Jaguar F-PACE SVR takes fight up to GLC 63 and X3 M

The Jaguar F-PACE SVR has had its claws sharpened with higher levels of performance from its 5.0-litre supercharged V8 among a host of other improvements wrought on the latest model.

Due to launch in Australia in April 2021, the new Jaguar F-PACE SVR is priced from $141,040 – a rise of $778 compared to the outgoing model – and will continue to undercut rival premium mid-size SUVs such as the six-cylinder BMW X3 M Competition (from $157,900) and V8-powered Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 S (from $168,000).

Both of these twin-turbocharged German models deliver 375kW, which is well down on the 405kW produced in the F-PACE SVR (and which remains unchanged), but a 20Nm increase in torque for the blown V8 top cat now sees it muscle up to the GLC 63 S at 700Nm – the same mark as the Benz and 100Nm clear of the Beemer.

Together with a redesigned front-end design with improved aerodynamics, the Jaguar F-PACE SVR now devours the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.0 seconds, down from 4.3sec.

Jaguar says newly sculpted front body work reduces aerodynamic lift by 35 per cent for better high-speed stability while lowering drag and enhancing the F-PACE’s “assertive stance”.

Top speed is up slightly (3km/h) to 286km/h and Jaguar has also taken the liberty of upgrading the high-performance braking package with an integrated power booster, better brake pads, retuned pedal feel and improved cooling to balance the extra gristle from the old-school 32-valve V8.

The British luxury car brand has also raided the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 sedan’s componentry, fitting the same strengthened torque converter for the F-PACE SVR’s eight-speed automatic transmission.

Related: Jaguar F-PACE SVR review

Following the reveal of the facelifted 2021 Jaguar F-PACE in September, the fiery SVR now benefits from similar upgrades, including the floating 11.4-inch curved-glass touch-screen infotainment system complete with a magnesium frame.

A dedicated micro-processor runs the Pivi-Pro infotainment architecture to speed up operations and provide better graphics. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto readiness is built-in, as is a 15W wireless phone charger and twin modems that allow for over-the-air vehicle updates and an always-connected system.

Jaguar has also deployed a road noise cancellation system, which it claims is a first for this segment.

Like the regular F-PACE models, a shorter gear shifter has been added, while the steering wheel gear shift paddles are made from a zinc-alloy material.

A customisable 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a head-up display are now included, along with enhanced active safety systems including adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and adaptive speed limiter.