Jaguar interiors are known for their exquisite wood and leather and the S-Type delivers in this area. However, instead of using walnut, the veneers are crafted from maple that produces a much smoother look. Unfortunately, Jaguar did such a good job with it that, in some ways, it looks less like real wood than plastic imitation wood. Rest assured, it's real. Connolly leather is used on the surfaces of all seats and door panels. The steering wheel is made in a combination of matching wood and leather.
There is a decent amount of space for rear-seat passengers. Legroom is on par with other similar sized cars and is actually better than in the standard wheelbase XJ sedan. Trunk space is only average due to the curvy rear end. What's more Jaguar engineers have reverted to swan-neck hinges that intrude in the cargo space so that the trunk lid will pop up when opened. Apparently, owners of the XJ8 with the less intrusive four-link hinges complained about the lack of this pop-up feature. For greater trunk storage, the rear seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split.
We had the opportunity to try out both 3.0 and a 4.0 S-Type Jaguars. The 3.0-liter V6 engine was smooth and delivered adequate power, but it doesn't really qualify as a performance sedan. (Jaguar sells this version in Europe with a manual transmission, but the company does not plan to offer this in the US due to lack of demand: BMW offers a manual version of the 5-series in the US but only one in eight buyers opt for it.)
The 4.0-liter V8 engine offered far more spirited performance. The V8 engine has enough low-end torque to deliver brisk acceleration. Jaguar says the car will accelerate form 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, which is quite quick, though not quite as rapid as the BMW 540i.
The unique-to-Jaguar J-gate shifter has been retained in an all-new 5-speed automatic transmission. This lets the driver move the shift lever into a second gate where it can be shifted manually from gear to gear. It's not quite the same as a manual transmission, but it does give a sporting driver more control when driving briskly.
A drive along a twisty mountain road was delightful. The steering proved to be very precise. The steering provided good feel at speed, yet it remained light to the touch around town and in parking lots.
Handling is firm without being too harsh. Jaguar's S-Type is not as stiff as the BMW 540i. It is the type of car that inspires confidence for those who enjoy driving without being a chore for those who do not.
If sensuous looks are important, if being fun to drive is a priority, if arriving at a destination in a stylish luxury car is desirable, then the Jaguar S-Type more than fits the bill. It might not be the "ultimate driving machine" but it delivers plenty of performance and handling, especially with the V8 engine.
The Jaguar S-Type is one of the prettiest cars on the road -- along with its stable mates, the XJ8 sedan and the XK8 sports car. And there's no mistaking the unique leaping Jaguar on the prominent grille.
Jaguar has succeeded. The new S-Type is, indeed, a Jag.
