As one among Jaguar’s top-selling fashions, the F-Tempo serves as an unofficial ambassador for the model’s lineup as a complete. Its moderately dramatic 2021-model-year makeover coincides with an effort by Jaguar (and sister model Land Rover) to considerably overhaul its product choices in an try to regulate to altering buyer tastes. Consequently, the record of updates to the 2021 F-Tempo reads like what you’d count on from an entire redesign, moderately than a mere mid-cycle refresh.
To provide you an thought of how dramatically Jaguar is streamlining its choices, take into account this: In 2020, Jaguar bought 12 variants of the F-Tempo. Beginning in ’21, that drops to 5: P250, P250 S, P340 S, P400 R-Dynamic S and the top-dog SVR. We are saying the 2021 mannequin yr, however because of COVID and the ensuing provide disruptions, the timelines went a bit wonky. In only a few weeks, Jaguar may have 2022 fashions hitting showrooms.
Except for the SVR, every mannequin within the F-Tempo lineup is called for its approximate energy determine (in PS, as a result of British). P250 fashions include a turbocharged four-cylinder making 246 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The P340 and P400 R-Dynamic S make the most of Jaguar Land Rover’s new 3.0-liter, 48V mild-hybrid inline-six. The P340 provides 335 hp and 354 lb-ft, whereas the P400 R-Dynamic S packs 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The SVR will get a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 550 horses and 514 lb-ft. All engines are coupled to an eight-speed ZF computerized transmission and rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. Not like Jaguar’s sedans and coupes, its crossovers aren’t supplied in RWD type.
Whereas the F-Tempo obtained a handful of styling tweaks for 2021, essentially the most noteworthy modifications are inside. Nearly all the pieces within the cabin is new or up to date, from the sprint to the middle console and even the steering wheel. The brand new design is extra angular, with horizontal strains changing a number of the sweeping curves discovered within the 2020 version. On the heart of all that is JLR’s up to date Pivi Professional infotainment system, which is far prettier, snappier and simpler to make use of than the one it replaces. Talking of replacements, Jaguar chucked the F-Tempo’s rotary gear selector in favor of a extra typical shift knob – a welcome reversion, and one that’s occurring all through the JLR portfolio.
Elsewhere, the inside seems clear, sharp and upscale, however we’d store wanting calling it characterful. Jaguar says its designers purpose for British quirk, however regardless of a number of the element work, such because the upholstery-matching texture on the Pivi Professional management knobs, the hide-away drive mode selector, and the embossed “Leaper” on the headrests, there’s not a lot right here that claims “this can be a Jaguar” the best way the opulence of the GLC’s inside says “Mercedes-Benz” or the XC60’s spartan Swedish-ness oozes “Volvo.” We’d put it on par with BMW when it comes to each design and materials decisions – good, for positive, however not a knockout.
Jaguar put us in a P400 R-Dynamic S in “Bluefire” (identical to the one featured within the gallery right here) for our check loop, which lined roughly 40 miles within the northern Detroit suburbs. We set off with a superb, old school printed route information, which allowed us extra freedom to mess around with Pivi Professional than we’d have gotten with programmed waypoints.
Whereas it’s nonetheless not iPad-crisp in its responsiveness, the brand new system is leaps and bounds higher than what JLR supplied in its prior-generation automobiles. The menus are engaging and simple to navigate, and also you’re not compelled to dig deep into sub-menus to regulate generally used options. We additionally like the flexibleness of the navigation system’s map show, which can maintain on to your zoom decisions and map orientation when it’s allowed to go idle, not like different techniques that often revert to app defaults after a quick interval of inactivity.
Pivi Professional nonetheless doesn’t provide wi-fi Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, nevertheless it’s appropriate with each wired suites. Wi-fi gadget charging can be out there, and the system is ready up for over-the-air software program updates through both mobile or Wi-Fi networks (the latter being the popular technique).
Jaguar’s new 3.0-liter inline-six is a winner too. Positive, 400 horsepower is 400 horsepower, however we got here away impressed by the P400’s snappy acceleration and instantaneous response. With the drive mode dialed over to “Dynamic,” it’s fairly aggressive with the throttle even with gentle inputs. Those that want their crossovers to behave like they had been tuned on the ‘Ring will discover this configuration fairly pleasing. It’s a bit a lot for regular driving, however not disagreeable or unmanageable. Dialing it again to “Consolation” or “Eco” smooths out the R-Dynamic’s rougher edges.
At $82,245 as-tested (up from $66,350 with out choices), this P400 R-Dynamic is actually on the expensive aspect, particularly because it’s not the range-topping SVR. A BMW X3 M40i begins about $10,000 cheaper with related efficiency credentials and costs out extra favorably in addition, however we’d argue it lacks the visible pizzaz of Jaguar’s crossover. The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 splits the 2 at $60,950 earlier than choices, however can get Jaguar-pricey in case you begin aggressively checking containers.
Like all people else, Jaguar is betting massive on crossovers and SUVs, and the streamlined F-Tempo lineup will function one of many main anchors of that technique. It’s a reliable, snug luxurious crossover supplied in variants to enchantment to only about any purchaser. We are saying “nearly” as a result of there’s no plug-in hybrid but (see: BMW X3 xDrive30e), however as Jaguar demonstrated by launching the I-Tempo, electrification is actually on the desk. Jaguar’s 2021 updates are welcome (obligatory, even, in terms of tech) and will assist preserve it related till its inevitable redesign in a number of years.
