Regal Rides — 2005 Jaguar XK and S-Type

2005 Jaguar XK

Following its launch in 1996, Jaguar’s beautifully svelte XK8 soon became its best-ever-selling sports car. Improvements for 2001 included enhanced electronics and other features focusing on safety, comfort and driving enjoyment, including Jaguar’s Adaptive Restraint Technology System (ARTS), which senses the severity of a crash, the position of driver and passenger and their seatbelt usage to determine the most appropriate airbag deployment energy levels, and optional Adaptive Cruise Control.
 
For 2003, a major powertrain upgrade brought larger and more powerful 4.2L V8 engines (294 hp XK8 coupe and convertible, 390 hp for XKR supercharged models), a first-in-class standard 6-speed automatic transmission and further key safety features including Emergency Brake Assist (which increases brake force in an emergency) and Dynamic Stability Control.
 
For 2005, all XKs get a revised nose and tail, new side sills, wheels and trim and new, larger exhaust pipe “finishers” for XK8s. Supercharged XKRs also get a new mesh grille, a restyled lower “mouth profile” in the front bumper, a larger rear spoiler and new quad tailpipe finishers. No fewer than three new multi-spoke wheel styles (18-in., 19-in. and 20-in.) add exterior bling, and a new Automatic Speed Limiter is added across the XK range.

2005 Jaguar S-Type

Jaguar’s handsome heritage-look mid-size luxo-sedan is also upgraded for 2005. Its already sensuous design is refined “to achieve a more athletic, contemporary look with cleaner, tauter, more muscular lines and subtly modified proportions.” Exterior panel fits are tighter, a new aluminum hood improves front/rear weight distribution and, as a result, high-speed handling and (like XKs) ’05 S-Types offer new-design alloy wheels and advanced cruise control. The interior is also upgraded with more color and trim choices, redesigned instruments and improved materials and quality throughout. A new special-order option substitutes aluminum for the traditional wood trim, a look reminiscent of Jaguar E-Type sports cars of the past.

Models and powertrain choices — S-Type 3.0L 235-hp V6, 294-hp 4.2L V8 and S-Type R 390- hp supercharged 4.2L V8 — are unchanged, except that all are now coupled to a first-in-segment 6-speed ZF automatic transmission. The 5-speed manual previously available with the V6 is no longer offered.

As before, an uprated sport suspension comes as part of a sport package option, while Front Park Assist and 18-in. wheels are available on all three models. Jaguar’s Computer Active Technology Suspension (yes, CATS) with electronically adjustable dampers is standard with the V8, and Electronic Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control and front, side and side curtain airbags with the Adaptive Restraint Technology System (ARTS) are standard across the range.

What We Think

Now that their quality is good, what’s not to like about these gorgeous, powerful and sumptuous sports cars and saloons?

2005 Jaguar XK and S-Type