Road Test: 2020 Jaguar F-Pace SVR
Story by Jordan Allan, photos courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover
Specifications:
Price(MSRP): $92,000
Engine: 5.0L Supercharged DOHC V8
Trans: ZF 8-Speed automatic
Power: 550 hp@ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 502 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
Curb Weight: 4,395 lbs./1,994 kg
Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) 14.5/11
New for 2020: The Jaguar F-Pace SVR remains unchanged after being introduced for 2019 except for Apple Car Play and Android Auto now coming as standard.
Segment Competitors: BMW X3 M, Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Porsche Macan, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, Mercedes-AMG GLC 63
The Skinny: The Jaguar F-Pace SVR is one of the few SUVs that allows you to truly experience the same feelings you would get when behind the wheel of a tried and true performance car, albeit with more than enough room for 5 passengers and their luggage in the back. This is an appealing package to many who still want some serious thrills when they put their foot down but who also don’t want to sacrifice the practicality of their ride. The F-Pace SVR finds an excellent balance of both and comes in a beautiful package that looks almost as good as it drives.
Under the hood is a 5.0L Supercharged V8 that makes an impressive 550 horsepower and puts power to the wheels through a lightning quick ZF 8-speed automatic and an AWD system that is sure to hold traction to all four wheels. The suspension is very firm and allows you to confidently take corners even at high speeds which is something that I always look for in performance SUVs. The huge brakes bring the SVR to a stop swiftly and the quad tailpipes provide a noise whilst under heavy acceleration that is very addicting.
Inside the F-Pace SVR provides an overall luxurious feel, although it does feel somewhat dated when compared to some of its competition. The race bucket style seats are the most comfortable seats of this style that I’ve ever sat in and provide a nearly perfect mix of comfort and support both from the seatback and side bolsters that come especially in handy during any high-speed driving.
Unfortunately for me, I drove the F-Pace SVR during the midst of an especially dreary Vancouver January filled with a lot of rain and the odd flurry which means that I didn’t get to test the SUV in the exact way I wanted. That being said, I did still of course find some time to put my foot into and was very impressed at the way it tossed me back into my seat, a feeling I don’t think I will ever get tired of. On the other hand, the SVR handled the inclement weather very well, never losing traction (even with performance summer tires) or control and was even quite comfortable with the driving mode turned all the way down.
Pros: I couldn’t think of just one sentence to write here so I will just list everything that I especially liked; the looks, the power, the engine, the transmission, the suspension and the seats.
Cons: The only thing I could come up with is the climate control buttons, shifter and surround controls do feel a little bit dated. Never been a huge fan of the JLR infotainment system either.
The Verdict: I’ll be honest in that I haven’t driven the Jaguar F-Pace SVR’s main competition in quite some time, if at all so for me to say that you should buy this vehicle over those would be unfair. That being said, what I do know is that the F-Pace SVR is incredible. It looks amazing, is blisteringly fast, has enough room for the entire family and provides all of the creature comforts you’d want in your SUV. As I said, it strikes the perfect balance of those wanting the attributes from both any typical SUV and a true performance vehicle. Let’s leave it at this, those other vehicles would have to be pretty special to get me away from the Jaguar F-Pace SVR.
