After five years with my 2011 BMW X335i, I recently traded it in for a brand new Jaguar F Pace S. I’d been researching and admiring the F Pace since the beginning of the year, and finally placed an order in April without even a test drive! My first glimpse was truly breathtaking. This car is simply amazing, and in my opinion, the most stunning SUV on the road today. While I loved my BMW, the Jaguar feels like a significant upgrade.
I opted for the fully loaded S model, putting it in a similar price range to a BMW X5. While not inexpensive, the decision was easy for me. The performance is exhilarating – smooth, quiet, with seemingly endless power and an incredible exhaust note. The interior is significantly more luxurious. Sure, there might be some cheaper plastic bits here and there, but that’s true of the X3/X4 as well. Overall, the F Pace’s cabin feels much more plush and refined.
Being a new model, I anticipated potential issues, recalling my experience as an early adopter of the current X3. Countless trips to the dealer for sunroof replacements and other problems had prepared me for the possibility. Thankfully, my Jaguar and BMW dealerships are sister companies, ensuring reliable service if anything arises. While I do miss the simplicity of BMW’s iDrive system, the Jaguar’s infotainment system is far more advanced and capable. Once you learn the interface, it’s not an issue. The 825-watt Meridian sound system is a definite upgrade from the Harman Kardon system in my BMW.
Ultimately, I don’t think you can go wrong with either brand. I would recommend avoiding the base F Pace model to steer clear of some of its more basic features. However, I’m overjoyed with my choice so far, and my wife loves it too (even though I’ve claimed the garage to admire my new beauty every evening). Good luck with your decision!
