After being privatised in 1984, Jaguar had been developing a smaller saloon to complement the XJ6 by the early 1990s, but these plans were axed following its takeover by Ford in 1989, only to resurface within a few years.

[citation needed] The S-Type was produced at Jaguar's Castle Bromwich facility in Birmingham, England.

[3] The first S-Types ("X200" 1999–2002) are distinguished by a U-shaped centre console and optional touchscreen navigation system in the 2003 and later models.

The traditional leaping jaguar bonnet mascot was optional and is approved by the US and EU standards and breaks away in the case of an accident.

The supercharged S-Type R (Jaguar STR for short) joined the lineup in 2002, and the hope was that it would compete with BMW's M5 and the Mercedes E55 AMG.

[4] Also added on the 2003 model was an electronic parking-brake paddle-switch that replaced the conventional manually operated lever for the rear brakes.

The 2003 model featured a revised dash, centre console, and a grille with the Jaguar badge to give the vehicle a more Jaguar-like appearance, and a flip-open key was devised for the ignition.

[8][9] In particular, the 2.7 V6 twin-turbodiesel engine was described as 'a paragon of refinement, quietness, and fuel economy' by the European automotive press, with enough 'refinement and performance to wean anyone off petrol power'.