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Jaguar F-Type


Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Summary

Jaguar F-Type

After a long gestation period where a variety of Jaguar corporate overlords toyed with the idea of a successor to the all-time iconic E-Type, the F-Type finally emerged in late 2013 to a global intake of breath.

It managed to capture just the right amount of Jag heritage, folded into a high-tech package, with a simple choice of supercharged V6 and V8 engines, housed in a supremely sleek convertible body.

Over time the formula has become more complex, with the arrival of a coupe version, powerhouse R and full-fat SVR variants, special editions including the exotic Project 7, and more recently, 2.0-litre, turbo four-cylinder models to make this stunning two-seater more accessible.

A late 2019 update added some extra catnip, including a redesigned nose and this is the flagship F-Type R, complete with supercharged V8 power and performance-focused underpinnings. Time to dive into this latest chapter of the Jaguar F-Type story.

Safety rating
Engine Type5.0L
Fuel TypePremium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency11.3L/100km
Seating2 seats

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

An SL sports car has been part of the Mercedes-Benz line-up since the early 1950s, and when I think of this model I see that golden years of Hollywood star (with the great hairstyle) Yul Brynner, in the late 1950s cruising the French Riviera in his 300SL roadster. Or Sophia Loren regularly posing with her 300SL Gullwing coupe around the same time.

Over seven iterations and more than seven decades it has stood for performance, glamour and exclusivity. And after a two-year hiatus the Mercedes-AMG SL63 roadster has made a comeback to the Australian market.

Safety rating
Engine Type4.0L turbo
Fuel Type
Fuel Efficiency13.9L/100km
Seating4 seats

Verdict

Jaguar F-Type8/10

The Jaguar F-Type R is as fast and capable as it is beautiful. Although it's a little thirsty and comes up short on active safety, it's technically outstanding, delivering a stunning mix of performance, dynamics, and comfort.


Mercedes-Benz SL-Class8.4/10

The new Mercedes-AMG SL63 4Matic+ is guaranteed to turn heads for decades to come. But there’s enormous design and engineering substance underpinning this car’s undoubted good looks. Stunning performance, superb dynamics and top-shelf safety make this a powerhouse GT to be reckoned with.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Design

Jaguar F-Type9/10

Although it kicked off as a roadster, a coupe version of the F-Type was always part of the plan. In fact, Jaguar's C-X16 concept, that in 2011 previewed the eventual production car, was a hardtop.

Following the Coupe's public reveal at the 2013 Los Angeles motor show, I asked Jaguar's then head of design, Ian Callum, if the bean counters had vetoed the concept's ultra-cool side-opening hatch door; one of many styling hat tips to the E-Type. His response was a wry smile and slow nod of the head.

It's a shame that door didn't make it to the showroom floor, but the E-Type is still a strong design influence on its successor.

At close to 4.5m long, around 1.9m wide, and a fraction over 1.3m tall, the F-Type R looks more compact in the metal than it does in photographs, arguably the hallmark of a successful sports car design.

A long, flowing (front-hinged) bonnet (Jaguar calls its shape 'liquid metal' sculpture) projects forward from a rear-set cabin, with broad but tightly wrapped haunches behind it. The 20-inch, 10-spoke rims (in 'Gloss Black' with diamond-turned finish) fill the wheel arches perfectly.

I'm a huge fan of the tail-light cluster design, subtly reprofiled in the late 2019 update, which echoes the shape of the Series 1 E-Type and other classic Jags, but found it harder to warm to the outgoing F-Type's squarish headlight treatment.

Always a subjective call, but to my eyes this car's slimmer, more feline (LED) eyes and ever-so-slightly larger grille deliver a better front to rear balance. And slender, flush-fitting pop-out exterior door handles remain sub-zero cool.

Our 'Santorini Black' test car had been optioned with the 'Exterior Black Design Pack' ($1820) for an extra hint of menace. It applies body-colour to the front splitter, side sills, and rear diffuser, at the same time blacking out the grille surround, side vents, side window surrounds, rear valance, Jaguar script, F-Type badge and 'Leaper' emblem.

