Providing the middle Jaguar with another front in its war with the premium German saloons from Audi (new A6), BMW (5-series) and Mercedes (E-class), this S-type is powered by a 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel – developed by parent company Ford in a joint venture with PSA Peugeot Citroën. With quad cams, 24 valves and twin turbos, the AJD-V6’s specification reads like that of an Italian exotic and, at 202kg, the lightweight unit weighs just 15kg more than the 3.0 V6 petrol.
It’s not the most powerful engine in its class, though: with 206bhp at 4000rpm and 320lb ft at 1900rpm, it’s left trailing by the BMW 530d’s 218bhp/369lb ft, but packs more punch than the 174bhp/295lb ft offered by the Mercedes E270 CDi, which closely matches it on price.
The new powerplant coincides with discreet styling revisions across the range, comprising a wider grille, re-profiled bonnet (in aluminium, instead of steel, to improve weight distribution) and a raised tail. The changes are simple yet effective, giving a more contemporary look that works best in dechromed Sport trim.
The common-rail diesel is mounted longitudinally, driving the rear wheels through either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The unequal-length aluminium wishbone suspension is carried over, but with retuned dampers and revised spring rates for the diesel version.
