What Is It?
2005 Jaguar S-Type
What's Special About It?
With pressure coming from the recently redesigned BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class (and soon, the next-generation Audi A6), Jaguar has decided to give the S-Type another midcycle refresh as the car enters its sixth year on the market. This time, most of the changes are cosmetic in nature, as the design staff sought a more polished look inside and out for Jaguar's midsize sedan.
An all-new aluminum hood takes up residence in front, and besides improving weight distribution, according to Jaguar, it provided designers with an opportunity to introduce a more pronounced V-shape. This "V" culminates in a wider grille that now resides on the same plane as the sedan's circular headlights. The result is certainly attractive, and the S-Type now has the prominent nose that has become so popular on today's cars. The front bumper has been reshaped to complement the nose.
In back, the deck and bumper appear to have benefited from the services of a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, as both have been pushed up to eliminate the drooping tail that marred the profiles of previous S-Types. New clear-lens taillights integrate nicely into the revised rear fascia.
Inside, S-Type buyers will find a new set of gauges that attempts to put all the relevant information in front of the driver at all times. Besides that, buyers now have the option to forgo wood trim completely in favor of genuine aluminum trim. Another new option is two-tone upholstery. Both of these goodies are exclusive to sport package-equipped V6 and V8 models, and the S-Type R. New equipment includes front parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and the availability of 18-inch wheels across the model line.
What's Edmunds' Take?
We doubt this handful of changes will be enough to get the attention of determined 5 Series and E-Class buyers, but if you've ever been interested in Jaguar's midsize sedan, it's never looked better. — Erin Riches
2005 Jaguar S-Type
What's Special About It?
With pressure coming from the recently redesigned BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class (and soon, the next-generation Audi A6), Jaguar has decided to give the S-Type another midcycle refresh as the car enters its sixth year on the market. This time, most of the changes are cosmetic in nature, as the design staff sought a more polished look inside and out for Jaguar's midsize sedan.
An all-new aluminum hood takes up residence in front, and besides improving weight distribution, according to Jaguar, it provided designers with an opportunity to introduce a more pronounced V-shape. This "V" culminates in a wider grille that now resides on the same plane as the sedan's circular headlights. The result is certainly attractive, and the S-Type now has the prominent nose that has become so popular on today's cars. The front bumper has been reshaped to complement the nose.
In back, the deck and bumper appear to have benefited from the services of a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, as both have been pushed up to eliminate the drooping tail that marred the profiles of previous S-Types. New clear-lens taillights integrate nicely into the revised rear fascia.
Inside, S-Type buyers will find a new set of gauges that attempts to put all the relevant information in front of the driver at all times. Besides that, buyers now have the option to forgo wood trim completely in favor of genuine aluminum trim. Another new option is two-tone upholstery. Both of these goodies are exclusive to sport package-equipped V6 and V8 models, and the S-Type R. New equipment includes front parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and the availability of 18-inch wheels across the model line.
What's Edmunds' Take?
We doubt this handful of changes will be enough to get the attention of determined 5 Series and E-Class buyers, but if you've ever been interested in Jaguar's midsize sedan, it's never looked better. — Erin Riches
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