Jaguar describes this two-seater as a '1+1', confirming the F-Type's focus on the driver, and our test car's tan leather interior emphasises the fact.

Tan dash on the passenger side, complete with flying buttress-style grab handle for extra support when g-force starts to build. Contrasted by all black and all business on the driver's side.

A broad centre stack houses the 10-inch multimedia touchscreen, with easy-to-use dials for the climate control system below. And the 12.3-inch reconfigurable hi-def instrument cluster (with graphics unique to the F-type) is a model of clarity and simplicity.

The latter offers a choice of display themes, including full nav map, but the default mode highlights a large central tachometer. Nice.

An impressive design feature carried over from the previous model is deployable front air vents. The dashtop remains flat until a given climate control temperature setting causes an upper section, housing a pair of adjustable vents, to gently rise. Very cool (no pun intended).


Mercedes-Benz SL-Class9/10

Rather than a strict two-seater, this time around the SL adds the flexibility of ‘+2’ rear seating while the previous 'Vario’ folding hardtop has been binned, the new car returning to a traditional, electrically-folding and weight-saving (-21kg) soft top. 

Mercedes-Benz design chief Gorden Wagener started the new model’s development from a ‘clean sheet’ and Mercedes-AMG says “not a single component comes from the predecessor SL, or any other model such as the AMG GT Roadsters”. 

Always a subjective call, but I think this car’s proportions are just about perfect. The lengthy bonnet with its twin longitudinal ‘Power Domes’, raked windscreen and fat haunches create a wide stance and presence that’s almost impossible to ignore.

Aggression, as with the sinister headlights and 21-inch rims, is subtly combined with soft curves along the flanks and around the rear. Note the seamless door handles.

And it’s not all about aesthetics. Active aero has been integrated into the front apron and retractable rear spoiler. Plus the ‘Z-fold’ roof design does away with the need for a separate cover.

The interior is sub-zero cool with slick screens, an 11.9-inch display covering multimedia and a 12.3-inch unit for instrumentation ahead of the driver, being particular highlights.

Turbine-style air-vents at the leading edge of the split-level dash and alloy trim elements are a tip-of-the-hat to SLs past and the deft mix of large flat surfaces with complex curves oozes design confidence.

Practicality

Jaguar F-Type7/10

If you're intending to daily drive your F-Type R, make sure your yoga fees are up to date, because entry and egress are for the fleet of foot and flexible of limb.

Once inside, though, within the bounds of its two-door coupe format, the F-Type offers an array of storage options, including a decent glove box, centre storage box/armrest, small door bins, a netted pocket on the top of the bulkhead between the seats, and a pair of console cupholders.

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Power and connectivity runs to a 12V socket in the dash, with another in the central storage bin, alongside two USB-A ports, and a micro SIM slot.

Notwithstanding the (alloy) space saver plonked on the boot floor, the F-Type Coupe delivers worthwhile cargo space, with 310 litres on offer, rising to 408 with the load cover removed.

That's enough to swallow small (36-litre) and large (95-litre) suitcases together, and there are two (nicely chromed) tie-down anchor, as well as elasticised retaining straps at either end of a small ledge on the bulkhead.


Mercedes-Benz SL-Class8/10

In the context of a high-performance GT, practicality is pretty impressive.

At just over 4.7m long the SL is a sizeable machine and much of its lengthy (2700mm) wheelbase is devoted to making the driver and front passenger comfortable.

There’s plenty of space for that pairing and just enough storage to cope with the ‘things’ they’ll typically bring with them.

Door pockets offer enough room for a few odds and ends, although you’ll struggle with even a medium-size bottle unless you’re willing to lay it down horizontally along the top of the aperture.

A handy lidded bin between the front seats doubles as a centre armrest, there are two cupholders under a sliding lid in the centre console and the glove box is a decent size. 

Power and connectivity options run to four USB-C ports, a 12-volt socket and the wireless device charging pad.

Then there are the rear ‘+2’ seats, and Mercedes makes no bones about the fact they’re intended for occasional use only, even suggesting a 1.5m occupant height limit.

