Speccing XF Diesel S - Any suggestions?

[cardigankid]

Looking at an XF, and for the combination of economy and performance, a 3.0 Diesel S. I test drove one of these last year back to back with an XFR and frankly was astonished at how good it was. This has 600n/m of torque, and it shows, provided that you put it in Sport mode and press the chequered flag button.

Not too fussed about the deluxe models because the base 'Luxury' model is still pretty well finished and has plenty of leather.

I believe that the Dynamic Suspension (previously only on the XK and XFR), Aerodynamic and Sports Interior (XFR seats) packs would be good. I'm a strong believer in Adaptive Cruise Control, though you don't see it much on XF's.

I think that the Winter, Mirror and Visibility packs would be nice to have.

Any views or suggestions?

[steve-p]

Have you driven a car with active cruise control for any length of time? I specced it on my previous BMW and found that I didn't care much for it. Instead of modulating speed smoothly as required by traffic conditions it decelerated much later and harder than I would, and accelerated much harder to regain speed. This didn't make for a pleasant journey and I never used it after the first few weeks. Maybe the Jaguar system is different but I wouldn't be in a hurry to have it again on a future car.

[jcelee]

I borrowed one for the weekend (XF 3.0D, non-S) and really could not get on with the ride (as hard as my Golf GTI) or seats. So the XFR seats would be a big improvement and a real draw when you come to sell it in my opinion. Make sure the leather is heated (winter comfort pack) which includes seat heating and steering wheel heating. Also, I was not overly impressed with the standard stereo so the 320w system may be worthwhile if you like your tunes.

[jagseven]

Only options you "need" in my view are:

Parking pack (rear camera is vital)
Sports seats (lots seem to complain about the standard seats)
B&W stereo (which also gives you DAB and USB)

Other nice to haves are:
heated seats (and wheel)
maybe dynamic pack if you want it to handle more like an XFR?

I wouldn't bother with ACC - I've had it before and didn't like it. Regular cruise control is better.

[BigNige]

Is a rear camera really that vital?

[wongy]

The Dynamics Pack with the Shadow Chrome Wheels look fantastic (what colour car are you thinking of?)
I also like the Illuminated Treadplates, but thats a dealer fit option so can be spec'd whenever really.
B&W stereo is a must...
I also like the Aeropack with the LEDs

[jagseven]

ok - not truely vital, but the camera comes with front parking sensors as well and the combination of rear camera and front sensors make it much easier to park
The XF does not have good rear visibilty
The rear camera also gives you markings to show the projected line of the car and how far you can reverese and still comfortably open the boot which works well for me
Added bonus is the camera works well at night (infra red?) so you see what the sensors are beeping on about

Before I got my XF I wouldn't have thought it would be that helpful but I'd definitely miss it if it wasn't there

[Triple7]

BigNige said:

Is a rear camera really that vital?

Yes, the rear mounted centre brake light blocks all the rear view!

[wongy]

Oh yeah, I love the Keyless entry system as well...
Wouldn't have a car without it, now that I've experienced it on the XF.

[Triple7]

I'd plump up a bit of extra cash and get the Premium lux over the lux. The extras you get are mandatory IMHO, plus the bigger wheels make the XF, over the 'orrible small rims they put on the base cars.....

As for the options, the XFR seats are the biz, so yes. The XFR bodykit makes the car look awesome, but it ain't an XFR, so don't waste your money.

It is a fab car, don't blame yah for getting one!

Edited by Triple7 on Thursday 7th January 13:14

[Mattmeister]

when are you looking to change as interior pack will be standard on 'S' models from March this year along with Gloss Black grille (slight price rise though too)

Aero pack looks superb imho and Dynamic pack is worth the £1250 for the wheels alone....

Would prob suggest prem lux as has been mentioned worth it for the extra spec/better audio.

[diesel piston]

Mattmeister said:

when are you looking to change as interior pack will be standard on 'S' models from March this year along with Gloss Black grille

Not before time, that cheapo plastic `chrome` grill done the XF no favours.

