Pricing for the 2022 Jaguar F-Pace starts at $98,400 in Canada, $86,600 in the US.
There is no such thing as an SVR “light” model.
The F-Pace SVR may be the most under-appreciated high-performance premium SUV.

I wasn’t lying when I wrote in my Jaguar F-Pace S P250 review that I’d not yet driven my last F-Pace. This time however I spent time with the most powerful and expensive iteration. It’s easy to love the Jaguar F-Pace SVR P550 for what it is and what it does but there’s more to it than just the SUV.

2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR | Photo: Olivier Delorme

Although I do like most BMW non-M M cars and SUVs, and non-AMG AMG vehicles, I’ve always been annoyed that both BMW and Mercedes-Benz opted to dilute their high-performance sub-brands in the name of money, lots and lots of it mind you. Over at JLR, there’s no such thing as a half-measure SVR vehicle. All SVRs are full-fat all-in mega-powered versions of the vehicle they are based on.

Subtle F-Type SVR

Despite the fact that this F-Pace is a bonified SVR, it’s not overdone or exaggerated. Everything that is included with this super-SUV is measured in equal parts, or nearly. Visually, this SUV is special, but it doesn’t scream at onlookers begging for attention. Certainly, there’s no mistaking it for the S P250 I reviewed previously and unless the driver’s right foot is up against the firewall, as it drives by, it could be mistaken for just another F-Pace.

I can’t properly express how brilliant an approach this is. And if you’re wondering what physically differentiates the SVR from the others, other than the badges, look for the deeper more aggressive front and rear bumpers, a few extra details in the bonnet, subtle side skirts, 21-inch wheels, and quad tailpipes around the back. The F-Pace SVR does without massively flared wheel arches and an oversized spoiler; it is perfect.

As tested, the Sanguinello Orange F-Pace features the optional gloss black 22-inch wheels which when combined, hinted at something special. However, with the standard 21s and painted Eiger Grey, for example, few will believe this is an SVR.

Premium and clean interior

For 2021, Jaguar has updated portions of the cabin. Notably, the central touchscreen has grown in size up to 11.4 inches. More importantly, the display’s resolution is all 21^st-century that is to say crisp and clear. Other changes include the shifter, which could use more resistance when it toggles, and new door cards.

Unique to the SVR trim are both front and rear seats. The rear bench features two semi-sport seats carved out of the seatback, more for the visual effect than actual support. Up front, however, the story is very different. The ultra-thin shockingly firm near-racing buckets look as though they will be uncomfortable when in fact, they expertly hold appendages and organs in all driving situations. As well, the interior includes a number of “SVR” logos and ebony suede-cloth inserts throughout.

The level of included kit is high as expected in a near-$100k vehicle. The SVR is delivered with heated and cooled front seats, an impressive Meridian audio system, and a stonkingly powerful supercharged V8 engine.

SVR = All the power

This engine is not unfamiliar to JLR products. Truth be told, it’s available in all mid- to upper-echelon JLR vehicles. The supercharged 5.0-litre’s output varies slightly and in the F-Pace, it produces 550 horsepower between 6,250-6,500 rpm and 516 lb.-ft. of torque from 3,500-5,000 rpm.

Based on the numbers alone, it’s clear that the F-Pace SVR is fast, capable of launching to 100 km/h from a standstill in only 4 seconds. With the active sport exhaust activated, the V8’s rumble is addictive. And interestingly, as though Jaguar knows who will purchase this SUV, the supercharger’s whine is almost inaudible. The brute power is all there but it’s not overpowered, as it can be, by the charger’s rotors interlacing with each other.

The SVR’s 8-speed automatic transmission is likewise willing and able to effortlessly glide from one gear to another in relaxed driving situations. When the mood hits, it will instantly put the V8 to work. Coupled to Jaguar’s predictive AWD system with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics and included active rear differential and brake-biased torque vectoring, the F-Pace SVR is highly proficient and entertaining, if soothing, means to go fast.

The SVR holds a unique Interactive Driver Display which integrates performance pages for lap times, a G meter, and other functions. It’s here that customizing the Dynamic drive mode (Comfort, Eco, and off-road) is possible. The SVR’s chassis, steering, transmission, and throttle response can be set to Dynamic or Comfort. As always, only the dampers remain in Comfort. Thanks to the integrated adaptive dynamics suspension technology, the SVR can ultimately be cosseting and sharp at once.

A better high-performance luxury SUV

This exclusive segment is more difficult to chop up. If I had to own a member of this elite club, I’d have to select the BMW X5 M as it encompasses power, prestige, and technology. Emotionally, I’d be torn between the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio and the F-Pace SVR.

Having said that, as the sophisticated gentleman that I am not, I’d need all the help I can get to look more presentable. The F-Pace would suit me better.