And there’s no doubt they offer a handy emergency seat or a fun kids’ zone. Just ask a Porsche 911 Carrera owner how much this kind of seating arrangement increases a sports car’s flexibility.

At 183cm I gave the back seat a crack, which meant sliding the front (passenger) seat way forward with the backrest close to upright. But I squeezed in, and there was just enough legroom for a person in front at the same time. 

With the roof in place there’s the added pleasure of cranking your head over to around 45 degrees. But it’s do-able! 

No storage, adjustable ventilation, or power back there. But that’s fair enough, especially given there are USBs available in the front centre storage box.

Boot volume is 240 litres with the roof up and 213 litres with it folded, which is enough for some light luggage, and not too shabby when you think a Toyota Corolla hatch offers up just 217 litres (with all seats up).

There’s a 12V socket in there, but don’t bother looking for a spare, in the event of a flat your only option is a repair/inflator kit.

 

Price and features

Jaguar F-Type8/10

It's hard to pin down direct competitors for the $262,936 F-Type R, except one; Porsche's 911 Carrera S, a clear price and performance rival at $274,000.

With a 3.0-litre, twin-turbo 'flat' six producing 331kW/530Nm the 911 is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 3.7sec, which (surprise, surprise) exactly matches the Jag's claimed performance number.

Cast the net a little wider and you'll snag the likes of Nissan's GT-R Track Edition on the low side ($235,000), and the Mercedes-Benz S 560 Coupe ($326,635) for around $50K above the F-Type's asking price. So, the standard features list needs to be impressive, and long story short, it is.

Drilling down to the depths of detail on this car's equipment spec would need a review of its own, so here's the highlights package.

The 10-inch 'Touch Pro' multimedia screen manages a 380-watt Meridian audio system featuring 10 speakers (including subwoofer), digital radio, dynamic volume control and a 10-channel amp, as well as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.

It's also the gateway to the car's configurable dynamic set-up, 'Navigation Pro', phone connection, ambient lighting, reversing camera, and a lot more.

Full-grain 'Windsor' leather is applied to the 12-way, electrically-adjustable (plus memory) performance seats. There's also a 12.3-inch customisable digital instrument cluster, cruise control (and speed limiter), keyless entry and start, auto rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming and power folding heated door mirrors (with memory), a switchable active exhaust, LED headlights, DRLs and tail-lights, as well as an electrically adjustable steering column (with memory), climate control, powered boot lid, 20-inch alloy wheels, racy red brake calipers, and specific 'R' branding on the leather-trimmed sports steering wheel, door tread plates, and centre console.


Mercedes-Benz SL-Class8/10

Priced at $373,370, before on-road costs, the new SL63 4Matic+ will be battling top-shelf performance soft tops including (in ascending dollar order) BMW’s M850i xDrive Convertible ($307,100), the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet ($386,900) and even exotics like the Lamborghini Huracan RWD Evo Spyder ($422,606). 

Value for money is a relative concept in this part of the market, although equipment highlights include a head-up display (with augmented reality nav), 11-speaker, 650-watt Burmester surround sound audio, ambient lighting (choice of 64 colours), hectares of Nappa leather trim, dual-zone climate control, an 11.9-inch central multimedia screen (running Merc’s latest ‘MBUX’ software), 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument display and 21-inch forged alloy rims.

There’s also the ‘Digital Light System’ built around three high-power LEDs in each headlight, refracted and directed through 1.3 million ‘micro-mirrors’ to create a combined resolution of 2.6 million pixels.

The ‘Neck Scarf’ function is added to the top of the front seats to keep your neck and the back of your head warm as the temperature drops, the heated, ventilated and massaging front seats feature eight-way electric adjustment and three memories, there’s a heated steering wheel, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, wireless device charging and more.

Worth noting the big 21-inch rims in a ‘10-twin-spoke’ design are standard issue with an alternate ‘multi-spoke’ pattern available as a no-cost option. 

But if all that’s not enough you can opt for ‘AMG Performance seats’ ($2490) which grip you even more securely but delete the massage function.

Or there’s the ‘AMG Night Package’ ($6990) which adds wheels in matt black (with “high-sheen finish rim flange”), darkened head- and tail-lights, an aero package, black badging, black radiator fins and interior trim elements in black chrome.

