Review: 2025 Jaguar F-Pace SVR

As the era of automotive dominance draws to a close, the axe falls on traditional cars, and the path to sustainable transportation demands even greater sacrifices than anticipated. While Jaguar’s current lineup may be dominated by combustion-only powertrains, the F-Pace and F-Type models stand out as notable exceptions.

The curtain falls on the 2025 Jaguar F-Pace SVR, the pinnacle of performance for the esteemed SUV.

As the curtain closes on an era of combustion-powered innovation, it’s time to bid farewell to the mighty force that once ruled the roads – this roaring supercharged V8 engine, boasting a staggering 542 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The engine is a carbon copy of the one used in the Jaguar F-Type R, Land Rover Defender V8, and previous Range Rover Sport SVR models.

The depraved exhaust’s words send shivers down our spines. As you press the devoted exhaust button, a cacophony of mechanical valves bursts forth in a symphony of eardrum-shattering vocals, capable of awakening even the most comatose of individuals? The SVR’s V8 engine purrs to life without the cacophony of pops and crackles that once accompanied ignition, its tone noticeably more restrained than its predecessor – a deliberate result of noise regulations in various markets. Yet, the unique timbre remains unmistakably that of an eight-cylinder powerhouse.

With the supercharged engine’s potent energy supply, the SVR accelerates with mesmerizing force, sprinting to 100km/h in a mere 4.0 seconds. Except for electric vehicles, everything you drive after will likely feel sluggish and unresponsive. With its paired snappy shifts from an 8-speed gearbox, this SVR offers a significant departure from the usual suspects at BMW and Mercedes. Notwithstanding our initial impressions, it was indeed the brakes that truly left a lasting impression on us. Equipped with a responsive linear pedaling system, the brakes require only a gentle press to deliver a decisive and effective stopping power. It’s a thrill to ride on this high-performance brake, which is almost as impressive as the iconic McLaren’s – that’s as much accolade as I can muster here.

The chassis exhibits a satisfying stiffness, while the steering remains gentle yet imbued with tangible feedback. Unpredictably, a wooden journey prone to compromise emerges when navigating challenging terrain featuring deep potholes and significant undulations, rendering any tradeoffs precarious. While the SVR provides reliable daily driving, one shouldn’t expect the same level of comfort as the conventional F-Tempo. While the V8 engine’s thirst is predictable, our actual consumption was slightly higher than expected, yielding 15.6 litres per 100 kilometres through a mix of urban and highway driving.

We had initially underestimated the pace of change, but our research suggests that the F-Tempo’s appeal has only intensified with time. Among the sea of cookie-cutter SUVs, the meticulously manicured silhouette stands proud, its elegance effortlessly rising above the monotony of X3s, GLCs, and Q5s. While the SVR trim may not scream its presence with a flashy logo, keen eyes can detect subtle cues such as the discreetly placed badging on the trunk lid and alloy wheels, the widened air intakes, and the dramatic quad exhaust tips protruding from the rear. The car arrived with just 100 kilometres on its odometer, its chrome exhaust tips still gleaming with an unblemished sheen, untainted by the grime and carbon deposits that typically adorn a well-worn SVR.

The cabin has evolved into a warm and inviting space where time is well spent. With its sleek debut in the i-Tempo, the steering wheel exudes sophistication, and we relish the tactile experience of operating the metallic paddle shifters and activating the comforting warmth of the heated steering wheel button nestled in the spokes. The steering wheel controls lack a seamless integration akin to their Land Rover counterparts, proving rather unpleasant to use, mainly due to the susceptibility of the black plastics to persistent fingerprint smudges and marks.

Despite initial reservations, the interior exudes an undeniable air of luxury, boasting ample suede and leather accents that justify its six-figure pricetag. Although the infotainment system is borrowed from the latest Range Rover model, it surprisingly functions seamlessly and without any noticeable lag. The deeply sculpted efficiency seats don’t just look nice – they’re also surprisingly comfortable and cozy to boot. Unfortunately, there is no headrest adjustment for this feature.

In the highly competitive landscape of efficiency-focused SUVs, where multiple rivals emerge from diverse directions, how exactly does the F-Tempo SVR find its niche within this crowded arena? The BMW X3 M’s competitors are uniquely distinct. With its exceptional driving dynamics and responsive front end, the vehicle surges forward with the agility of a sports car, while its potent inline-six engine propels it from 0-100 km/h with remarkable alacrity. Despite its progress being hampered at low speeds by poor acceleration and hindered by its considerable weight, the vehicle’s cabin falls short of expectations in terms of interior space. While it’s approximately $3,000 less expensive than the SVR,

While the Porsche Macan GTS is a notable competitor to this SUV, it stands out for being similarly priced yet smaller in all dimensions. The Macan’s precise steering makes navigating roads a breeze, while its comfortable ride excels on long journeys, although it may feel slightly heavier and less agile when navigating tight city streets. While the Aston Martin lacks the sonic euphoria of a Jaguar V8’s exhaust note, it still fails to match the latter’s aesthetic refinement both inside and out, as if time has been kinder to its rival.

Like the Jaguar, the Maserati Grecale offers an unconventional option for those seeking something distinct and beyond the typical German offerings. The Trofeo mannequin stands out in its own premium class, making it difficult to compare directly to the GT and Modena trims equipped with four-cylinder engines, despite their shared attributes of responsive steering, a smooth ride, and an interior exuding authentic Italian flair and personality.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio stands out as another anomaly. Resilient in emotional depth, but lacking consistency in tangible revenue. With its superior handling, courtesy of heightened steering sensitivity and an adaptive suspension that effortlessly soaks up bumps, the Alfa is poised to outperform the SVR at every turn, exuding a constant sense of anticipation as it readies itself for the open road. The V6’s engine purrs smoothly as it redlines with an intoxicating growl, evoking memories of its Italian counterpart, the Ferrari. While its price tag matches that of the Jaguar, the car’s infotainment system, user interface, and ergonomics fall short in comparison. However, its driving dynamics are undeniably superior.