With the F-Pace being Jaguar's best-selling model, and the high-performance SVR variant the most popular SV model, stakes were high for the refreshed 2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR. Thankfully, the UK brand looks to have delivered.

Following the debut of the updated 2021 F-Pace, it's now the SVR's turn. Jaguar has made a range of refinements across the board, including the engine, exterior, and a heavily updated interior. In the past, high-performance SUVs were considered niche models but that sales trend has since been shattered. Buyers are more than willing to pay top dollar for luxurious, European-built fast SUVs, often at the expense of sedans. Current F-Pace SVR owners certainly appreciate the vehicle's performance and its glorious-sounding exhaust system, among other features, but they may want to consider a trade-in for Jag's latest treasure.

Motorsport-Inspired Exterior

Like before, the F-Pace SVR's exterior design has motorsport design elements to help aid performance and Jaguar has improved upon that for 2021. The most significant changes are up front, highlighted by new apertures and vents for improved engine and brake cooling. These updates result in a 35 percent reduction in lift and drag from 0.37Cd to 0.36Cd.

Also take note of the new SVR-badged grille, updated front bumper with X-shaped and blade-like styling. The lower intake is bigger than last year, too. The ultra-slim LED quad headlights with a 'Double J' daytime running light signature are optional with the Pixel LED technology. The hood is now longer and includes a wider power bulge with functional air vents on each side. A set of 22-inch forged alloy wheels in Gloss Narvik Black with Satin Grey inserts are standard fare.

At the rear, the taillights also slimmer than previously and now feature the same double chicane graphic found on the I-Pace. Quad tailpipes located in the lower bumper are there to remind other drivers this is not your typical SUV.

All-New Interior

Like the regular F-Pace, the SVR boasts a dramatically new and improved interior. Jaguar placed a major emphasis on improved materials throughout. The seat and door inserts, for example, are finished in Alcantara while Windsor leather covers the central console's storage area. The 12.3-inch driver display system is also wrapped in Alcantara with ebony stitching. Open-pore carbon fiber trim dashboard trim is optional while aluminum remains standard. A new steering wheel includes zinc-alloy shift paddles.

The optional slimline semi-aniline leather sports seats have an embossed SVR logo on the headrests. But the main attraction is the new center console, which has optional wireless charging and improved storage. Moving upwards and you'll find the 11.4-inch HD touchscreen curved glass display that includes Jaguar's latest Pivi Pro infotainment software. The new touchscreen's display is three times brighter and nearly 50 percent larger than before.

Power, Performance, And Safety

Under the hood lies the familiar 5.0-liter supercharged V8 with a total of 550 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 14 lb-ft. 0-60 mph now comes in at 3.8 seconds, three-tenths of a second faster than before. Top speed is clocked at 178 mph, a 2 mph upgrade. Jaguar has fitted the F-Pace SVR with the same torque converter from the XE Project 8 sedan to help withstand the higher loads.

The fast-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, which routes that power to an all-wheel-drive system with a rear-wheel-drive bias, is carried over. For more spirited driving, Jaguar has added a new Dynamic Launch feature that utilizes driveline inertia to retain the power to the wheel when changing gears, which helps to improve acceleration times. The adaptive damping system and steering both received upgrades for a better overall driving experience and a more refined ride.

A number of new driver-assist safety systems are standard, such as Clear Exit Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control, and 3D Surround Camera technology.

Pricing And Competition

Jaguar has not provided pricing at this time but it should be relatively similar to the outgoing model's $80,600 MSRP. An on-sale date has also not been announced. Competition in this compact luxury performance SUV segment has increased in recent years, led by the BMW X3 M, Audi SQ5, and Porsche Macan Turbo. One upcoming new rival worth checking out is the Genesis GV70.

If outright performance is your main goal, take note the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR is now faster than the X3 M to 60 mph. This mid-life refresh should keep the F-Pace SVR in the game for the next few years and its main rivals should pay attention to its wonderful new interior and refined driving dynamics as potential new benchmarks.