Then you can go the whole hog with the ‘AMG Carbon Fibre Package’ ($11,990) which brings the wheels in matt black, exterior carbon elements, carbon mirrors, carbon interior trim and a steering wheel in a combination carbon-fibre and Dinamica (synthetic microsuede).

Under the bonnet

Jaguar F-Type9/10

The F-Type R is powered by Jaguar's all-alloy (AJ133) 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, featuring direct-injection, variable (intake) cam timing, and an Eaton (Roots-type) blower to produce 423kW (567hp) at 6500rpm, and 700Nm from 3500-5000rpm.

Drive goes to all four wheels via an eight-speed 'Quickshift' automatic transmission and Jaguar's own adaptive AWD system with 'Intelligent Driveline Dynamics' (IDD).

The AWD system is based on an electro-hydraulic multi-plate (wet) clutch, controlled by a centrifugal electro-hydraulic actuator. Default front/rear drive balance is 10/90, although Jaguar claims even a full shift of power from 100 per cent rear to 100 per cent front takes just 165 milliseconds.

The IDD system continuously monitors each wheel's speed and traction, suspension compression, steering angle and braking force, as well as the car's rotational state.

It then uses an algorithm to determine which wheel(s) are likely to lose traction, and before grip is lost, transfer drive to the wheels that can make best use of it.


Mercedes-Benz SL-Class10/10

This new ‘4Matic’ all-wheel-drive SL63 features AMG’s (M177) 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, superseding the previous rear-wheel-drive SL’s similarly configured 5.5-litre unit.

Hand built by one AMG technician from start to finish, it produces 430kW (around 580hp) from 5500-6500rpm and 800Nm across a broad plateau from 2500-5000rpm.

It’s something of a mechanical masterpiece, and the previous seven-speed auto transmission, driving the rear wheels only, has been replaced by a nine-speed dual-clutch auto (with wet multi-disc start-off clutch) sending drive to all four wheels via Merc’s ‘4Matic’ AWD system.

Efficiency

Jaguar F-Type7/10

Claimed fuel economy for the combined (ADR 81/02 - urban, extra-urban) cycle is 11.3L/100km, the F-Type R emitting 269g/km of CO2 in the process.

Despite the standard auto stop/start function, over close to 350km of city, suburban, and freeway running we recorded a (dash-indicated) average of 16.1L/100km.

That's a solid drinking habit, but it kind of goes with this performance territory, and we did lean into the throttle on a regular basis.

Recommended fuel is 95 RON premium unleaded, and you'll need 70 litres of it to fill the tank. That equates to a range of 619km in line with the factory claim, and 434km using our real-world number as a guide.


Mercedes-Benz SL-Class7/10

Mercedes-AMG’s official fuel economy number for the SL63 on the combined (WLTP) cycle is 13.9L/100km, the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 emitting 319g/km of CO2 in the process.

On the roughly 300km launch program we covered urban, B-road and some freeway running, returning an (indicated) average of 17.5L/100km. And that reflects some enthusiastic driving along the way.

The fuel tank requires 70 litres of 98 RON premium unleaded to fill it which translates to a theoretical range of around 500km, dropping to 400km using our real-world number.

Driving

Jaguar F-Type9/10

Yep, no surprise, the 2021 Jaguar F-Type R is a proper, rip-snorting, beast of a machine. Weighing in at just over 1.7 tonnes, with 423kW/700Nm to propel it forward, in terms of straight line acceleration, it's every bit the scalded cat.

Bury the right foot and it will storm from 0-100km/h in just 3.7 seconds, with furious aural accompaniment courtesy of the 4.0-litre supercharged V8 and sports exhaust system. Electrically-actuated bypass valves in the latter's rear silencer remain closed until they automatically open under load, and boy, do they open up.

Prospective F-Type R owners wishing to remain on good terms with their neighbours will be pleased to know there's a 'Quiet Start function', but once you're a few blocks clear the engine is capable of alerting the entire suburb to you presence, complete with raucous crackles and pops on the overrun.

