- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
3.0SC, 6 cyl.
- Engine Power
280kW, 450Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 8.9L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2017)
2020 Jaguar F Pace S review
Many new premium SUVs have entered the Jaguar F-Pace’s territory. Can the big cat still hold its ground?
- Brilliant ride comfort
- Strong and smooth powertrain
- Great habitability
- Aging cabin experience
- Not enough standard kit, too many options
- A few quality concerns
How does this compare on price?
The F-Pace 35t S, with its supercharged V6 engine, is available from $108,437 before on-roads. This makes it cheaper than both the BMW X4 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC43 when comparing manufacturer list prices.
However, the price hikes when you begin to equip the car with the same options as per our test vehicle. This particular example will set you back $133,257 before taxes, which represents a 22.8 per cent increase in cost.
Extras on this car include some must-haves, as well as some nice-to-haves.
For example, the safety package, at $4795, represents a must-have. This includes important features such as blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree parking camera, high-speed autonomous emergency braking, plus more.
However, the performance leather seats could be considered an indulgence, and therefore more of a nice-to-have. They will set you back $6250.
When comparing to other medium SUVs in the premium segment, it is worth acknowledging that the Jaguar’s other competitors feature more safety features as standard for their list price.
The BMW X4 M40i is a natural competitor and starts from $113,900 before on-roads. It is $5400 more expensive than the F-Pace S without any options.
However, the BMW features a larger suite of active crash-avoidance technology as standard for the entry price, which you don’t have to pay extra for.
The same goes for the Mercedes-AMG GLC43. Priced from $112,500 before on-roads, it also features a similar safety suite to the BMW as standard.
This means the Jaguar F-Pace S is actually more expensive than its competitors when compared on an even playing field.
What is it like inside?
The Jaguar F-Pace is beginning to show its age inside. Its design does not look out of date, but the technology inside feels it, especially when compared to the latest and greatest from other European brands.
Most cars in this segment feature a digital instrument cluster; however, in the F-Pace it is a $845 privilege. There is also no ambient lighting offered either, not even as an option.
Further to that, the central touchscreen does not offer any form of haptic feedback or shortcut buttons. More modern competitors have advanced in terms of ergonomics, which makes their in-car technology more seamless to use than the Jaguar’s.
However, fancy things aside, the cabin is still quite spacious and roomy. Adults will find decent room in both the first and second rows.
There’s a nice sense of lightness and airiness to the cabin thanks to a large glasshouse, which also aids visibility. Storage inside the cabin is satisfactory, but there could be more.
The cargo area is one of the best parts of the Jaguar’s interior. It features a huge 650L up to the height of the parcel shelf, which makes it larger than the BMW X4 with 525L, and the Mercedes-AMG GLC with 550L.
If you’re buying a medium SUV first and foremost for space, then the F-Pace is ahead of the rest. However, its technology package isn’t as good as the others.
Is it a safe car in this segment?
The Jaguar F-Pace features a five-star ANCAP safety rating, as does the Mercedes-AMG GLC. The BMW X4 M40i variant does not have an ANCAP rating, however.
A bugbear for us is the lack of crash-avoidance technology found as standard on the Jaguar F-Pace. The only active safety systems you get for the list price are low-speed emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Everything else, you have to pay extra for.
Jaguar should really look to include equipment such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist and high-speed autonomous emergency braking for the list price.
However, once the F-Pace S is equipped with the driver-assist pack, it becomes as safe as the other choices on offer.
How much does it cost to maintain?
Jaguar offers service plans for its vehicles. This means you can bulk-buy five services upfront, saving money in the process.
A five-year/130,000km service package for the F-Pace S costs $2250. This works out to an average of $450 per year, per service, which is very reasonable given the performance and size of the engine.
BMW offers the same deal; however, its terms are a little different. The plan spans five years or 80,000km. The cost for a BMW X4 M40i is $1850, or $370 per year.
That makes it cheaper to maintain, but only if you cover 80,000km in five years. If you’re going to exceed the stated mileage, then its servicing costs are likely to look similar to that of the Jaguar F-Pace.
The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 is quite expensive to maintain. A five-year service plan costs $4600, or $920 annually, making it significantly more expensive than the other two.
What does it have under the bonnet?
There’s no shortage of power with the supercharged engine found in the Jaguar F-Pace S. It makes 280kW and 450Nm of torque.
It is, first and foremost, a performance engine. Its supercharged nature means it provides its force instantly with no lag or latency in sight. The powerband is broad, which creates a sense of flexibility with the way the engine feels.
Revving it highly is therefore rewarding, and it doesn’t run out of puff like some of the turbocharged competitors do. It’s likely to provide you with the thrills you’re expecting, if you’re in the market for a sporty SUV.
The engine is connected to an eight-speed transmission that features a traditional torque converter. It is very smooth and quick to shift gears when pressed.
Getting to 100km/h from zero takes just 5.5 seconds, which is brisk given the near-on two-tonne weight it is lugging around.
What is its economy like?
Jaguar claims that the F-Pace S will use 8.9 litres per 100km travelled on the combined cycle. On our test it returned 11.5L/100km, with the occasional spritely drive thrown in among a mix of city and highway routes.
On a previous test, a Mercedes-AMG GLC43 returned 11.8L/100km against the official claim of 10.4L/100km.
As for the BMW X4 M40i, we’ve managed to achieve 10.6L/100km versus the official figure of 8.9L/100km.
The Jaguar’s result puts it in the middle of the pack with regard to real-world fuel economy.
What else should I consider in this segment?
Both the BMW X4 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC43 are likely alternatives if you’re after performance alongside room for the family.
If you’re more interested in speed than space, then it’s worth checking out the Porsche Macan GTS. It’s priced from $109,700 before on-roads.
If style and presence are critical, there’s always the Maserati Levante. The entry model will set you back $125,000 before on-roads, and might be worth the stretch depending on your priorities.
Any problems I should look out for?
The reports concerning the Jaguar F-Pace have been centred around build-quality issues and glitchy infotainment units.
Assessing build quality is a simple task – go over the car in detail and ensure that everything lines up, shuts, operates and works as it should. It also pays to raise any concerns you have at the time, before you drive away from the dealership.
Nowadays, in-car systems are patched and updated at each service, so it’s likely that most software issues have been resolved given how old the Jaguar F-Pace model is.
Furthermore, ensure that you arrange to have it maintained at the correct intervals, as with any car, to avoid future headaches.
Should I buy it?
Combined with great on-road manners, the performance of the supercharged Jaguar F-Pace will likely appeal to those seeking something a little spicy. It’s also comfortable, offering plenty of space for both passengers and cargo.
Then there’s the styling. It looks grand, not showy. It isn’t as aggressive as others in the segment, showing more reserve, which can be more appealing to some.
Although, the big cat gets let down by a lack of standard active safety features. If you really fall in love with the way it looks and drives, you can always fork out to equip it with the right equipment.
We’d say if you’re chasing size and space as paramount, then definitely take the F-Pace for a test drive before you make up your mind.