Introduced in spring 1999 as an early 2000 model, Jaguar's smaller rear-drive luxury sedan shared its platform with the Lincoln LS, since both companies were part of Ford Motor Company. Unlike the Lincoln, however, the S-Type was built in Britain using mostly Jaguar-specific components. Seating five, the four-door sedan came in two versions, with two different engines. The 3.0 sedan used a 3.0-liter V6, derived from a Ford design. The S-Type 4.0 held a 4.0-liter Jaguar V8. Both engines drove a Ford/Jaguar five-speed automatic transmission. Lincoln's LS used its own versions of each engine. Traction control and antilock all-disc braking were standard, along with front head/chest side airbags. Options included a Weather Package with Jaguar's antiskid Dynamic Stability Control, and a Sport Package with computer-controlled shock absorbers and high-speed tires on 17-inch wheels. A Deluxe Communications Package included an in-dash navigation system/cell-phone assistance system, plus voice-activated control for the phone, audio, and climate functions. Optional Reverse Park Control sounded an alert as the car backed toward an obstacle. As the 2000 model year officially began in autumn 1999, the S-Type added a trunk pull-down strap and switched to restyled alloy wheels. Rivals included the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Lexus GS 300/400.