Thoughts on XF 25t ?
Discussion
Thinking of an XF Sportbrake as a family wagon and came across a good PCH lease deal on a 25t Portfolio.
If anyone has some knowledge / experience of good and bad points of the current XF in general and this model in particular and which option boxes are worth ticking, I would appreciate it. (I’m thinking the LED headlights and the power convenience pack only - don’t want to overdo it on a leased car).
Some magazine reviews are a bit critical of the engine and the infotainment but imo, the reviewers often seem a bit harsh when looking for something to put in the “against” column.
If anyone has some knowledge / experience of good and bad points of the current XF in general and this model in particular and which option boxes are worth ticking, I would appreciate it. (I’m thinking the LED headlights and the power convenience pack only - don’t want to overdo it on a leased car).
Some magazine reviews are a bit critical of the engine and the infotainment but imo, the reviewers often seem a bit harsh when looking for something to put in the “against” column.
How timely!
I’ve just been over to Leicestershire from my home near Norwich today. 250 miles on mix of dc, m-way and good A roads in my 25T Portfolio saloon December 17 reg, 8000 miles so far and no real complaints.
The car just gets better and better. Lovely smooth engine which goes really well especially in sport mode. Quiet unless pushed when it sounds quite nice. The icing on the cake is 40mpg average, 36 knocking around, well over 40 on a decent run. (To be fair, most of the time I just cruise about but for comparison my 530d gave me mid 40s on the same usage)
The handling is great. A different league from my previous F10. Rides better, steers better, goes round corners better. End of story.
Some say the interior is ‘low rent’. It’s less complex than the 5 series and not quite so ‘solidly’ built but my car has no rattles at all and I quite like the simplicity. Everything works, except the voice control is erratic but I understand that’s fixed with the latest software update.
I have the programmable sports mode (which I haven’t even looked at yet, after 8 months!) and ICTPro which gives me the digital dash. That’s great, different displays depending on drive mode, full map option etc. The full map right in front of you can be very useful.
The only fault I’ve had is a ‘low battery warning’ a couple of times. Took the car in and was told all seemed OK. Never seen the message since, I suspect a software update fixed that.
Extras are up to you really, I’m pleased I got the ICTPro, I have a sunroof which I occasionally use and I chose 18” rims. A good balance between ride, looks and handling imo.
The main thing for me is that, compared with my 5 series, this car is so much a better thing to drive, as I was reminded today on the A47!!
I’ve just been over to Leicestershire from my home near Norwich today. 250 miles on mix of dc, m-way and good A roads in my 25T Portfolio saloon December 17 reg, 8000 miles so far and no real complaints.
The car just gets better and better. Lovely smooth engine which goes really well especially in sport mode. Quiet unless pushed when it sounds quite nice. The icing on the cake is 40mpg average, 36 knocking around, well over 40 on a decent run. (To be fair, most of the time I just cruise about but for comparison my 530d gave me mid 40s on the same usage)
The handling is great. A different league from my previous F10. Rides better, steers better, goes round corners better. End of story.
Some say the interior is ‘low rent’. It’s less complex than the 5 series and not quite so ‘solidly’ built but my car has no rattles at all and I quite like the simplicity. Everything works, except the voice control is erratic but I understand that’s fixed with the latest software update.
I have the programmable sports mode (which I haven’t even looked at yet, after 8 months!) and ICTPro which gives me the digital dash. That’s great, different displays depending on drive mode, full map option etc. The full map right in front of you can be very useful.
The only fault I’ve had is a ‘low battery warning’ a couple of times. Took the car in and was told all seemed OK. Never seen the message since, I suspect a software update fixed that.
Extras are up to you really, I’m pleased I got the ICTPro, I have a sunroof which I occasionally use and I chose 18” rims. A good balance between ride, looks and handling imo.
The main thing for me is that, compared with my 5 series, this car is so much a better thing to drive, as I was reminded today on the A47!!
Thanks for that, Realist.
I do like the look of the virtual dash as the standard sat nav in the centre console is quite low, especially compared with our current Audi where it pops up above the dashboard when you start the engine. I’ll have a think on that one...
The car I’m looking at comes with 18” alloys as standard which is fine with me - may not look so beefy but ride is important.
One of the things I’m happy about is it has decent power and performance compared to the other vehicles we have been considering for similar outlay although, on the downside, I still need to see that there’s enough rear room for our sons to fit in some comfort. We are going to the local dealer to give it a better look over, hopefully this weekend.
I do like the look of the virtual dash as the standard sat nav in the centre console is quite low, especially compared with our current Audi where it pops up above the dashboard when you start the engine. I’ll have a think on that one...
The car I’m looking at comes with 18” alloys as standard which is fine with me - may not look so beefy but ride is important.
