Jaguar S-Type

• CNET
• Jaguar
• S-Type

The Jaguar S-Type is available in three different models for 2008. The S-Type 3.0 has a 3.0L V6 engine making 235 horsepower; the S-Type 4.2 has a 300-horsepower 4.2L V8; and the high-performance S-Type R gets a supercharged version of the 4.2L making 400 horsepower. All three models have a six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

All three models have strong acceleration. The 3.0 can dash from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the 4.2 takes 6.2 seconds and the R can make it in an especially frisky 5.3 seconds. They're electronically limited to a 121-mph top speed.

The S-Type's standard suspension uses aluminum extensively and is designed for sporty handling, stability, and a smooth ride. The S-Type R comes with the eCATS suspension system, which provides stiff body control to handle the extra power yet doesn't sacrifice ride quality. The system can change the damper settings from soft to firm in milliseconds to provide crisp handling when it's needed; otherwise they follow a softer setting for comfort.

The S-Type R also gets higher-capacity performance brakes, plus big 19-inch Z-rated tires. Visually, the R has stainless steel exhaust tips, a rear spoiler, and Satin Mahogany interior trim, along with performance sport seats and leather trim for the steering wheel and shift knob.

The S-Type brings all the safety features that are expected of a car in this price range. Along with front-passenger side air bags and full-length side-curtain air bags, the S-Type also comes with dynamic stability control (DSC) and anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assist (EBA).

Inside, all S-Types feature soft-grain leather-trimmed seating throughout, and on all models but the R, rear-seat passengers get a roomy contoured backrest that is split 60/40 and folds forward to provide access to the trunk area and expand storage space when desired.

The 3.0 model comes very well equipped as a luxury car, but the 4.2 steps up to a number of additional features such as five-spoke alloy wheels, a navigation system, xenon headlamps, heated front seats, Bluetooth hands-free features, and a 320-watt Alpine premium sound system with six-disc changer.

Standout options on the S-Type include adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set following distance from the car ahead, and the navigation and Bluetooth systems on V6 models.