Growing up in good old Brazil, I think it’s fair to say that at any point I probably had more actual jaguars around me than Jags – the cars were just not a very familiar sight. So my appreciation for the brand came from a distant and sometimes digital appreciation, or maybe an XJ220 die cast I loved. So while Matt and Dave educated me on the history of the brand over my time with Tarmac, it only actually became a reality recently, with me trying out the E-Pace, and now with the F-Pace, practically back to back.
The F-Pace sits right in the heart of Jaguar’s SUV line-up, a segment sprinkled with German stalwarts like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLC. In P250 guise, it’s not the fire-breathing SVR monster and instead, it aims to deliver a blend of luxury, practicality, and driver engagement similar to what I recently had with the E-Pace, but in a larger, even more refined package.
The Jaguar design language is very cohesive throughout most of their models. Here, you will still find the J-blade signature headlights, the taut surfaces, the textured grille. It has many similarities with some of its famous sedans but, unsurprisingly, to the E-Pace as well. But the larger SUV manages to differentiate itself with a more mature stance, and a rear three quarter view that really asserts all the size and poise that a car of this size would require. In this “murdered out”, 90th Anniversary spec I had for the loaner, it makes this design – which is not all-new by any stretch – look current, posh and timeless.
Stepping inside, you still get that sense of familiarity, and that is an even better thing here. The dashboard is swathed in soft-touch materials, and the white stitching across the seats and trim really pops against the dark surfaces. The beautiful leather seats have a porous texture that holds you in, and the embossed feline on the headrest is a nice touch. In this interior configuration, it has a combination of restraint and old-school that feels on brand, and focusses on the nailing the surfaces you interact with.
As with the E-Pace, the driving position is spot-on. The steering wheel remains a highlight, with beautiful proportions and controls that feel expensive, not being touch sensitive but not being actual buttons either. Behind it, the Pivi Pro infotainment system takes pride of place in the centre, paired with a fully digital driver’s cluster. Both screens offer crisp graphics and a simple, intuitive interface – a refreshing contrast to some rivals that drown you in submenus. Commodities like a 360 camera, driver assistances and phone projection are all very adequate, easy to use and part of a comprehensive technology offering.
Physical rotary knobs for temperature control? Yes, please, and throw fan speed and seat heating while you’re at it. It’s these small touches that make the cabin feel considered rather than gimmicky. It’s a shame we don’t get the E-Pace’s rotary volume dial here, as it felt more satisfying to use than the F-Pace’s.
Practicality is well catered for too. There’s generous storage throughout, and the boot swallows luggage without complaint, making it a genuinely usable family SUV. It’s an interior very well suited for long journeys, not being overbearing with plenty of space for rear occupants – but no rear seat heating, which was available on the E. Same as before, the Meridian sound system delivers a warm, rich tone, though it shines best at moderate volumes. Push it too hard, and you might notice a hint of distortion creeping in, but for day-to-day listening, it’s very good.
Under the bonnet sits the Ingenium 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, cranking out 184kW and 365Nm. Those numbers are enough to move this SUV with decent urgency, but, compared to the E-Pace, it feels ever so slightly more labored – which is no surprise given the extra weight it’s lugging around. But what it lacks in outright punch, it compensates for with refinement and a soundtrack that’s surprisingly pleasing for a four-cylinder – it could be either a result of the 90 degree rotation versus the transverse E-Pace, or via fake noise pumped via the speakers. Either way, my simple brain was tickled, and I’m sure that the V8 that sits at the top of the lineup must be something else entirely (big, big wink, Jaguar!)
The eight-speed automatic gearbox does its job without drawing attention to itself, and that’s a big compliment. The E-Pace had some intermittent hesitation when caught off-guard, and the paddles only worked in Sport mode. All of that is fixed here, and in a system that skips on mild hybrid-ness, the result is an experience that is just that bit more engaging overall. As it is to be expected with the extra weight and a less efficient approach, consumption figures take a hit: during my time with the car, the average came down to 11.6L/100km. This might not be a Jaguar owner’s first buying consideration, but it’s important to take into account even if just for the range point of view.
Dynamically, that evolution over the FWD-first E-Pace is very much perceived as well, almost akin to levelling up in a video game. The steering – which initially puzzled me in the E-Pace – now makes perfect sense. It’s super quick, but here, paired with a RWD based platform, it feels cohesive. The double-wishbone front suspension and wide tyres work wonders in keeping the car composed, even when you’re pushing on. There’s a real sense of connection without sacrificing comfort, and that’s a tricky balance to nail in an SUV of this size.
Body control is impressive, weight transfer is managed beautifully, and through sweeping bends, the F-Pace feels planted and confidence-inspiring, to the point that I noticed stuff on the seats and boot would move around more than usual (the lack of body roll amplifies inertia). It’s not trying to be a sports car, but it does deliver genuine enjoyment when the road opens up. At the same time, it soaks up bumps with a level of compliance that makes long-distance touring a breeze.
It is clear I was impressed with the F-Pace. It takes everything I liked about the E-Pace and dials it up with added space, refinement, and backs it up with dynamic ability, and all of that became even more apparent by having them back to back. Sure, it is not the newest product out there, the engine could use a touch more punch if you’re after a missile, and this bracket of the market has some incredible alternatives. But as an overall package, the F-Pace delivers. It’s an SUV that’s just as satisfying to drive as it is to live with, and that’s a rare feat in a segment often dominated by compromise.
Thank you, Jaguar, for this great opportunity, and thank you for reading this far!
