2020 Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupe Review: Sensory Overload

Jaguar's F-Type is everything you want in a luxury sports coupe. The sublime design may now be more than half a decade old, but it's still an exceptionally pretty thing, both inside and out. In its most powerful SVR form, power is dialed up all the way to 567 hp, enabling this scalded cat to leap to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds before topping out at 200 mph. The source of the commotion is a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that sings an intoxicating song. Between the snarling engine, the seductive styling, and the engaging handling, the Jag is a sports car that stimulates almost all of the five senses (you could theoretically give the Windsor leather a taste, but we don't recommend it). It's not refined in the way that the Porsche 911 is, though: the SVR is constantly noisy, look closely and you'll find some cheap bits of trim, and the stiff ride can quickly become wearisome. But, if you already have a more comfortable daily driver and want a weekend car that can help you shake off the toll of a busy work week, few cars are more qualified for the job.

What's the Price of the 2020 Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupe?

At $123,600, the SVR is the priciest F-Type - it's over $20,000 more expensive than the F-Type R, which we review separately. The SVR's price excludes tax, licensing, registration, and the brand's destination/delivery charge of $1,025.

Handling and Driving Impressions

The SVR has undergone an array of upgrades to sharpen up its dynamics compared to other F-Types. The Pirelli P ZERO tires are just under 0.4 inches wider than the tires on standard F-Types, enhancing the car's grip levels. Lateral G-forces are higher in the SVR, thanks to rear suspension knuckles that are stiffer by 37 percent, while the rear anti-roll bar is thicker, too. An electronic active differential features torque vectoring and lessens the effect of oversteer.

On first acquaintance, the steering feels almost too quick and creates a twitchy feel from behind the wheel. Once you acclimatize, you soon begin to appreciate that the SVR makes the majority of other cars feel languid and lazy. The wider tires and all-wheel-drive system combine to afford the SVR with stupendous levels of grip, easily pushing the driver and likely wide-eyed passenger into the seats' bolsters. While the steering isn't completely numb, feedback isn't quite as generous as in some other sports cars. Without question, though, the SVR achieves its mission of being a deeply engrossing driver's car.

Don't expect it to be comfortable, though. The ride is hard and, especially at lower speeds, you'll feel most bumps and surface changes. You'll hear them too, because the Jag isn't as well-insulated as its German contemporaries. But considering the SVR badge on the back, the uncompromising suspension tuning makes sense here. The switchable active exhaust, meanwhile, lets loose a V8 roar that is thoroughly enjoyable. The large brakes (measuring 15 inches in front) are overly sensitive at first, but there is no shortage of bite.

Verdict: Is the 2020 Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupe A Good car?

Jaguar has nailed what a sports coupe should be with the F-Type SVR. It ranks highly for its emotive qualities and immerses you in the driving experience every step of the way - from the manic 567-hp V8 to the razor-sharp steering. Even merely sitting in the SVR is an occasion; passers-by will be enamored by its presence, and from behind the wheel, the deployable air vents, SVR-specific touches, and fine Windsor leather engender all kinds of feel-good vibes. But by focusing so intensely on making it an absolute riot, Jaguar neglected to make the SVR a bit more livable, like its Porsche 911 rival. The ride is harsh, noise is always prevalent, and space utilization is poor. But, like a BMW M Competition or a Mercedes-AMG S, the SVR isn't supposed to be friendly or especially practical. It's supposed to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on edge, something that the SVR accomplishes each time you start it up.

What Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupe Model Should I Buy?

As you don't get a choice of powertrain, SVR customization comes down to colors, materials, and features. Assuming that cost isn't a massive concern for a six-figure sports coupe, we'd specify ours in the stunning Rio Gold from the SVR Premium Palette, which does add a significant $4,900 to the price. The fixed panoramic roof at least increases the sensation of space in the rather snug cabin, so we'd tick that box for $1,175. The Pimento quilted Windsor leather adds $2,550, while heated and cooled seats go for $800. Finally, blind-spot assist with rear traffic monitoring is a useful addition since the SVR isn't especially easy to see out of - this adds $500. Before we get completely carried away, our ideal SVR will cost $134,550 including the destination charge.

2020 Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupe Comparisons

2020 Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupe vs Porsche 911 Carrera

The immovable object that is the Porsche 911 remains the benchmark sports coupe against which all other challengers are compared. The latest generation of the 911 gets subtly revised styling, a more advanced cabin with more digital displays, and an updated suspension that mixes incredibly accurate handling with surprising everyday comfort. The SVR's closest match is the 911 Carrera 4S - coming it at exactly $3,000 less than the SVR, the 4S gets 443 hp (less than the SVR's 567 hp) yet the lighter Porsche is faster, getting to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds when equipped with the Sport Chrono Package. Although the Jag's V8 is the more ferocious-sounding engine, the 911's turbo-six has its own character and is an unbelievably flexible motor. While the Jag feels busier and even more thrilling, the 911 draws you in with its beautifully precise steering that delivers good feedback to the driver. Plus, the 911 is much more comfortable as a daily driver and has a more modern cabin. We'd probably have a few moments of regret or doubt, but ultimately, we'd side with the well-rounded new 911.

2020 Jaguar F-Type SVR Coupe vs Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Coupe

One of America's favorite muscle cars brings a formidable 650 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque to the table to take on the SVR. The Z06's value proposition is undeniable: not only does it have much more power, but it's $40,000 less expensive, too. The menacing 6.2-liter V8 in the Corvette will see it crush the SVR in a straight line, managing 0-60 in under three seconds. Where the SVR could still mingle with other exotics at the golf club (if it could fit the clubs in the trunk), the much brasher Corvette is likely to cause more of a stir. That same approach continues in the cabins, with the Jaguar being more polished and offering more premium materials, although the Z06 has more interior room. Both are superb-handling cars and both are taxing when it comes to the daily commute, but enthusiasts will love them. Because the Corvette is such a bargain by comparison, and as these are grin-inducing sports coupes, we'll take the Z06.