2001 Jaguar S-Type

Ask people, especially women, what their ultimate dream car is and a lot of them will say “Jaguar.’’ The marquee represents the pinnacle of luxury driving for many and rightly so. When it comes to pure, sumptuous, indulgent luxury, Jaguar sets the standard. It may not be the first choice for driving enthusiasts, but luxury, it nails.
So it is with a measure of discomfort that I approach Jaguar’s newer, less costly offerings, like this S-type. It’s Jaguar’s first all-new model in three decades.

Truly, I understand Jaguar’s need to expand the line into more affordable classes, and I believe they have done so with integrity. But it also means inevitable compromise of the very things that make Jaguars, well, Jaguars.

The true test is to what degree can Jag downscale into these more affordable models and still retain those characteristics we so cherish. It was with this in mind that I spent a week with the S-type.

The Good News
More than a few people took one look at the S-type when it debuted and readily declared, “Look! It’s a Ford Taurus!” I am happy to say it is NOT a Ford Taurus. It’s true that Ford’s ownership of Jaguar comes into play here. The S-type and the Lincoln LS share a platform, Ford engineered the transmission, and the V-6 engine in my test vehicle (Jaguar’s first V-6) evolved from the Duratec V-6 used in the Taurus. But the suspension, seamless delivery of power and solid, quiet cabin make it clear that Jaguar had the last word here. Whatever they borrowed, they made it their own.

Nothing says “Jaguar” better than the exterior design. It was a stroke of brilliance to resurrect such a classic retro-Jag profile and nose for this S-type, making it both immediately recognizable and instantly chic.

The styling also offers buyers in this class a distinct alternative from the sleek BMW 5-series and Mercedes E-class sedans, both cited as competitors. Those sedans also look like others in their lineups, whereas this S-type makes its own statement. I like that.

Two engines are offered, a 281-horse 4.0 V-8 and the 230-horse 3.0 V-6 I tested. Although I’m sure the increased horsepower would produce a more exhilarating ride, I can’t imagine a much better balance of power than this V-6. Indeed, it never felt underpowered. I can thank this V-6’s broad torque band, which delivers much of its 221 pound feet early on and keeps it coming. That said, I find Jaguar’s insistence that the S-type is a “luxury sport sedan” for “a new generation of enthusiasts” somewhat misguided. Sporty compared to the XJ sedan, maybe. But as much as I like this S, there’s little about this poised, silky sedan that beckons the enthusiast in me.

Inside, you’re surrounded by lots of luxury gizmos trimmed in bird’s eye maple and Connolly leather, true to the Jaguar spirit. Mine was not equipped with the much-talked-about (!) voice activation system for audio, cellphone and climate controls.

Contributing to the increased price on mine were a $3,200 power/memory and weather package and $2,000 navigation system, one of the best out there for mapping details.

The Bad News
Elsewhere inside, this S-type proved disappointing, however. Although the leather and wood meet Jag standards, these quality materials are interspersed with really plastic-looking panels. What’s more, these curving dash and door panels look too mainstream modern, a funky contrast to the exterior’s traditional class. Some of the switches also feel really flimsy.

I am also surprised to find the backseat has so little legroom. I had to push the passenger bucket way forward for even my child to get comfortable back there.

The trunk is similarly challenged, although both backseats can be folded down. You don’t find that much in the luxury class.

Gas Mileage
EPA rated at 18 mpg city/25 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $43,655;
Price as tested, $49,450

Is it worth it?
To me, the S-type succeeds much more as an extremely stylish, small luxury sedan – with big emphasis on luxury. Not that an 8-second 0-60 (V-6) is anything to be ashamed of. But the essence of this car says “fancy,” not “let’s drive the doors off of it” like a 5-series Beamer.

I really like this S-type, but I don’t love it. When I get into a small Mercedes, BMW or Audi , there’s no questioning these cars’ lineage. This S-type is slightly less successful as a Jaguar, but only because luxury is less distinguishable. Buick does it well, as do Lincoln, Infiniti, Lexus. Without the ultra-upscale appointment and silky powertrain of an XJ sedan, the lines get a little blurred.

Sales figures for the S-type speak for themselves, however. They’re going through the roof. I’m not surprised. It puts that prowling-cat hood ornament within reach of many who thought owning a Jaguar sedan would remain forever a dream.