2007 Jaguar S-Type Review

The 2007 Jaguar S-Type makes a statement of pure luxury.  S-Type cars are fun to drive with a relaxed, refined ride. They 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's no 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 just a fuel gauge and water temperature gauge besides the speedometer and tachometer. Climate controls and sound system buttons are big, 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, it handles well, and it makes a statement driving through town.  For another take on this Jaguar, read another 2007 Jaguar S-Type review by Edmunds.com.  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, thanks partly 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. For more detailed specifications, read an S-Type Overview.