[Diderot]

Whatever you do get the sports seats; worst thing about my old XF SV8 was the seats - absolutely no lateral support.

Definitely get the rear camera; B&W is nice but tbh the premium stereo is pretty damn good

[cardigankid]

Thanks for your help and advice, guys. I will print this out and use it as a checklist.

I was thinking of ordering now as we are in '10, but I have no problem waiting until March. I have tried both the standard and XFR seats, and there is no doubt in my mind which is the better.

The issue of Luxury or Premium Luxury bothered me, but when I totalled up the cost of Mirror Pack, Winter Comfort Pack, Visibility Pack and a set of carpet mats it comes to about £1500 compared with £3000 to upgrade to PL. The only other difference seemed to be Soft Grain as opposed to Bond Grain leather. Maybe I am just ignorant but leather is leather, isn't it? The smooth stuff I had on a Porsche Boxster once upon a time was leather but gave a pretty good imitation of vinyl. If I go for the Dynamic Pack, I get the 20" Volans wheels, in a nice graphite finish, which would address the wheel issue.

I will give some further thought to the Adaptive Cruise Control.

Current thoughts:-

Frost Blue
Dove / Charcoal interior (assuming sports seats available in this colour)
Burr walnut (call me a traditionalist)
Dynamic Suspension with graphite alloys
Bower & Wilkins Stereo
Rear camera + front sensor
Mirror Pack
Visibility Pack
Winter Comfort Pack

(Beginning to sound like a Christmas tree!)

[cardigankid]

And keyless entry - though I had some funny experiences with Bluetooth once and am concerned about how it would work/not work.

[jagseven]

keylesss entry works very well
I think you will get a few more extras than just nicer leather when you go from Lux to Pre Lux
My dad has an early 2.7 Lux and the leather on the seats seems ok but you don't get leather on the dash as I recall and as a result it feels notably less luxurious compared to my car
Prem Lux will be worth more come resale than a spec'd up Lux

[cardigankid]

I'll go and take a further look - my impression to date is that any XF feels like a luxurious and well finished vehicle.

Also, though your point is valid, and I realise everyone says this, I am speccing this for personal enjoyment rather than resale value.

[Pferdestarke]

Does it come as standard with a curry hook like the X-Type?

[Mattmeister]

cardigankid said:

The only other difference seemed to be Soft Grain as opposed to Bond Grain leather. Maybe I am just ignorant but leather is leather, isn't it? The smooth stuff I had on a Porsche Boxster once upon a time was leather but gave a pretty good imitation of vinyl. If I go for the Dynamic Pack, I get the 20" Volans wheels, in a nice graphite finish, which would address the wheel issue.

I will give some further thought to the Adaptive Cruise Control.

Current thoughts:-

Frost Blue
Dove / Charcoal interior (assuming sports seats available in this colour)
Burr walnut (call me a traditionalist)
Dynamic Suspension with graphite alloys
Bower & Wilkins Stereo
Rear camera + front sensor
Mirror Pack
Visibility Pack
Winter Comfort Pack

(Beginning to sound like a Christmas tree!)

colour is very personal but dove grey does 'clash' a bit with the 'brown' colour of walnut.

The prem lux leather is much nicer/softer particularly on the dash and door tops where it doesn't have the heavy 'grain texture' of the bond grain. The only way to see the difference is go to your local dealer and sit in both, if youre personally not fussed then dont worry. You also get better audio (so you could do without the B&W cost unless a total audiophile) you get most of the winter/visibility/mirror pack stuff and you'll get 20"s so could maybe save the cost of dynamics pack? Worth bearing in mind you also get memory seats/wheel/mirrors, does anyone else share the driving?

my recommended spec essentials would be Prem Lux 's' with PAI (ipod interface) and Park aid pack + aero pack if its worth it to you for the looks) oooh and maybe a heated steering wheel!

[Mattmeister]

there's no curry hook!