Jaguar F-Pace SVR review: does any car need wheels this big?

If you can remember how wide flares became in the 1970s, you’ll know that bigger isn’t always better.

Jaguar F-pace SVR.

A few years ago when flares strutted back into the fashion spotlight, anyone who was old enough to remember the first time felt compelled to say something like, “I should have kept my loons!” And then repeat the wisdom that if an item stays in your wardrobe long enough, the wheel of sartorial taste will eventually turn its way again.

Vehicle trends move at different speeds. Grilles, headlights and other signature features require years to be rolled out across an entire line-up, while paint and trim suppliers serve up fresh palettes regularly and the wheel turns quicker. At least I hope it does, because the recent Frankfurt motor show revealed a newfound fondness for a colour to replace the default brightwork option of satin silver. Soon, we’ll be seeing rose gold everywhere and eventually someone will do a whole car. It’ll be as tacky as a casino lounge.

And then there’s wheels. These have been getting larger and larger because designers love the way they look – and so do buyers. It’s telling that they are still specified in inches, the old imperial measure, because soon we’ll be back with the enormous cartwheels fitted to the original horseless carriages.

Judging by this week’s Jaguar test car, there’s not far to go. This F-Pace SVR has whopping 22-inch alloys that are among the largest I’ve experienced outside farm machinery. I’m as much of a sucker for the visual appeal as anyone and there are advantages, such as a larger contact patch with the road, which means better grip, and so improved braking and cornering.

But there are downsides. Bigger wheels are heavier and wider, with negative effects on drag and fuel consumption. More road contact means more noise. And the bigger the rims, the lower the profile of the tyres; this reduces their ability to absorb impact and makes the ride harsh and juddering.

These were huge issues with the BMW X4 M reviewed on these pages recently – and it was running mere 21-inchers. So of course it’s a problem with this Jaguar, although surprisingly not quite as much. There’s tyre roar, but it’s not as intrusive, and rolling over a cat’s eye is less of a jolt to the spine.

As mid-size performance SUVs the two cars sit in the same segment and come from the same contradictory place in the auto firmament. These are modern-day muscle cars, and like the originals prioritise style and power over dynamic excellence. Like for like, something lower and lighter will be a better bet.

In keeping with its rival, the F-Pace SVR fits a fettled chassis with tighter springs, upgraded brakes, an electronic rear differential and fancy exhaust system with quad tailpipes. It has been given an aerodynamic once-over, with a tailgate spoiler and enclosed underbody. Some of this probably makes a difference when you’re maxxing it out at 283km/h, much less on the daily school run.

One difference with the Bimmer is that on the Jaguar the vents on the bonnet and behind the front arches are actually functional, rather than just garnish.

I preferred the way the Jag drives, too. It approaches corners as though it just can’t wait to chew them up, with body movements tightly mapped to steering and throttle inputs. It isn’t a ballet dancer, but there’s more finesse and balance than expected.

The fact that there’s a V8 under the bonnet adds enormously to its appeal. This supercharged unit is also fitted to souped-up Range Rovers and invariably delights. It hustles the 2.1-tonne F-Pace SVR with a beguiling laziness because 100km/h comes up in just 4.3s. There’s full-throated revving if you’re in the mood, with tactile metal shift-paddles for running through eight ratios. With the exhaust turned to loud, the experience becomes one huge cracker-night. It’ll be a sad day when this engine is retired by Jaguar Land Rover, although that day is undoubtedly coming because it’s just too thirsty.

One way of offsetting this is the sticker price, which starts $25k below that of the X4 M and $28k under the equivalent Mercedes GLC 63S AMG. There are aspects in which the Germans are miles ahead – they don’t do fuzzy head-up displays anymore, for example. They also trim their cabins more consistently. The Jaguar has richly quilted sports seats and an Alcantara head-lining but is let down by plastic speaker grilles where the Germans would use metal, and hard door skins. Its switchgear feels less premium and the window controls are still in the wrong place. In the test car, the front parking sensors worked only intermittently.

And, if you can remember how wide flares became in the 1970s, you’ll know that bigger isn’t always better. I couldn’t help wondering if slightly smaller wheels would improve both dynamics and comfort at minimal expense to its looks.

Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged petrol V8 (405kW/680Nm)

Average fuel: 11.7 litres per 100km

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive

Price: From $140,262

Rating: ★★★★