The New S-TYPE In Detail

Jaguar S-TYPE

A simpler, cleaner front bumper gives more volume and more visual strength with less fussiness. Reshaped bumper inserts look less bulky, and the bumper is visually deeper. The only breaks in the pure lines of the front bumper now are for the air intakes, fog lights (now standard on all versions except the R) and the smoother covers for parking and Adaptive Cruise Control sensors. Taking styling cues from the sportier R bumper, the standard bumper lets the grille stand out more strongly, strengthening the overall "face". And the R bumper takes an even more dynamic look, with its larger central air vent and additional side vents, with mesh inserts – which take the place of the front fog lights – to feed the S-TYPE R’s twin oil coolers.

On all models, the grille itself is totally re-proportioned, to be subtly lower and broader, and to sit more upright. Now sitting on the same plane as the signature twin headlamps (rather than on two very slightly conflicting planes) it looks simpler, more modern and more assertive. It has a new, round Jaguar growler badge, and its vertical vanes are slimmer and neater.

The addition of slim horizontal vanes for the first time emphasises the lower, broader look and, of course, the new S-TYPE R still has its distinctive and sporty mesh grille style with body-coloured surround. And there are now three solid and no fewer than 11 metallic body colours to choose from.

The prominent sills of the original have been reshaped to blend seamlessly into the side contours. One less curve and one less deep horizontal line below the doors returns visual emphasis to the strong, sweeping styling line through the centre of the car, where it should be, making the new S-TYPE longer and leaner between the wheels, while balancing the stronger proportions of the nose.

That signature sideline is now far better resolved because, most dramatically of all, the rear of the new S-TYPE has been made more consistent with the rest of the body line. Again, bumper side details are simpler, while the rear wing line, upper and lower rear bumper surfaces and the rear lip of the bootlid are all raised by a significant amount, and subtly reshaped to continue the sweeping sideline right through the profile. That lifts the original drooping curves, in profile and across the tail, so the new S-TYPE lifts its shoulders and rises up from its haunches, giving a far more powerful, forward-pushing stance and producing a younger, fresher, more athletic shape without losing its unmistakable Jaguar identity. The new S-TYPE also features a new boot ‘signature blade’ which gives added presence to the rear of the car.

In keeping with Jaguar’s new styling direction, there is a more technical look to the distinctive round tail lamps. These now blend smoothly into the new curves of the tail and have more complex shapes behind their clear lenses, giving a jewel-like appearance. The wider boot finisher, or signature blade (in either chrome or body colour, depending on model) is simplified, running the full width between the new rear lamps and losing its centre boot-push button to adopt an uninterrupted Jaguar script in line with other new Jaguars. Even the shape of the licence plate recess has changed subtly, toning down the oval theme, reducing the number of conflicting lines and – again – adding new muscle tone.

Our Jaguar S-Type Guide lists the full specification of the current UK S-Type range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.

Price Range: £29,085 - £45,090
Body Style:
Fuel: /
Models in the range: 7

We have road tested the Jaguar S-Type, to read our in-depth car review:

Jaguar S-Type Review - Apr 2005

Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 30th Mar 2008

Jaguar S-TYPE Content

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