2019 Jaguar F-Pace

Jaguar has given its F-Pace crossover a range-wide update for 2019 that brings changes to its interior, infotainment system and safety offerings, but that news pales in comparison to the addition of a high-performance SVR variant for the 2019 model year.

This is far from the first time Jaguar has plugged big power into one of its models, but attaching the SVR label to a crossover is new for the British company, which is a relative newcomer to the crossover field, having launched the original F-Pace in 2017.

The F-Pace SVR is motivated by a 5.0L supercharged V8 that is shared with a variety of other Jaguar and Land Rover models and makes 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque, numbers Jaguar is eager to point out add up to an extra 170 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque, which alone is about as much power as you get in a base model Subaru Outback.

Like all F-Pace models, the SVR gets an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The rest of the range carries over with a choice of a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder in 25t and 30t variants (247 hp/269 lb-ft or 296 hp/295 lb-ft), a 2.0L turbodiesel in 20d models that's good for 180 hp and 317 lb-ft and a supercharged 3.0L V6 for 35t versions (340 hp/332 lb-ft, or 380 hp/332 lb-ft in the F-Pace S).

Elsewhere in the F-Pace range, Jaguar has updated the interior with optional slimline sport seats, suedecloth headliner and lighted sill plates. Also now on offer is adaptive cruise control with steering assist and the latest Touch Pro infotainment system with its 10-inch touchscreen.

The addition of the SVR trim gives Jaguar a proper performance model to help it stand out in an increasingly crowded market segment. With its 550 hp, the SVR handily out-powers the Porsche Macan Turbo, but Mercedes-Benz comes closer with the 503 hp in its GLC 63 model. Surprisingly enough, BMW has yet to apply its proper M division treatment to the X3, so the closest you'll get there is the M40i model with 355 hp and 369 lb-ft.

Standard features in the F-Pace include 19-inch wheels, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, power tailgate, analog gauges with a 5.0-inch TFT display, electric parking brake, dual-zone climate control and passive keyless entry.

Prestige trims gain xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, headlight washers, leather seating, chrome exterior trim and mood lighting.

R Sport trim brings 20-inch wheels, trim-specific body add-ons, steerable headlights and perforated leather seats.

Along with its uprated V6, the F-Pace S gets trim-specific 20-inch wheels, body kit, LED headlights, leather and suede seats with 18-way adjustment, adaptive dynamics, red brake calipers and satin chrome shift paddles.

Finally, a Portfolio trim for non-S V6 models comes with yet another 20-inch wheel design, Windsor leather luxury seats, configurable mood lighting and gloss ebony veneer.