Jaguar S-Type (99-07) - Review

Review by David Ross on
It may not have a German badge on the bonnet, but the S-Type has plenty of strong qualities that make it a realistic alternative to models like the Mercedes E-Class. The rather dated image isn't one of them unfortunately and while it draws upon classic Jag styling cues to help set it apart, the S-Type is unlikely to appeal to younger drivers. There is a thunderous R version, powered by a supercharged V8 engine, but the Jaguar's real strength is long distance comfort. It's superbly refined and the ride quality is excellent, while it also handles sharply. The styling received a reworking in 2004 and the excellent V6 diesel engine was introduced.
3.5 out of 5

Other Jaguar reviews

2 out of 5

Running costs

The S-Type isn't the cheapest executive saloon to run. There's only one diesel engine in the line-up and it wasn't introduced until 2004 - the petrol V6 and V8 units struggle to achieve 30mpg. Jaguar servicing and customer service is excellent, but it should be given the prices they charge. Insurance ratings are group 14 and 15 for the standard models rising to 19 for the high performance R. Average running costs for the sector. Choose the new diesel if you want to keep running costs down - it will have the strongest residuals, too.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£2,116 - £2,790 *

Diesel

£1,563 - £1,781 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

10,000 miles.

Warranty

Mechanical three years, bodywork six years.

Road tax (12 months)

£215.00 - £475.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

2 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
    179
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M
    314

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

With a range of V6 and V8 petrol engines, it is little surprise that the S-Type is fairly polluting model. The greenest model is the 2.7-litre V6 diesel which emits 179g/km of CO2 and returns 41mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2