The S-Type sedan debuted for the 2000 model year and doubled Jaguar's worldwide sales within a year. It competes in the hotly contested midsize luxury sedan category against formidable competitors like the 5 Series and E-Class. Although it shares its basic platform with the Lincoln LS, the S-Type is nonetheless a true Jaguar, as it features its own powertrains, suspension tuning, steering and interior and exterior design.

The only evidence of a relationship with Lincoln is a smattering of shared interior parts, but for the most part, the S-Type looks and feels the way you would expect a Jaguar car to look and feel. All Jaguar S-Type models come standard with stability control, along with four-wheel antilock disc brakes with a panic assist feature and seats that offer anti-whiplash technology. Additional protection is provided by standard side curtain airbags that protect both front and rear occupants.

Short-statured adults are able to sit farther away from the steering wheel thanks to power-adjustable pedals that also feature a memory function to store the preferences of more than one driver. Situated in the center of the dashboard is an optional LCD screen that controls stereo, climate, navigation and telephone functions via touchscreen interface and voice recognition technology. The Jaguar S-Type competes on solid footing with models from major luxury car competitors. It is a beautifully styled sedan, easily recognizable as a Jaguar car from a distance, and serves as a fresh departure from typical styling motifs in this class. Although BMW and Mercedes have the upper hand when it comes to cutting-edge technology, the 2006 Jaguar S-Type remains a desirable alternative for those looking for something a little different in this category.

The Jaguar S-Type sedan is available in two trims: 3.0 V6 and 4.2 V8 (a high-performance R version is also available). Standard equipment includes leather seats, Bronze Madrona wood trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, a 140-watt sound system with a CD player, a power sunroof and alloy wheels. An Aluminum Sport package adds upgraded wheels, sport seats, aluminum trim and a sport suspension. Stepping up to the 4.2 V8 model adds more power adjustments for the front seats; a memory function for the seats, mirrors, pedals and steering column; a programmable garage door opener; rain-sensing wipers; and a 320-watt Alpine audio system with CD changer. The V8 sedan can also be had with the VDP Edition package, which offers premium leather upholstery with contrasting piping on the seats, premium carpeted floor mats, heated seats, burled walnut trim, front parking sensors, HID headlamps, chrome mirrors and an electric rear sunshade.

The S-Type's standard 3.0-liter V6 makes 235 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. Models equipped with the 4.2-liter V8 boast 300 hp and come standard with the same six-speed automatic.

Standard equipment includes side-impact airbags for front occupants and full-length side curtain airbags, all connected to an advanced adaptive restraint technology system. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with panic assist are standard, along with stability and traction control. In NHTSA tests, the Jaguar S-Type earned four out of five stars for front-occupant protection in side impacts. Rear-seat protection merited a full five stars. Frontal-impact tests have not been conducted.

Both S-Types display surprisingly nimble driving dynamics along with a comfortable ride quality and smooth power delivery. The V8 is the way to go if you like to go everywhere fast, but most people will find the performance of the V6 perfectly acceptable. The six-speed automatic not only delivers smooth shifts, it gives the 2006 Jaguar S-Type respectable fuel mileage as well.

With a cabin slathered in real wood and sumptuous leather, the Jaguar S-Type is among the most opulently trimmed sedans in its class. Some of the switchgear and controls are hard to use, however, and seem more suited for a Ford than a Jaguar. S-Types equipped with the navigation system have a touchscreen that controls most stereo, climate, DVD navigation and telephone features, requiring drivers to cycle through tedious menus. Jaguar has done away with a traditional handbrake, replacing it with an electronic parking brake operated using a switch on the console. For the first time ever on a Jaguar car, there's a high-tech aluminum fascia option, in place of traditional wood.