2005 Jaguar S-Type

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2005 Summary 

We like the improvements to the 2005 Jaguar S-Type. We found 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 400-horsepower supercharged engine, sports suspension, and big Brembo brakes.

Full Review 2005 S-Type 

The Jaguar S-Type sedan was a great car when it was introduced and it's a much better car now. Jaguar then re-engineered the S-Type for 2003, a major change that revised 70 percent of the car. In short, the car had improved dramatically. For 2005, Jaguar has updated the styling, revised the interior, and retuned the suspension. And the wonderful ZF six-speed automatic is now standard on all models.

Trims and Styling for 2005

Three models comprise the S-Type range, distinguished primarily by their engines. Each comes with rich leather upholstery and all the other features associated with a premium luxury car. The S-Type 3.0 is powered by a 235-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. The S-Type 4.2 comes with a powerful, 294-horsepower 4.2-liter V8. The high-performance S-Type R gets a supercharged version of the same 4.2-liter V8. All models come with the six-speed automatic transmission.

Depending on model, features include heated power seats with memory, a split-folding rear seat, automatic dual-zone climate control with air filtration, power adjustable steering column with tilt-away entry and exit action, twin-function trip computer, and cruise control. Options include satellite navigation, power adjustable foot pedals, self-leveling xenon headlights, and rain-sensing wipers. Front and rear Park Assist are available. Adaptive Cruise Control is available which, like normal cruise control, allows the driver to set and maintain a cruising speed, but is also able to detect slower-moving vehicles ahead and will slow the car as necessary. When the traffic ahead speeds up, Adaptive Cruise will return to the driver's chosen speed.

The 4.2 is available as a swanky new VDP edition featuring premium leather upholstery with contrast piping, rich California burl walnut veneer trim, deep-pile carpeting, heated seats, and an electronic rear sunblind.

Jaguar substantially redesigned the styling of the S-Type for 2005. The redesigned front bumper is simpler, cleaner. The wider rear trunk finisher (in chrome on the 3.0 and 4.2) is simplified, running the full width between the new rear lamps.

Overall, quality has improved dramatically in recent years. Recent S-Type buyers appear to be happy with more than just the quality of their cars.

Interior Styling and Features

 Based on customer feedback, Jaguar redesigned the S-Type's interior for 2005, adding or improving features while eliminating those not needed. All models come with rich leather upholstery, with stitching that gives it a high-quality appearance. Warm birds-eye maple veneer stained bronze is the standard trim, but a new aluminum trim option is available for a more technical-looking finish.

Trim choices now include classic leather, perforated leather, and R leather. There are four trim color options: Champagne, Charcoal, Dove and Ivory. Topping the list is the High-line pack, with extensive use of classic walnut veneers (including a half-walnut, half-leather steering wheel), softgrain leather, premium floor mats, heated seats with subtle chrome highlights on the headrest bezels. A sporty aluminum dash finish is available for the Sport and R, harking back to some of Jaguar's greatest sports cars. Three seat styles are available. Comfort, Sport, and R respectively offer increasingly aggressive bolstering for spirited driving. The driver's seat is narrower in R models.

A well-designed toggle on the left side of the steering column quickly, easily and precisely controls the power tilt and telescopic adjustments for the steering wheel. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with a nice firm seat bottom that minimizes fatigue on long trips. There is a decent amount of space for rear-seat passengers. Rear legroom is on par with other similar sized cars. For 2005, Jaguar added more storage to the S-Type interior. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split for 28.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Climate controls and sound system buttons are big, easy to discern and easy to operate.

First Drive 2005 XJ 

Driving the S-Type cars is satisfying. The S-Type comes with a great transmission, perhaps the best available. This transmission is extremely responsive and silky smooth. With more gears to choose from, it offers excellent drivability around town. It delivers both better performance and improved fuel economy. A Sport mode allows the driver to shift manually. It also holds a gear on hills, eliminating hunting between gears.

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 2005 S-Type 3.0-liter we drove did not have the Sport package with its firmer suspension, but we still found the cornering to be exceptional. It felt a little squishy when driven hard on a winding road, but cornering was relatively flat (the car didn't lean a lot), and grip was very good. The S-Type rides smoothly and is nicely damped. Jaguar revised the suspension for 2005 to make the ride a bit smoother, but it's still tuned more for handling than a soft ride. The 4.2-liter V8 engine delivers truly spirited performance with strong low-rpm torque for quicker acceleration. Jaguar says the S-Type 4.2 can accelerate form 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, which is quite quick. This a very strong car by any measure.

The 4.2 offers a firm ride. There is some road vibration on badly rippled roads, but it smoothes out on smoother roads. It's stable at high speeds with precise, linear steering that makes the driver feel part of the car. Jaguar's S-Type is not as stiff as the BMW 5 Series. It felt wonderful when driving hard on narrow, winding roads. The S-Type R offers fantastic acceleration performance. Jaguar says it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds with a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. The S-Type cars are effortless to drive with a relaxed, refined ride. The S-Type is a compelling alternative to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class cars. Pricing for the high-performance S-Type R has been dropped $4,125 to better compete with the BMW 545i Sport, Mercedes E500, Audi A6 and Lexus GS.

 With its sensuous looks, Jaguar's S-Type makes a statement when it rolls onto the scene. It combines that with a luxurious, crafted interior in understated British fashion. The S-Type cars are effortless to drive with a relaxed, refined ride. They offer cutting-edge technology that's relevant and free of gadgetry.

2005 Conclusions 

The S-Type is a compelling alternative to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class cars. The Jaguar is less expensive and more than holds its own in curb appeal, performance and features. We really like the 2005 S-Type 3.0 and love the 4.2 with its powerful V8. Pricing for the high-performance S-Type R has been dropped $4,125 to better compete with the BMW 545i Sport, Mercedes E500, Audi A6 and Lexus GS.