All 700Nm of maximum torque is available from 3500rpm through to 5000rpm, and mid-range thrust is ferocious. If you have access to a long enough private road Jaguar claims this car will storm on to a (electronically-limited!) maximum velocity of 300km/h.

The eight-speed auto transmission has picked up several tweaks courtesy of the XE-based SV Project 8, and it's brilliant. A conventional torque-converter based unit, rather than a dual-clutch, it's dubbed 'Quickshift', and that it does. Manual flicks between ratios, using the wheel-mounted paddles, are rapid and positive.

Head for your favourite B-road, and it's the F-Type R's ability to put every bit of its power down, without fuss, that impresses next. Push into a series of tight corners and the car grips, settles, and simply surges from one bend to the next, the tricky AWD system seamlessly shuffling torque between the axles and individual wheels.

The standard electronic active diff, and torque vectoring (by braking) also help keep everything under control, turning backroad tryhards into apex hunting virtuosos.

Suspension is by (aluminium) double wishbones front and rear, with revised springs and anti-roll bars added in the 2019 upgrade. Continuously-variable dampers underpin the 'Adaptive Dynamics' system, learning your style and adjusting accordingly.

The electrically-assisted power steering combines great road feel with satisfying accuracy, and the car feels balanced yet agile and responsive in enthusiastic driving.

In a more relaxed mode the adaptive set-up detects rough road conditions and adjusts the suspension settings for greater ride comfort. According to Jaguar, the damper valves and control algorithms have been recalibrated to improve low-speed comfort and high-speed control, and I can vouch for their effectiveness.

Not long after steering this F-Type R I spent some time in the supercharged V6 F-Type P380 R-Dynamic, and this R is far more compliant.

Rubber is a specially-developed Pirelli P Zero (265/35 fr - 305/30 rr), and the supremely efficient brakes are ventilated 380mm at the front, and 376mm rear.


Mercedes-Benz SL-Class9/10

I recall driving the AMG SL65 around the backroads of Tassie a few years ago and that twin-turbo V12 monster famously packed 1000Nm of torque, while this car ‘only’ has 800.

But there comes a point where enough is enough… and this is enough!

With maximum torque available from 2500-5000rpm and peak power (430kW) on call from 5500-6500rpm there’s always stupendous acceleration available with a squeeze of your right foot.

Claimed 0-100km/h time is supercar fast at 3.6 seconds, while top speed is a toupe-troubling 315 km/h. And that’s electronically limited!

A typically ferocious engine noise and howling exhaust note accompany rapid progress and shifts from the nine-speed dual-clutch transmission are quick and positive, not to mention especially enjoyable using the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

There are six ‘AMG Dynamic Select’ drive programs from Comfort through to Race, the latter including a Drift Mode, which we didn’t experiment with. Nor did we dip into the ‘AMG Track Pace’ system for circuit-focused mapping and timing

However, far from drifting, the grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber (275/35 fr - 305/30 rr) plants the car securely with the all-wheel-drive system and electronic locking rear diff playing their part.

I found the perfect set-up was in the ‘Individual’ mode with the engine, transmission and steering in racier settings and the suspension in ‘Comfort’. The adaptive damping in this configuration mixes smooth ride compliance with sharp dynamic response.

The car’s aluminium space frame chassis is part of a body structure mixing aluminium, magnesium, fibre composites and various strength steels.

Torsional rigidity is claimed to have been improved by 18 per cent and despite the lack of a roof the SL feels tight and solid.

Suspension is by alloy double wishbones front and rear with adaptive damping and active hydraulic anti-roll stabilisation standard (so, no physical anti-roll bars).

At the same time the 4Matic AWD system is able to vary torque distribution up to 100 per cent to the front or rear axle depending on where drive can be put to best use.

The speed sensitive, variable ratio, electronically controlled steering is accurate and turns in beautifully with good road feel. No doubt assisted by electric rear steering able to adjust the angle of the rear tyres by up to 2.5 degrees.

All this adds up to a hugely impressive package that, despite its 1970kg kerb weight, feels agile, athletic and able to attack corners like an overgrown hot hatch, putting its power down with unwavering authority.   

