EDMUNDS.COM 2005 JAGUAR S-TYPE
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A solid all-around luxury sedan, the S-Type is exactly what you would expect from Jaguar in terms of style, form and function.
Pros
Elegantly appointed interiors, solid all-around performance, classic British styling, full load of standard safety equipment.
Cons
A few cheap interior bits, high price, fussy J-gate shifter.
What''s New for 2005
The S-Type gets minor styling revisions in the form of smaller taillights, a tighter-looking deck lid and a restyled front fascia. New exterior panels have tighter fits, while the hood is now made of aluminum. Interior upgrades include new Bronze Madrona trim, a revised instrument panel and an optional aluminum trim package. Eight-cylinder models get a new VDP package that adds premium heated leather seats, burled walnut trim and unique 17-inch alloy wheels.
Overview
Introduction:
The S-Type sedan debuted for the 2000 model year and doubled Jaguar''s worldwide sales within a year. It competes in the hotly contested midsize luxury sedan category against formidable competitors like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Although it shares its basic platform with the Lincoln LS, the S-Type is nonetheless a true Jaguar, as it features its own powertrains, suspension tuning, steering and interior and exterior design. The only evidence of a relationship with Lincoln is a smattering of shared interior parts, but for the most part, the S-Type looks and feels the way you would expect a Jaguar to look and feel. Slight revisions to both the exterior and interior styling were made this year to clean things up a little, but it takes a keen eye to spot the changes. All S-Types come standard with stability control, along with four-wheel antilock disc brakes with a panic assist feature and seats that offer anti-whiplash technology. Additional protection is provided by standard side curtain airbags that protect both front and rear occupants. Shorter-statured adults are able to sit farther away from the steering wheel thanks to power-adjustable pedals that also feature a memory function to store the preferences of more than one driver. Situated in the center of the dashboard is an optional LCD screen that controls stereo, climate, navigation and telephone functions via a touchscreen interface and voice recognition technology. The S-Type competes on solid footing with models from Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. It is a beautifully styled car, easily recognizable as a Jaguar from a distance and serves as a fresh departure from typical styling motifs in this class. Although BMW and Mercedes have the upper hand when it comes to cutting-edge technology, the S-Type remains a desirable alternative for those looking for something a little different in this category.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
Jaguar''s S-Type sedan is available in two trims: 3.0 V6 and 4.2 V8 (a high-performance R version is also available). Standard equipment includes leather seats, bird''s eye maple trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 140-watt sound system with a CD player, heated exterior mirrors and alloy wheels. Stepping up to the 4.2 V8 models adds more power adjustments for the front seats; 17-inch wheels; a power moonroof; a memory function for the seats, mirrors, pedals and steering column; a programmable garage door opener; and auto-dimming mirrors. The V8 sedan can also be had with a new VDP Edition package, which offers premium leather upholstery with contrasting piping on the seats, deep-pile carpeted floor mats, heated seats, burled walnut trim and an electric rear sunshade. On the outside, the VDP Edition adds chrome mirrors, xenon headlights and unique alloy wheels. Both models are eligible for a sport package that adds sport seats, unique wood trim, a sport steering wheel, special alloy wheels, body-color exterior trim, larger brakes and Jaguar''s Computer Active Technology Suspension System (CATS). Additional options include a DVD-based navigation system and adaptive cruise control.
Powertrains and Performance:
The S-Type''s standard 3.0-liter V6 makes 235 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. Models equipped with the 4.2-liter V8 boast 293 hp and come standard with the same six-speed automatic.
Safety:
Standard equipment includes seat-mounted side-impact airbags for front occupants and full-length side curtain airbags, the former of the dual-stage variety and all connected to an advanced adaptive restraint technology system. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with panic assist are standard, along with stability control, traction control and power-adjustable pedals. Rear parking sensors and rain-sensitive wipers are included on all S-Types.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
With a cabin slathered in real wood and sumptuous leather, the S-Type has few competitors that are as opulently trimmed. Some of the switchgear and controls are hard to use, however, and seem more suited for a Ford than a Jaguar. S-Types equipped with the navigation system have a touchscreen that controls most stereo, climate, DVD navigation and telephone features, requiring drivers to cycle through tedious menus. Jaguar has done away with a traditional handbrake, replacing it with an electronic parking brake operated using a switch on the console. For the first time ever on a Jaguar sedan, there''s a high-tech aluminum fascia option (new for 2005), in place of traditional wood.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Both S-Types display surprisingly nimble driving dynamics along with a comfortable ride quality and smooth power delivery. The V8 is the way to go if you like to go everywhere fast, but most people will find the performance of the V6 perfectly acceptable. The six-speed automatic not only delivers smooth shifts, it gives the S-Type respectable mileage as well.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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