2015 Frankfurt - Jaguar leaps into crossovers with the F-Pace

It had to happen. And finally, it has! With competitors like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo making merry with their crossovers and Sport Utility Vehicles, Jaguar was left to fend off with just its sedans and sports cars. True, Land Rover makes just SUVs but a Jag customer is unlikely to settle for a Land Rover and would head to the German trio or Volvo instead. Jaguar had to have one in its lineup.  Jaguar announced its intentions to join the burgeoning luxury Crossover Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment when it debuted the C-X17 Concept in Frankfurt earlier. Two years later, at the same venue, the ‘leaping cat’ has pounced on the segment in style.

Staying true to the concept’s styling cues, the F-Pace is amongst the most beautiful crossovers we have seen. The best part is Jaguar didn’t have to stray far from its existing design direction while penning the F-Pace. The best aesthetic elements that make the rest of Jaguar’s lineup so special find their way into the F-Pace too.

Up front, the familiar large mesh grille and the gaping air dams at the edges of the bumper sets the tone while the sleek headlights with their signature ‘J-Blade’ design ups the ante. The power bulge in the bonnet, the flared wheel arches with the optional drool-worthy 22-inch wheels, the rakish line of the rear windows and the fender vents emphasize the F-Pace’s performance capabilities. Those sexy taillights that we fell in love with in the F-Type sneaks its way and creates the same impact in this large crossover as it did on the diminutive sports car.

Looking especially gorgeous in the ‘S’ trim wearing that glossy blue paint, the F-Pace is a stunner. We aren’t surprised then that this Jag is one of the stars of the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Inside, the F-Pace stays true to its Jaguar lineage and offers a luxurious cabin littered with premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The ‘Sports Command’ driving position is accentuated by an optional 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster offering four visual themes and full-screen navigation. Jaguar’s InControl Touch infotainment system features an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen takes care of the entertainment quotient. The short overhangs and the long wheelbase means space is not at a premium, with the F-Pace offering luxurious seating for five and their luggage.

Three engine choices would be offered on the F-Pace. The lineup includes two supercharged V6 gasoline mills with 340 and 380 horsepower and a 4-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine with 180 horsepower. With a standard torque-on-demand All Wheel Drive system and Jaguar’s Adaptive Surface Response technology, the F-Pace need not be restricted to paved motorways.

Jaguar expects F-Pace customers to actually take the vehicle off-road and engage in adventure activities. Helping such owners would be the ‘Activity Key’, a wearable technology that gives access to the vehicle while allowing the actual key-fob to be kept safely locked inside. 

In addition to the regular suite of safety features that are standard on a vehicle of this class, the F-Pace boasts of multiple advanced driver assistance systems including All Surface Progress Control, Low Traction Launch, Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Laser Head-Up Display (HUD), Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Reverse Traffic Detection and Park Assist.

Slated to go on sale in 2016, we expect the F-Pace to grab a major share of Jaguar’s sales pie in no time. Together with the new XE compact luxury sedan, Jaguar is headed towards a major growth phase!