One of the things I’m happy about is it has decent power and performance compared to the other vehicles we have been considering for similar outlay although, on the downside, I still need to see that there’s enough rear room for our sons to fit in some comfort. We are going to the local dealer to give it a better look over, hopefully this weekend.
I made a mistake, I have 19” rims.
I am no fan of big wheels, the ride is important. My 530 has full adaptive drive, full comfort pack but I still had the standard 18” rims.
When I tested the XF I was impressed by how much better it rode than the 5 and the test car had 20” which persuaded me to go with 19”. No regrets though I guess 18” will ride even better.
The 530 had RFTs of course, I opted for a space saver spare in the XF.
As for space, the XF seems to have more leg room but possibly a slightly more intrusive roofline than the 5.
I am no fan of big wheels, the ride is important. My 530 has full adaptive drive, full comfort pack but I still had the standard 18” rims.
When I tested the XF I was impressed by how much better it rode than the 5 and the test car had 20” which persuaded me to go with 19”. No regrets though I guess 18” will ride even better.
The 530 had RFTs of course, I opted for a space saver spare in the XF.
As for space, the XF seems to have more leg room but possibly a slightly more intrusive roofline than the 5.
Ah, right. Fair enough re the wheels etc.
I’ve had a few BMWs but the most recent (an X5) had a very firm ride - admittedly the MSport version but the Audi is really smooth on S Line suspension. We’ve been very happy with it but it’s going back next week and we’d like something equally composed.
Thanks also for the comment on interior room - I gather the Sportbrake has more headroom in the back due to the raised roofline over the saloon so I’m hoping that’ll be ok. Boys are growing and we would have the car for 3 years so it’s got to be big enough back there.
I’ve had a few BMWs but the most recent (an X5) had a very firm ride - admittedly the MSport version but the Audi is really smooth on S Line suspension. We’ve been very happy with it but it’s going back next week and we’d like something equally composed.
Thanks also for the comment on interior room - I gather the Sportbrake has more headroom in the back due to the raised roofline over the saloon so I’m hoping that’ll be ok. Boys are growing and we would have the car for 3 years so it’s got to be big enough back there.
I had a couple of facelift X250 XFS diesels. Cracking cars. Then the new shape came out, and although it’s a very capable car, I just couldn’t bring myself to buy one. Mainly because of the awful interior compared to the outgoing model. So I bought one of the last XFR-Ss built. Love it, and it’s been another cracking car.
OP LED headlights are a definite improvement over the HIDs, I’ve had cars with both. The surround camera system is also worth the money if you can. Makes parking the big old beast a doddle.
I can’t comment on the engine, as I bought the saloon with the petrol v6, but I’ve heard good things. 250bhp is plenty to move it around.
Must have is the larger ‘Pro’ screen, although that comes as standard from MY19 onwards. You pay extra for the digital dash and Pro nav system though, and it is worth it.
Ignore any comments from owners of older models about the interior. I’ve had all variants of XF and they’re just as good. The design is so different though, and most can’t see past that. I imagine the same happened when the XF came out from owners of the S-Type :-)
I can’t comment on the engine, as I bought the saloon with the petrol v6, but I’ve heard good things. 250bhp is plenty to move it around.
Must have is the larger ‘Pro’ screen, although that comes as standard from MY19 onwards. You pay extra for the digital dash and Pro nav system though, and it is worth it.
Ignore any comments from owners of older models about the interior. I’ve had all variants of XF and they’re just as good. The design is so different though, and most can’t see past that. I imagine the same happened when the XF came out from owners of the S-Type :-)
You’re in sales Ben, you’re always got got have your rose-tints on. Maybe some facts may steer you right.
http://carsalesbase.com/european-car-sales-data/ja...
Jag have dropped the ball on mainstream saloons. Fact.
http://carsalesbase.com/european-car-sales-data/ja...
Jag have dropped the ball on mainstream saloons. Fact.
fatboy b said:
I’ve driven a few new shape XFs. You can’t ignore the low-rent interior unless you’re wearing rose-tinted glasses. It’s a step down in appearance and quality, just accept it. As you know Ben, many on jaginfo haven’t moved to one because of the crap interior.
Can you be more specific? its A long time since I was in an old XF. From memory they were classically old fashioned in a nice way. Old fashioned they aren’t. Facia is uncluttered with many little-used functions tucked away in the screen , unlike the later one, where even the screen functions are not as intuitive as before.
The centre console on the new one just feels cheapo, as do much of the interior materials. The boat-like style to the front door tops that continues round the top of the dash is weird and may not n]be tomeveryone’s liking.
There was a lot more included on the old one compared to the new one. You don’t even get traffic notifications on the new one without having to pay extra, or hook up your phone app. A lot of what you pay for on the new one is included in cheaper cars like a Kia. Just not acceptable.
