The current Jaguar S-Type has been on the road for a long time and a new model has been rumored for the past few model years. Well the waiting is just about over. While official specs and pictures have not been released, you should expect to see information on a new S-Type in 2008. The S-Type line ranges starts with the entry-level 2.5-liter V-6 model, with 201 horsepower. A 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V-8 with 300 horsepower is up next. The line tops out with the Big Daddy S-TYPE R model and its 4.2 V-8 with 400 supercharged horsepower.

The test vehicle was the current 4.2 V-8 model that has a base price of $55,335 and an as-tested price of $56,800 with optional Trition wheels and destination charges.

» Click to enlarge image

Riding retro rehash

While some automotive manufacturers have been accused of taking the easy way out and going retro for new exterior designs, the S-Type borrowed just enough past cues and brought them forward. Jaguar’s premium mid-sized sedan has an athletic, classic Jaguar look, with clean, taut, muscular lines that simply stands out on the road. The load is lighter with the use of lightweight aluminum rather than steel for the swoopy hood, thus aiding weight distribution and handling balance. Jaguar has worked diligently to tighten panel fit and enhanced performance. I did note that for the senior member of the mid-size luxury class the S-Type still received a lot of admiring glances.

Cockpit cozy

Inside the S-Type has a contemporary luxury look, but it is on the cluttered side. The gauges are nice and easy to read, however there are too many buttons on the center stack, so make sure that you’re familiar with all of them. This goes for the navigation system too, which appropriates some simple functions like the audio and climate controls. I also noticed some buttons and controls borrowed from Ford. The front has enough comfort for 6-plus footers with plenty of adjustment to suit any driver. In the rear I had decent headroom with the formal roofline, but legroom was a bit tight, the same for shoulder room. Also the rear seat armrests were in a poor location that made them uncomfortable. Getting in and out of the rear may be difficult for some adults and two rear passengers is the limit.

Despite these transgressions, Jaguar pulls together a good-looking interior with the rest of the materials and fit up to luxury class standards.

The trunk is a little shallow, but maximizes use of space. An optional split folding rear seatback adds versatility for long or bulky items.

Power pack

From an engineering standpoint, the naturally aspirated and supercharged versions of the 4.2-liter V-8s are the most powerful series production engines Jaguar has ever made. Jaguar combines the 300 horses with a standard six-speed ZF automatic transmission working through the classic, yet handicapping J-gate gear selector -- too bad a manual is not offered with this engine. Now, the bad news is that fuel economy numbers are 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. And for the S-Type to perform optimally, it requires premium fuel.

Sporting character

When you purchase a luxury sedan with a leaping cat on the hood you expect a certain level of sporty driving characteristics and the S-Type delivers. Throughout its existence Jaguar has continually tinkered with the S-Type’s suspension and driving qualities. It features a refined suspension including low friction ball joints and re-tuned dampers, all providing a smooth ride and some sporty driving dynamics. Additional driving aids to this rear drive sedan include Servotronic variable-ratio power steering, meaty brakes with ABS anti-lock and Emergency Brake Assist, traction control and Dynamic Stability Control. All these items come standard.

Piloting the S-Type, I noted that the V-8 doesn’t have as much low-end grunt as some of the other cars in its class. Once you do get rolling there is nice amount of acceleration that that comes on at higher engine speeds. I also liked the sweet sounds that emanated from the exhaust. At speed the S-Type delivers a supple ride, decent body control and able handling that back up Jaguar’s sporting heritage. However it is not a BMW or Audi so don’t expect the same level of handling prowess. I did note that the S-Type is also very quiet, doing a great job of keeping outside noises-outside.

Optional 18-inch alloy wheels and tires provide the bite that puts the S-Type in the game. One unique feature is the Electronic Parking Brake -- an industry first in the luxury class. This is a little chrome switch that you press and depress to activate the parking brake.

Safety-Type

A comprehensive list of safety features includes a strong bodyshell, Electronic Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control, and Jaguar’s innovative Adaptive Restraint Technology System (A.R.T.S.) is standard across the range. The S-security system includes items such as automatic drive-away locking, and additional items.

The S-Type targets the BMW 5-Series, the Audi A6, and the Mercedes-Benz E-class, and while the current car is part of the pack, a new version should bring it closer to the front with some of the younger competitors.