2021/22 Jaguar F-Pace SVR P550hp Review Editor- The following review of the F-Pace SVR was carried out by Paul Maric for CarExpert. It has been redacted from just over 2,400 words to just under 500. To read the
full review or watch the 20-minute video goto: CarExpert F-Pace SVR Review The days of V8 performance cars are numbered. That’s what makes something like the F-Pace SVR so special.
For 2021/22 the family-friendly Big Cat has received a minor nip-and-tuck inside and out, headlined by a torque bump, fine-tuning of the driver controls, and the introduction of JLR’s latest infotainment and connectivity features. It’s worth snagging one of the last of a dying breed. How much does the F-Pace SVR cost? The F-Pace SVR is something of a performance bargain compared to better-known rivals, priced from $142,170 before on-road costs. Our test vehicle had about $10,000 worth of options, bringing the as-tested sticker to $153,160 plus on-roads – still not bad in this segment. Here’s a look at where the Jag sits compared to its rivals. All prices exclude on-road costs: • Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio: $146,950 • BMW X3 M Competition: $160,900 • Maserati Levante S GranSport: $182,490 • Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S: $175,800 • Porsche Macan GTS: $129,800
Only the Jaguar and the Mercedes feature a V8 under the bonnet. What is it like on the inside? Arguably the biggest changes for 2022 come in the cabin, where Jaguar has rejigged the centre console, popped on a new steering wheel, and applied its gorgeous curved 11.4-inch ‘Pivi Pro’ touchscreen infotainment system. Compared to early versions of the F-Pace, the interior looks and feels like a properly premium product. The design is clean and user-friendly, the materials and textures are upmarket and much more competitive with German products, and the higher-resolution, faster displays make the Jag feel really high-tech. What’s under the bonnet? This is where the magic happens. Power in the F-Pace SVR comes from Jaguar’s iconic 5.0-litre supercharged V8, which in ‘P550’ tune puts out 405kW (55006500rpm) and 700Nm (2000-5000rpm). Torque is up by 20Nm compared to the pre-update version. An eight-automatic transmission drives all four wheels, including paddle shifters and a manual mode, and the V8 breathes through an active sports exhaust system. How does the Jaguar F-Pace SVR drive? From the moment you start it up, it sends chills down your spine and makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
That 5.0-litre Jag V8 has a very distinct growl, there’s no mistaking it for an AMG. I only spent a weekend driving this thing, meaning there was a couple of commutes to work and a sunny Sunday driving through the Victorian hills in Melbourne’s east having a punt up some winding B-roads. The F-Pace SVR is fantastic across both extremes. CarExpert’s Take on the F-Pace SVR I came away pleasantly surprised. Performance SUVs usually aren’t my thing, but the Jag’s looks, performance and dynamic talents are impressive without having to say… for an SUV. That’s before you factor in the unique character that comes with its blaring supercharged 5.0-litre V8, excellent infotainment, its low-for-the-segment starting price, and relative exclusivity compared to something like an AMG GLC or X3 M. If I was shopping in the segment and price bracket, the Jaguar would be one of my top picks. Cooler and classier than a Benz or BMW, more raucous than the Alfa, and less clean and clinical than the Porsche.
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