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2024 Jaguar F-Pace Review: Fun, pretty and luxe, the big Jag's better with age

Pros: Engaging to drive; good looks; high-class cabin; crazy-good sport seats; big cargo area and generally more spacious than compact rivals Cons: Pricier than compact rivals, smaller than midsize ones; base engine acceleration a touch off the pace; convoluted climate controls The Jaguar F-Pace has now been around for quite some time – eight years have passed since we first got behind the wheel in far-flung Montenegro. While most vehicles would be well past their best years and already replaced by now, the 2024 Jaguar F-Pace is an example of something that has actually gotten better with age. Its infotainment technology is up to date and far easier to use than anything Jaguar Land Rover has offered before. Its cabin quality and design are better, the engines have been upgraded, and we even think the design tweaks made a few years ago improved upon an already knockout design. In many ways, the F-Pace is reminiscent of another small SUV thatÂ’s thrived past the usual best-by date: the Porsche Macan. It too is fun to drive, with exceptional steering, sharp handling and compelling performance, especially from the six- and eight-cylinder models. They are both for SUV shoppers looking to enjoy their time behind the wheel (and look good doing it), and are OK paying more money than other compact luxury SUVs. There is one major difference, though: The F-Pace is not only much bigger than the Macan, itÂ’s bigger than most of those other compact luxury SUVs. ItÂ’s closer to a midsize, with the closest size comparable being the Lexus RX. That grants it a spacious back seat and a surprising amount of cargo space. We were honestly not expecting to like the F-Pace as much as we did during a recent test drive of the P400 R-Dynamic S. It seemed likely that all those years in between times behind the wheel wouldnÂ’t have been kind. Far from it. We like it even better, and think those in the market for an SUV in its price range should give it a shot. Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2024? Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can now be connected wirelessly. Jaguar also trimmed the F-Pace lineup down to three versions, all tied to a different engine. This results in the base price ballooning by $8,000 since the new base trim level is the R-Dynamic S.

Jaguar upgrades I-Pace with increased range for free

Jaguar launched the I-Pace eTrophy racing series in 2018, and ever since, it's been collecting data on its battery electric crossover. Using that research, Jaguar has managed small refinements that incrementally improve how the car runs and drives. In past times, these types of upgrades were implemented during a refresh or redesign, but thanks to the computerized nature of modern vehicles, tuning information can be relayed to the vehicles immediately. Installed by dealers, Jaguar is releasing a free I-Pace software update that affects the battery, aerodynamics and all-wheel-drive system.   Jaguar already offers one of the best battery-operated vehicles on the road today, but the competition pool is quickly improving and becoming more crowded. In order to keep the I-Pace fresh, Jaguar decided to share its learnings from its eTrophy racing series and "more than 50 million miles" of real-world driving.  As it stands, the I-Pace packs a 90-kWh lithium-ion battery that is EPA-rated at 234 miles on a single charge. It has 394 maximum horsepower, 512 lb-ft of torque, and Jaguar claims it can do 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. With the new update, Jaguar says the battery can "run to a lower state of charge than previously without affecting drivability, durability, or performance." This only affects range and efficiency, though, not power. All I-Paces are all-wheel-drive, and the update directly affects the car's traction system. Jaguar has refined the torque distribution between the front and rear motors, which improves the car's efficiency in ECO mode. A third update deals with the car's aerodynamics. Jaguar has refined thermal management control by using the active radiator vane system more frequently. Finally, small tweaks also improved the regenerative braking system.   All said, these upgrades potentially equate to an 8% increase in range, which is about 12 miles, depending on usage. Jaguar did note, however, that the official EPA number would not change. Those who own I-Paces can take their cars to a local dealership, and a technician will update the software, which also includes advanced over-the-air functionality. 

Jaguar design boss admits X-Type was a mistake

History has a way of repeating itself, especially in the auto industry. When Jaguar was owned by Ford, the British brand attempted to field a competitor for the BMW 3 Series, called the X-Type. Based on the bones of a Ford Mondeo, it aped the styling of Jaguar's flagship model, the XJ, while borrowing liberally from the Ford parts bin. That was 2001.
Now, in 2013, Jaguar is planning a new 3 Series challenger based on the platform previewed by the C-X17 Concept, while Ford is attempting to take the latest Mondeo upmarket. The moves have both brands recognizing where, why, and how the X-Type failed. "It didn't look mature or powerful or anything. It was just a car," Jaguar's current head of advanced design, Julian Thomson, told PistonHeads. Basing the X-Type on a front-drive car while giving it styling that was meant for a rear-driver lead to proportions that "were plainly wrong," Thomson told PH. Ford's European head of quality, Gunnar Herrmann, added that the X-Type was "a fake Jaguar, because every piece I touch is Ford."
For what it's worth, the X-Type's successor in the segment will sport rear-drive, with plenty of input from Ian Callum. Thomson described the new model, which would challenge the 3 Series as having, "Big wheels right to the ends of the car, low bonnet, short overhangs, very low cabins." Sounds good to us.