2008 Jaguar S-TYPE Bottom Line

By  Bengt Halvorson, Editor

To bring you this extensive review on the 2008 Jaguar S-Type, the car experts at TheCarConnection.com looked to some of the best sources for reviews. Then TheCarConnection’s editors brought their own driving experience with the S-Type to make this review especially useful.

The 2008 Jaguar S-Type is the British brand's mid-size sedan, with a design that still stands out in its class but dates nearly 10 years. Less than a year before the 2008 Jaguar S-Type is replaced by the 2009 Jaguar XF (which arrives at dealerships in early spring of 2008), it gets a very subtle makeover and some upgraded features.

Jaguar says all S-Types for the 2008 model year wear an updated front end. The look keeps the elegant grille and quad-oval headlamps, but incorporates the 2008 Jaguar S-Type R's bumper on all models, along with its mesh grille. A range of new wheels give the S-Type more flair, starting with 17-inchers and working up to 19-inchers on the R version.

The S-Type's interior hasn't aged quite as gracefully as the exterior; its dashboard design uses materials that look conservative and somewhat dull by today's standards. The seating of the 2008 Jaguar S-Type also feels rather low and tight for all occupants, with the wide center console occupying much of the space in front. Also, the backseat lacks both legroom and headroom; it's not large enough for most adults. In addition, trunk space is disappointingly small, likely due to the tapered trunk line, although there's a ski pass-through.

Base S-Types come standard, as before, with a 235-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 engine, and either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. A 300-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 is the step-up option, available only with the automatic, and the high-performance R model continues with a supercharged version of the 4.2-liter V-8 delivering 400 horsepower. The R also gets the six-speed automatic transmission, upgraded Brembo four-wheel disc brakes, 18-inch rims (with 19-inch rims available), and Jaguar's Computer Active Technology Suspension system. All 2008 Jaguar S-Type models have rear-wheel drive.

Each of the S-Type models offer satisfying performance, but the S-Type R has an attractive mix of elegant, under-the-radar looks and jaw-dropping performance. One of the S-Type's strengths is its well-tuned suspension, which manages to soak up most bumps and rough surfaces expertly, yet stay reasonably tight to enable responsive handling, with a surprisingly good, communicative steering feel. The interior is generally quiet. However, with the sporty 2008 Jaguar S-Type R's stiffer suspension, there's a fair amount of road noise.

For 2008, the S-Type gets new seats, a leather steering wheel is standard, and satin-mahogany wood trim is optional across the lineup. Rear Park Assist is also among the standard features. Options on the 2008 Jaguar S-Type include electrically adjustable pedals, Front Park Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Alert.

All 2008 Jaguar S-Type models have standard front side and side-curtain airbags, as well as electronic stability control. The S-Type has been tested by the federal government in side-impact protection only, where it received a mix of four- and five-star scores.

The 2008 Jaguar S-Type is the most outdated vehicle in its class, yet to some, its styling, especially from the outside, comes across as classy and appealing. But that appeal is limited, as it's quite cramped inside and inefficiently designed compared to the competition. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a similar price, yet it feels up-to-date and offers many high-tech options not available in the S-Type. For example, it's available with all-wheel drive, which is not at all offered on the Jaguar. The A6 also can be equipped with all-wheel drive, and it has a nice, modern interior design, along with a sportier feel behind the wheel. On a different note, there's the Lexus GS, which has a stiffer ride but impressive performance, although its interior is also quite cramped. The Lincoln MKS might actually appeal to some of the shoppers eyeing the base 3.0-liter S-Type. It's a very roomy sedan, with a well-designed interior, high standards of refinement, and lots of standard equipment, all for a lower price, though it might not have the same cachet with the valet-parking folks.