While indecently fast the SL63 can also stop rapidly with the AMG high-performance braking system standard. 

Huge composite ventilated and cross-drilled discs (390mm fr - 360mm rr) are clamped by six-piston fixed alloy calipers at the front and single-piston units at the rear. They wash off speed calmly and consistently with perfect pedal feel.

Even at highway speeds, particularly with the windows up, normal conversation is easy with the roof down. But if you need to raise (or lower) it, the operation takes 15 seconds and is possible up to 60km/h. 

Under the heading of miscellaneous observations, the turning circle is a not insubstantial 12.8m, so beware in the car park.

A front axle lift function is a welcome standard feature, raising the car’s nose 30mm with the press of a button. And lift locations are stored in GPS data, so the car will subsequently remember to lift itself at the same place, even if you don’t! 

Heating and cooling for the front seats combined with the heated steering wheel and Air Scarf neck warming makes winter top-down driving a pleasure.

The digital instrument display is not only crystal clear, it can be changed through multiple configurations, including a tunnel-like graphic for engine revs as well as specific readouts for speed, g-force, the lot.

At the same time, the central media screen’s angle can be adjusted to better cope with reflections and the windscreen wiper system Merc calls ‘Magic Vision Control’ channels fluid along the wiper arms onto the rubbers, which isn’t new, but works spectacularly well here.  

Safety

Jaguar F-Type7/10

The F-Type hasn't been assessed by ANCAP, but as well as the usual active safety suspects like ABS, EBD, traction and dynamic stability controls, the R features an AEB system operating at speeds above five km/h, Vehicle detection is in place at speeds of up to 80km/h, and pedestrian detection up to 60km/h.

The AWD system facilitates specific 'Rain', 'Ice', and 'Snow' modes, plus there's active high-beam, lane keep assist, a reversing camera, as well as front and rear parking sensors, and a 'Driver Condition Monitor.'

But cross-traffic alert (front or rear) is missing-in-action, blind spot assist is an option ($900), as is park assist ($700), and tyre pressure monitoring ($700). Any car that's crested the $250K barrier should have all of these as standard.

If an impact's unavoidable there are six airbags (front, side, and curtain). But remember, the front passenger seat is a no-go zone for a rear-facing child restraint. And Jaguar says, "A child should only travel in the front passenger seat if it is essential and national or state legislation permits it."


Mercedes-Benz SL-Class9/10

No independent ANCAP safety assessment at this stage but the SL63 is fitted with the ‘Driving Assistance Package Plus’ which includes a heap of active (crash-avoidance) tech including AEB (with pedestrian detection), active cruise control, lane keeping assist, lane change assist, traffic sign assist, ‘Active Traffic-assist’ and ‘Active Steering Assist’. 

There’s also tyre pressure monitoring and the ‘Active Parking Assist with Parktronic’ self-parking system supported by a 360-degree camera view and multiple sensors. 

If a crash is unavoidable the airbag count runs to eight, including side bags for rear occupants. There are ISOFIX anchor points for child seats or baby capsules in the two rear and front passenger seat positions. And an active bonnet is designed to reduce injuries in the case of a pedestrian impact.

Ownership

Jaguar F-Type8/10

Jaguar covers its Australian new car range with a three-year/100,000km warranty, which looks particularly stingy next to the mainstream market norm of five years/unlimited km, and lags other premium players like Mercedes-Benz and Genesis, both sitting at five years/unlimited km.

On the plus side, paint and corrosion (perforation) are warranted for three years, and roadside assistance is complimentary for 12 months.

And on the big plus side, scheduled servicing for the F-Type (determined by an on-board service interval indicator) is free-of-charge for five years/130,000km.


Mercedes-Benz SL-Class7/10

The SL63 4Matic+ will be covered by Mercedes-AMG’s five-year/unlimited km warranty, with roadside and accident assistance included for the duration, both of which are expected in this category. 

Maintenance intervals are 12 months/20,000km, and a fixed-price service plan lists an average of $1583 for each of the first three visits to the workshop. Not exactly small change, but not unheard of in this part of the market.