2008 Jaguar S-Type

Check out our Used S-Type Inventory!!!

2008 S-Type Overview

The 2008 model year will be the last for the Jaguar S-Type. Its replacement, the sharper-edged, more contemporary-looking XF, has arrived. So if the rounded, retro lines of the S-Type have oozed into your heart, this is your last chance to bring one home brand-new. You could buy another mid-size luxury sedan with similar performance, but you won't find another that looks anything like this. And that, really, is the point of any Jaguar: If you are charmed by its looks, then there is no alternative.

But even from a more objective point of view, we like the Jaguar S-Type. It's a comfortable car, it handles well, and it makes a statement when it pulls up to a five-star hotel. 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 supercharged engine, adaptive sports suspension, and bigger front brakes.

2008 S-Type Trims

Jaguar offers three S-Type models for 2008, distinguished primarily by their engines. Each comes with rich leather upholstery and all the other features associated with a premium luxury car. All come with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The S-Type 3.0 is powered by a 235-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. Standard equipment also includes automatic dual-zone climate control; one-touch tilt-and-slide power glass sunroof; 140-watt AM/FM/CD stereo; burl walnut interior trim; leather seats with contrasting piping; 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; power windows; remote central locking; electrochromic mirrors inside and out; rain-sensing windshield wipers; Reverse Park Control; programmable garage-door opener; and, new for 2008, 18-inch alloy wheels. Nineteen-inch wheels are optional.

The S-Type 4.2 comes with a powerful, 300-horsepower 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. Standard wheels are still 18-inch but are of a different design, and 19-inch rims are again optional.

The high-performance S-Type R gets a 400-horsepower 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 new 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside are performance-style seats, a ski hatch in the rear seat, and new Satin Mahogany woodwork replacing last year's gray-stained bird's-eye maple. The shift knob is leather-covered and there's no wood on the steering wheel. Stainless exhaust tips, a trunk lid spoiler, and the deletion of some exterior brightwork alert the outside world to your intentions. 

A Luxury Package, exclusively for the R-model, adds Adaptive Cruise Control and reverts to a more traditional walnut-burl interior theme. It also adds soft-grain leather with contrasting piping, and includes an electric rear sunblind and premium foot well rugs; and restores bright exterior trim to the bumper blades, grille surround, mirror caps, and side window frames.

2008 Jaguar S-Type Interior Design

All Jaguar S-Types come with rich leather upholstery, with contrasting piping on most models. Sumptuous leather is used on the surfaces of all seats and door panels. Burl walnut wood veneer is standard as well, with new matt-finish Satin Mahogany now serving as the more performance-oriented motif for the supercharged R-model. And even there, walnut can be substituted as part of the Luxury Package.

The standard wood-and-leather steering wheel looks and feels good; and it harmonizes visually with the colors of the instrument panel behind it. 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.

S-Type Test Drive 2008

Driving the Jaguar S-Type is satisfying, while the car imparts a feeling of class and sophistication to passengers. 

The S-Type comes with a great transmission, perhaps the best available. The six-speed automatic ZF is extremely responsive and silky smooth. With so many gears to choose from, it offers excellent drivability around town. It delivers both good performance and decent fuel economy. A Sport mode allows the driver to shift manually. Select this mode and the transmission will not shift above the highest gear selected, though as needed it will shift down and back up below this gear. The transmission has two overdrive ratios. Sport mode stays in fifth unless the driver maintains a steady speed for 30 seconds. But most of the time we preferred to simply leave it in Drive and let it do its thing, as it does it so well. It's a smart transmission: lift off the throttle for a corner, and it senses the steering angle and holds the lower gear. It also holds a gear on hills, eliminating hunting between gears.

It may be in its final year, but the sensuous-looking Jaguar S-Type still makes a statement when it rolls onto the scene. It combines that visual impact 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.

2008 S-Type Conclusions

The S-Type is a compelling alternative to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The Jaguar is less expensive and more than holds its own in curb appeal, performance and features.  Edmunds calls the Jaguar S-Type exterior "stately and posh," with distinct styling that distinguishes itself from other luxury sedans. We really like the basic 3.0 and love the 4.2 with its powerful V8.