If today’s underpowered 4- and 6-cylinder crossover offerings don’t excite you, then I suggest heading over to your local Jaguar retailer and taking a very close look at the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR. This attractive Brit is a genuine V8-powered “muscle car,” which clearly differentiates itself from its countless underpowered competitors.
Jaguar, as most know, has announced that it is transitioning to an all-electric lineup by 2025. While we can expect torque-laden motors (not “engines”) to power future Jags, many enthusiasts will miss the distinctive exhaust note as a combustion engine engine wails to redline. Especially, the sound of a V8.
No need to worry for the next year or so, as Jaguar has handed its F-Pace crossover to its capable Special Vehicles Operations division (hence the ‘SVR’ in its name) for some special work. What emerged is an impressive five-passenger vehicle fitted with a potent supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that leaves not doubt as to its mission.
The V8, which traces it roots back to 2009 (a variant was fitted to the 2010 Jaguar XJ), has been tuned to deliver 550 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic, which has been specially calibrated for SVR duty. According to Jaguar, the four-door sprints from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds — impressive for a vehicle with an estimated 4,800-pound curb weight — towards a top speed of 178 mph.
Numbers are one thing, but what really matters is power delivery and audio track. And Jaguar delivers those, too.
Switch to Sport mode and the exhaust takes on an angry deep growl (it’s not as loud as it has been in the past — blame regulators and laws that keep decibels low). Mash the throttle and the F-Pace leaps off the line as the gearbox cracks off each successive shift. The exhaust bellows loudly — it’s music to an enthusiast’s ears.
It’s a hoot to aim and shoot the F-Pace SVR from one corner to the next. The steering feels great, and the suspension damping is spot-on (kudos to the Pirelli P-Zero tires, which complement the driving dynamics perfectly). However, the electronically boosted brakes are a challenge to accurately module (after a week, I was finally getting used to applying them properly for smooth stops).
While driving enthusiasts will be smitten with the F-Pace SVR, it’s also important to note that it’s a very comfortable crossover. Five adults fits well, with leg and shoulder room to spare. There is plenty of room for luggage behind the seats, and the premium cabin appointments reek of luxury — everyone commented on the leather and attractive use of aluminum trim. The only complaint was with the infotainment system, which is everything but intuitive (again, it took a full week to accommodate to it).
I really enjoyed the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR — actually, more than I expected I would. The take-no-prisoners supercharged V8 sets it apart from its competitors, and its interior space, quiet cabin, and comfortable driving dynamics (when the accelerator pedal isn’t buried in the carpet) allow it to more than hold its own as a daily driver. The future of Jaguar may be electric, but it’s nice when an automaker plays hard until the last inning.
