XF Sportbrake petrol - Illuminate me pls

[RiccardoG]

I've been a long-term owner of a BMW E39 530i Touring. Really love that car but its getting on for 20 years and am thinking about getting something newer. Not sure quite yet... Car is used only on weekends and trips, no daily use. In fact, might stay parked (on road) for 2~3 weeks on end.

The XF Sportbrake (petrol) has caught my attention. Love the looks, seems to have good features (self leveling suspension), on paper quite powerful petrol engine and good boot. Reviews seem to comment on great driving experience too. I've interpreted it to drive like a 3 Series with the size and refinement of a 5 Series (apologies, all my references are BMW...). Its way cheaper too. Around £22k for a 2yr old official car. That seems a great price to me when compared with the alternatives.

I do look at keeping it for many years and the premise of it being non-intesive in terms of care required is a requirement for me (have family, work and other cars to lavish attention on already).

So, whats not to like? I've seen some negative comments on here, but why? Listening to comments why I shouldn't (or should!)...

[RiccardoG]

Boy its quiet in here.... anyone?

[Pursyluv]

I’m hanging around here at present as I’m considering an E Pace for a Company car plus I’m planning on a V8 F Type to replace the TVR, anyway whilst in a Jag dealership the sales guy told me he head only sold 2 petrol XFs in 3 years, I guess like a lot of these types of cars they’ve become diesel rep mobiles!

Edit, just re-read your post, you’ve found one, I had wrongly assumed they’d be hard to find

Edited by Pursyluv on Thursday 29th October 18:59

[RiccardoG]

Thanks. That's interesting as my dealer (London) said the petrol ones were selling like hot-cakes. Then again... he might only have had one allocated.

The used (and overpriced) one they have has been hanging around for a while though. Terrible customer service from them means I won't be trying that particular car.

Have arranged a drive tomorrow out of town, see how that goes.

Mind you, just had a look at the Jaguar servicing pricing and its steep! Much more than BMW

[P700DEE]

Along with my XKR I run an F11 520D The F11 drives very different to a 3 series, feels much heavier, more luxury and planted and I chose to go this route over a 3. I was loaned an XF 2.2D by my jag indi while he had my XKR. Felt faster but less stable. The Nav is not as good as the BMW but otherwise it felt more up to date. Can't comment on the engines but petrol at least avoids issues with diesel where BMW went Euro 6 several years before Jaguar. Looking forward to your opinions when you have tried both.

[RiccardoG]

Quick thread update. Went to drive a 2018 Sportbrake "Portfolio" 250 at Lookers Buckinghamshire.

I really like the looks, a large but handsome car. Driving it doesn't feel large at all. Driving on some of the minor roads over wet leaves and general autumn muck on the road it didn't inspire me with confidence. Felt like it might loose traction easily. Also didn't like how it seemed to be quite "thrusting" when accelerating. Was hard to modulate the accelerator. Brakes were good, nicer than the BMWs which are very grabby. Couldn't get a feel for agility / turn in that much, but felt "ok" if nothing special. Quiet at motorway speeds and comfortable to drive. Good space inside. The ICE was good, albeit it only controllable via touch. Sat-nav poor, couldn't find POIs to locate dealer on way back (was lost), resorted to iPhone...

Dealer was ok. Got chucked the keys, come back when you want, sir. But then no follow up with pricing / answers to questions. Might have been due to lockdown the day after?

Later same day drove a 2017 BMW 520i Touring. Obviously weaker engine in the 20i (190 vs 250 bhp) but overall I felt it is a more well rounded package.

Test drives can be quite limiting in what you actual glean from a car. Many cars tend to get better as you learn them and also when one is not consciously looking out for issues. However, I think for me BMW is where I am staying for the moment. Shame, as Jaguar would have been an interesting change!