The supercharged S-Type R joined the lineup in 2002, and the hope was that it would compete with BMW's M5 and the Mercedes E55 AMG. The R was powered by the newly revised 4.2 Litre V8 with an Eaton M112 supercharger producing 400 hp (300 kW; 410 PS) and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.3 s (0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.6 s).
It included 18 in (457 mm) alloy wheels, wire-mesh grille and monochromatic paint. The R also has a rear apron, side-skirts, and front apron with built-in fog-lamps, a rear spoiler, a brace located near the rear subframe, and R badging on the boot lid and both front wings. It was the most expensive S-Type, with a base price of £50,040 in the UK (US$58,995 in the United States).