manual lever. The car's gearbox is also modified with a new six-speed automatic. The upgraded 3.0-liter V-6 engine delivers 240 hp instead of the earlier 210 hp. In 2004, the exterior of the car was changed to add new rear and front aprons, a modified grille, an aluminum hood, and redesigned rear lights.