Jag XF Sportbrake 250ps vs 300 / tuning?

[Joebristolgym]

So having narrowed my choice of cars to buy down I’m leaning towards a Jag XF Sportbrake. The only slight concern is that the 250ps one might have a hole in its torque vs weight of the car at lower revs. I will look to test drive but thinking about options.

Absolute max budget is £25k but would prefer to be nearer £20k. So most cars in budget are the 250ps version - with an occasional 300 that drops in within budget.

Has anyone driven both back to back and can comment if the 300 is better in terms of response lower down? I think it might be hard to come by a 300 in budget so wondering if a remap to a 250ps one gets nearer the 300 mark and could be aimed at increasing torque rather than outright power. Clearly this will likely increase insurance - ans it might render any warranty bill and void. I was considering buying an aftermarket warranty but this would probably be pointless if I remapped the car.

If a remap who does a good job / is sensibly prices in the Southwest of the U.K. I’m in Bristol so somewhere near would be good.

[Joebristolgym]

Any thoughts on the above - no takers?

[DaveH23]

Surely an XFR is the answer. Rather than buying something slower and tuning it up, by the already tuned offering.

[ALawson]

There was mention of the XF estate in a recent “what estate” thread.

[Joebristolgym]

I’m ideally after a 2019 car (68 plate) as I think the infotainment system changed and has Apple Carpay in it. I find my XE’s satnav a shocker - no matter what setting you have it on it wants to go the weirdest / most obscure way down loads of tiny lanes. Drives me mad.

Think the XFR must be pretty facelift as I don’t think they did higher than a 2 litre petrol with 300ps ish.

[ZX10R NIN]

Go for the 300 the extra torque & go make it an easier steer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104081...

[Joebristolgym]

Thanks - that one is a saloon rather than Sportbrake I think - plus portfolio spec. So horrible wood trim inside. I’m being a bit picky I think - but never spent this much on a car before!

[ZX10R NIN]

It's supposed to be a Sportbrake, always be picky & get the car you want

[Summit_Detailing]

Joebristolgym said:

Thanks - that one is a saloon rather than Sportbrake I think - plus portfolio spec. So horrible wood trim inside. I’m being a bit picky I think - but never spent this much on a car before!

If you don't like the wood trim just get it wrapped in something more agreeable...don't let that put you off what might tick all your boxes otherwise.

Cheers,

Chris

[martind511]

We’ve had an XE with the 250bhp petrol engine for the last couple of years and I recently swapped my Diesel XF for an F-Pace awd with the same 250bhp engine. Performance is adequate rather than sparkling. I am looking to get the F-Pace remapped. In the XF be aware that the 300bhp petrol engine is awd so a little heavier. No major problems with the any of the cars so happy to recommend.

[Joebristolgym]

Thanks all-I’m leaning towards the 250 and getting a stage 1 map for more torque / power as that’s easier to find a car within budget. I was wondering about replacing wood in a portfolio as that widens the choice of cars- plus I could get a car cheaper that way allowing budget for some nicer wheels.

It seems near impossible / hugely expensive to get replacement piano black or silver trim pieces which just leaves wrapping or painting them. I’ve asked a mate who works at a JLR dealer if he can find out how easy it is to remove the trim for either of those options.

[martind511]

There are a few videos on replacing the wooden trim on XFs - I have a Portfolio F-Pace with the wood and it doesn't bother me (I like the old git look) - the wife has the XE and she likes the sporty look so we ended up getting an R-Sport version with the Piano black trim. Out of the XE, XF and F-Pace, I found the XF the most comfortable to drive.