The 2007 Jaguar S-Type makes a statement of pure luxury. S-Type cars
are fun to drive with a relaxed, refined ride. Their technology is cutting edge,
yet sophisticated. The Jaguar is less expensive than its competitors, but holds
its own in the market. Since Jaguar's midsize rear-wheel-drive sedan
got a full redesign for 2005, the S-Type's changes for 2007 mostly have to do
with option packages. The biggest of those changes is the addition of an uplevel
SV8 package to the high-performance R trim level. Positioned between the
company's compact X-Type and full-size XJ in size and price, the S-Type comes in
three versions with distinct engines: a 3.0-liter V-6, a 4.2-liter V-8 or a
supercharged V-8 for the S-Type R. Like other Jaguar models, the S-Type
gets a chrome mesh grille. A new Conti-Teves foundation braking system improves
stopping distance and pedal feel. Sirius Satellite Radio and Bluetooth wireless
technology are available.
S-Type Lineup
The 2007 Jaguar S-Type includes three models, distinguished primarily by
their engines. Each comes with rich leather upholstery and all the other
features associated with a premium luxury car. All models come with a six-speed
automatic transmission. The S-Type 3.0 is powered by a 235-hp 3.0-liter
V6. Standard equipment includes premium leather upholstery with
contrasting piping on the seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, burl
walnut interior trim, heated front seats with multiple power adjustments for the
driver and passenger, power adjustable wood-and-leather steering wheel,
power-adjustable pedals, memory system for seat, pedals, outside mirrors and
steering column, split folding rear seat, 140-watt AM/FM/CD stereo, one-touch
tilt-and-slide power glass sunroof, power windows, remote central locking,
electrochromic mirrors inside and out, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Reverse
Park Control, programmable garage-door opener, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The S-Type 4.2 comes with a 300-hp 4.2-liter V8 plus a 320-watt Alpine
premium stereo with six-CD changer, DVD-based satellite navigation, Bluetooth
connectivity, xenon headlamps with automatic leveling, Front Park Control,
additional seat adjustability, burl walnut gear selector knob, electric rear
sunblind, and foot well rugs embroidered with the Jaguar logo.
The high-performance S-Type R gets a 400-hp supercharged version of the same
4.2-liter V8 and most (but not all) of the standard 4.2's amenities. Chassis
upgrades include Jaguar's enhanced Computer Active Suspension (eCATS), bigger
brake discs up front, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside are performance-style
seats and gray-stained bird's-eye maple in place of walnut burl. The shift knob
is leather-covered and there isn't wood on the steering wheel. It also includes
an electric rear sunblind, premium foot well rugs, and bright exterior trim on
bumper blades, grille surround, mirror caps, and side window frames.
Power Options for the S-Type
Jaguar's 3.0-liter V-6 produces 235 hp, and the 4.2-liter V-8 generates 300
hp. The supercharged V-8 in the S-Type yields 400 hp, sufficient to yield a
0-to-60-mph acceleration time of 5.3 seconds. The 4.2 is responsive around town
and cruising on the highway, but really shines when driving on back roads. The
4.2 V8 generates 86 percent of its maximum torque at just 1500 rpm for greater
flexibility around town. Driving the Jaguar S-Type is satisfying, and it
imparts a feeling of sophistication. The 3.0-liter V6 engine is smooth and
delivers plenty of power for most drivers. Jaguar says the S-Type 3.0 can
accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. The V6 is smooth, quiet, and
civilized when cruising.
Jaguar S-Type Drive
All models of the S-Type deliver a refined motoring experience. Acceleration
with the R's supercharged engine is smooth and easy, sending the sedan to
passing speeds promptly and effortlessly. Steering is precise and linear. The S-Type R offers fantastic acceleration performance. The S-Type comes with a
great transmission, perhaps the best available. The 4.2 offers a firm ride
without being too harsh. It is quiet, with some wind noise at high speeds. The
S-Type is not as stiff as the BMW 5 Series, but it is the type of car that
inspires confidence for those who enjoy driving.
Cabin features for 2007
The S-Type interior is luxurious and plush. All Jaguar S-Types come
with the same grade of rich leather upholstery. Leather is used on the
surfaces of all seats and door panels with contrasting piping on most models.
Burl walnut wood veneer is standard; gray-stained bird's-eye maple is used for
the supercharged R-model, but the warmer natural walnut can be substituted as
part of the new S-Type R Luxury Package. The front seats are comfortable
and supportive, with a nice firm seat bottom that minimizes fatigue on long
trips. Five occupants fit inside all S-Types, and dual-zone climate
control and an electrically adjustable steering column are standard.
The rear seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split for 28.6 cubic feet of cargo
space. There is a decent amount of space for rear-seat passengers. Rear
legroom is on par with other similar sized cars. The new SV8 trim adds
chrome interior accents, an electric rear sunblind and adaptive cruise control
to the R's performance features. The instrument panel contains a fuel gauge,
water temperature gauge, as well as the speedometer and tachometer. Climate
controls and sound system buttons are big, making them easy to discern and easy to operate. For storage, two glove boxes are provided in addition to the center console
storage. An overhead console case lined with soft rubber is in place for
glasses. Dual cupholders are also provided.
2007 Jaguar S-Type Design
The S-Type was restyled in 2005, giving it a sharper, cleaner, more assertive
face, with a more sharply defined V-shaped bulge in its hood. At the same time,
the S-type acquired a longer, leaner look down the side with better integrated
door sills. Around back, its distinctive round tail lamps provided a more
technical, jewel-like appearance and blended smoothly into the new curves of the
tail. The wider rear trunk finisher was simplified, running the full width
between the new rear lamps. The 2007 S-Type's grille is lower than on
pre-2005 models, and it sits more upright. Displaying a round Jaguar badge, it
incorporates horizontal vanes and slim vertical chrome vanes. Alloy wheels hold
17-inch tires or 18-inch on R models. The changes continued for 2006 when
the chrome mesh grille previously seen only on the high-performance R-model
became standard across the lineup. The wipers on the S-Type feature an
interesting washing system, with the washer jets incorporated into the wiper
arms for better coverage. The R-model trim is distinguished with its bigger
wheels, mesh inserts fitted in place of fog lamps to allow air to reach the
car's twin oil coolers, a trunk spoiler, twin tailpipes and Jaguar's Enhanced
Computer Active Technology Suspension, which uses adjustable dampers. R models
also feature standard xenon headlights with automatic self-leveling.
Safety
Safety features on all 2007 S-Types include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
with traction control, Emergency Brake Assist, frontal airbags, seat-mounted
side-impact airbags, and side-curtain airbags, and Jaguar's Adaptive
Restraint Technology System which uses ultrasound to collect data on the size
and position of front-seat occupants before deploying the airbags with
appropriate force.
The 2007 Jaguar S-Type is a luxury sedan with a look all to its own. It
is a comfortable car, handles well, and makes a statement driving
through town. It has improved greatly since its
introduction in 1999. 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. Less obvious, but most important to owners, is
the S-Types overall quality has been improved too. The base 3.0-liter V6
delivers responsive performance, partly due to the superb six-speed automatic
transmission. The 4.2 model gives a thrilling performance from its
powerful V8 engine. The high-performance S-Type R trim goes one step further and
adds supercharged engine, adaptive sports suspension, and bigger front brakes. The S-Type is a luxury car at an affordable price (relatively speaking). It gets a fuel economy range of 28 mpg Hwy, and 19 mpg City.