Jaguar F-PACE 5.0 SVR (A) Review

Who needs 500bhp in a family SUV? The honest answer, of course, is nobody. However, that hasn't stopped car manufacturers from making these 'performance SUVs'.

Alfa Romeo has the Stelvio Quadrifoglio. BMW is producing M model SUVs such as the X3 M and X4 M. Mercedes-Benz makes the GLC 63. And of course, Porsche has the Macan Turbo. So while we'd argue nobody needs such a car, it's clear people want such sporty SUVs. 

So, somewhat expectedly, Jaguar has decided that it needs to get in on the action as well - take a family SUV, lop in a big engine, make it stiffer, slap some sporty bumpers on. Step forth, this F-PACE SVR. 

SVR?

The SVR badging denotes models that have been given some extra love from Jaguar Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations department, sort of like Mercedes' AMG range. The badge was previously featured on two bonkers JLR models - the F-TYPE SVR, and the Range Rover Sport SVR. 

A big part of the madness is the engine - this F-PACE sports a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 producing a scandalous 543bhp and 680Nm of torque. It's enough to send this two-tonne behemoth from 0-100km/h in just 4.3 seconds.

It's an engine that's plenty fun to use - generous amounts of low end torque, while still goading you to rev it hard through the (lower) gears. It pulls hard and allows you to embarrass most other cars on the road, and it's certainly laughter-inducing considering you're driving a 'family SUV'. 

A second part to the SVR madness is the noise, but here it's strangely subdued. Unlike the F-TYPE and Range Rover Sport, both of which emitted ungodly noises from the exhausts, the F-PACE is not quite as noisy as you'd expect. 

That's possibly a good thing. Cruising along the highway, it's surprisingly serene on light throttle application (you know, being a family SUV and all). The engine also delivers so much low-end torque that you never really need to prod the throttle hard. 

Performance, then...

Which isn't to say you shouldn't. Shift down a couple of gears (gears two to four are preferable), put your foot to the floor, and the car still makes a riotous noise (coupled with outrageous acceleration). 

This F-PACE SVR has also been made sportier. You get massive rims and brakes, functional side vents and a rear spoiler to enhance the car's aerodynamics.

The car has also been tweaked to have firmer suspension, sharper steering and better overall driving dynamics. 

As a result, the car is quite fun to drive. You can't defy the laws of physics, so there's some body roll when you corner hard. And there's no getting over the sheer size of the car, but it holds itself well through spirited driving.

However, you're never really going to be focusing too much on those things, because you'll likely just be soaking in the noise of the V8. 

It's an SUV though...

More importantly, it also does all the mundane SUV-things well. In the comfort setting, the car rides reasonably well. It's still notably firmer than the standard F-PACE, but it's never bone-crushingly hard. And, it still has a generous boot, and good enough space in the rear cabin.

Jaguar has also glammed up this car, and it does feel like a nicer place to be in. There's new equipment, such as the fully digital dashboard, new central infotainment screen and ventilated sports seats. Importantly, the overall finish and quality in the cabin also feels a step up from your standard F-PACE. And it bloody well should be considering this car is a hundred grand more than the 2.0-litre version. 

So, performance SUV wannabe? 

There's no denying that this F-PACE SVR falls firmly in the 'want' rather than the 'need' column. No one needs a 500bhp SUV, but many people sure want one. And hey, now there's one more to choose from. 

Should you buy one, though? The F-PACE SVR isn't as fabulously mad as the F-TYPE and RR Sport, and if you're looking solely for the audacious noise, you would be forgiven for giving this SVR a miss.

And, it's quite a lot more expensive than the standard F-PACE, though it's also quite a lot more car. 

That said, this SVR is a highly composed package. If you want the highest quality F-PACE currently on offer, this SVR model is definitely it - as far as performance, equipment and overall quality is concerned. 

Strictly as a performance SUV, the F-PACE SVR doesn't break new ground. But, it definitely stacks up well against the competition. And really, that's all that truly matters - it's gotten in on the action.

Want to hear those ungodly noises from the F-PACE SVR's exhaust? Watch our video review here to see and hear more!