Since its 1999 launch, the S-type has suffered criticism for its interior quality, but although some of the plastics still lack the sheen of those found in Audis or BMWs, you can’t fault its new construction. The interior also feels a more special place to be than it did: traditional without feeling dated. The grey Dove leather trim gave a light and airy feel and the seats are wider and more comfortable than the Sport version’s, while still providing excellent lateral support.
The driver environment is intimate and it’s easy to find the ideal driving position. Ahead are simpler dials and a handsome all-leather steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers have decent leg- and elbow-room, but six-footers will find the low roofline oppressive compared to the spacious E-class and, though the shallow boot is boosted by a 70/30 split rear seat, its 400-litre capacity is easily trumped by the 520 litres of the Merc and BMW.
When it goes on sale in June, the diesel S will cost from £27,670, with the SE and Sport versions weighing in at £31,670. Standard kit is generous and the SE looks good value alongside the £32,875 E270 CDi Avantgarde auto or £32,400 530d SE auto – both of which lack the S-type’s standard leather. However, the Jaguar is certain to lose out on the second-hand market and, at £631, the contract hire rate is £25 costlier than the BMW’s and £40 above the Mercedes’.
But for company-car buyers, the diesel Jag is an obvious choice. Despite the engine not qualifying for Euro4 emissions status and the consequent lower tax rating until later in the production run, it demands five per cent less tax than the auto-equipped S-type petrols, all of which occupy the top 35 per cent bracket. Opt for the manual, with 189g/km CO2 emissions, and it drops still further to 26 per cent. And then there’s the fuel consumption. We couldn’t match Jaguar’s claimed 36.0mpg, but our touring figure of 35.1mpg is a useful saving over the 30.0mpg we’d expect in a 3.0-litre petrol m
