Classic S-Type showing its age

(This review has been updated to cover model years 2004 thru 2007)

Following the introduction of the S-Type in 1999, worldwide Jaguar sales doubled as buyers fell in love with its distinctive lines, which conjured up images of the legendary C-Type racer of the early 1950s. Jaguar sales continued to climb with the introduction of the smaller and less expensive all-wheel-drive X-Type in June 2001. Today X-Type out sells the S by a 2:1 ratio.

In 2004, Jaguar focused some much-needed attention on its interiors by bringing back the traditional Jag-like dash and instrumentation. The big news in 2003 was the addition of an “R” model at the top of the lineup. For 2005 the R received minor styling revisions with smaller taillight, a restyled front fascia, an all aluminum hood and new instrument panel with clearer displays and optional aluminum trim. For 2006 the 4.2-liter V-8 got a boost to 300 horsepower; the R got a mesh grille and satellite radio option.

For 2007, the S-Type is available in three models: 3.0 ($49,000), 4.2 ($56,000) and the R ($64,000). The 3.0 and 4.2 models refer to the engine’s liter displacement.

The R on the S-Type designates performance similar to BMW’s M-Series, Mercedes-Benz AMG and Audi’s RS6 cars — all “family” sedans that blend the best of sports and performance into one package.

All these vehicles, however, are much more than family sedans with fat tires and fancy trim work. They are all-out ground-pounding tire-smoking high-performance cars that rack up Corvette-like speed and handling numbers.

From the outside the R is easy to recognize with design cues like the distinctive chrome-wire mesh grille with monochromatic color-keyed surround, rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy rims and the red “R” badging on both front fenders and the rear deck lid.

Inside, the cabin features a leather-trimmed steering wheel, grey bird’s eye maple wood dash trim and a center console with a seven-inch LCD touch-screen embedding some of the audio and climate controls. I personally find these screens a nuisance and a distraction. A DVD-based navigation system is the only option available. The seats are comfortable and supportive but could benefit from more side bolstering.

Jaguar claims the R is the most powerful production car ever built by the Castle Bromwich, England, manufacturer. It is fit with a supercharged 4.2-liter V-8 engine that delivers 400 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission (no available stick shift).

According to Jaguar, the R can reach 60 miles per hour in just 5.3 seconds. That’s a purrrrrring fast cat. But the Jaguar is much more than push-you-back-in-the-seat performance. Huge Bremboâ brakes are the best in the business. Add Jaguar’s Computer Active Technology System (CATS, get it?) and a firmer suspension with electronically adjustable shocks, and you’re treated to a superb ride that never seems too sporty or too luxurious.

Handling is excellent with no noticeable body-roll. Like most upscale sedans, the S-Type comes equipped with stability control to keep the vehicle in a straight line when it senses loss of traction or a pending spinout.

Oversize 18-inch wheels fit with super-wide low-profile Z-rated tires up front and even wider tires on the rear no doubt contribute to the impressive ride and handling experience.

But not all is perfect. Even with the much-improved look to the interior, the cabin is small and cramped. At 6’6”, I felt claustrophobic. My head brushed the headliner and there was not nearly enough legroom. Another annoyance is Jaguar’s J-pattern automatic shifter, which allows the driver to shift manually. It’s awkward and just doesn’t work well.

Standard safety features include side airbags for front occupants, front and rear side-curtain airbags, anti-whiplash seats, electronic stability and traction control, and emergency brake assist. NHTSA awarded the S-Type four out of five stars for front-occupant protection in side impacts. It earned a full five stars for rear-passenger protection. Front-impact tests have not been conducted and testing has not been done by IIHS.

S-Type is as impressive a luxury cruiser as any. The driving experience is quiet and refined on all road conditions, whether on broken pavement or the hilly twists and turns of Arizona back roads.

Jaguar has announced that that the S-Type will get a complete redo for 2008. Although the current body style has aged well, sales have continually fallen off while competition has kept pace with newly styled products.