The dash top on the X250 is quality smooth leather. The later ones started out looking more like elephant hide. The seat leather is also lower quality. I found the handling on the new cars slightly better, but also more noisy suspension and road noise. The diesel V6 though more powerful sounded harsher in the cabin.
The panel fit is iffy on the new ones, and the cut-lines on the front end are awkward. The back-end styling is the most awkward view. I’ve yet to see an XE or new XF where the exhaust finishers stick out the same distance.
The only petrol engine option now is a 4-pot. There’re no halo models like the old shape. I enjoy owning the top of the range R-S, but there’s nothing like it in the current range.
The centre console on the new one just feels cheapo, as do much of the interior materials. The boat-like style to the front door tops that continues round the top of the dash is weird and may not n]be tomeveryone’s liking.
There was a lot more included on the old one compared to the new one. You don’t even get traffic notifications on the new one without having to pay extra, or hook up your phone app. A lot of what you pay for on the new one is included in cheaper cars like a Kia. Just not acceptable.
The dash top on the X250 is quality smooth leather. The later ones started out looking more like elephant hide. The seat leather is also lower quality. I found the handling on the new cars slightly better, but also more noisy suspension and road noise. The diesel V6 though more powerful sounded harsher in the cabin.
The panel fit is iffy on the new ones, and the cut-lines on the front end are awkward. The back-end styling is the most awkward view. I’ve yet to see an XE or new XF where the exhaust finishers stick out the same distance.
The only petrol engine option now is a 4-pot. There’re no halo models like the old shape. I enjoy owning the top of the range R-S, but there’s nothing like it in the current range.
Edited by fatboy b on Sunday 19th August 21:42
Thanks for all the comments everyone - some very useful,points there.
We went to the local main dealer this morning to have a look at one in the metal: Have to say the exterior is a lot more attractive than the interior which is OK but perhaps a little bland (imo). However, for space and standard spec, really can’t complain at all.
Thanks for your comments on options BenjiS. Mrs BB likes the LED headlights (which we have on the Audi) and I definitely think they’re a worthwhile option in poor weather and badly / unlit roads when it’s dark. I didn’t have a play with the satnav (should have done that) but I reckon the standard screen etc will probably do for our needs. Still thinking about the digital dash but Mrs is now thinking of a non-standard colour so I’m wary about jacking up the spec and price too high (for a 3 year lease car anyway).
I’m now waiting on confirmation of the deal and availability from the original dealer and similar from the local dealer, if they can match or beat it (which I doubt). When I have some firm figures, I will post them up so others can also take advantage of what appears to be a cracking deal
We went to the local main dealer this morning to have a look at one in the metal: Have to say the exterior is a lot more attractive than the interior which is OK but perhaps a little bland (imo). However, for space and standard spec, really can’t complain at all.
Thanks for your comments on options BenjiS. Mrs BB likes the LED headlights (which we have on the Audi) and I definitely think they’re a worthwhile option in poor weather and badly / unlit roads when it’s dark. I didn’t have a play with the satnav (should have done that) but I reckon the standard screen etc will probably do for our needs. Still thinking about the digital dash but Mrs is now thinking of a non-standard colour so I’m wary about jacking up the spec and price too high (for a 3 year lease car anyway).
I’m now waiting on confirmation of the deal and availability from the original dealer and similar from the local dealer, if they can match or beat it (which I doubt). When I have some firm figures, I will post them up so others can also take advantage of what appears to be a cracking deal
BenjiS said:
The majority of Jaginfo posters are old men living in the past.
Which sadly is a common failing with the brand, and one I’m glad JLR is actively trying to change.
There are lots of old men, they have lots of money, and one day you will be old too.Which sadly is a common failing with the brand, and one I’m glad JLR is actively trying to change.
If I want a car that looks like an Audi, with black plastic and blue LEDs (and a leaper stuck on sideways on the boot so you can tell who makes it if you look close enough) I'll buy a current Jaguar. They have a range of three pinch-n-zoom cars that all look exactly the same. Apart from the XJ which has an arse like a baboon.
When and if I run out of XKs I actually think the Porsche Panamera is a damn sight nicer and more distinctive than any so-called 'Jaguar'.
Over the summer I have done decent miles in:
BMW 335d
BMW 520d
Passat R Design
E220 AMG
Volvo V90
XF Sport Line
The Jag was far and away the nastiest place to crunch miles
It felt like a museum especially compared to the F31 which is almost obsolete yet felt light years ahead especially with respect to infotainment
And if you cross reference my posts you will see that one of the above manufacturers is a lot tighter than others when it comes to test drives. Kind of strange really when their car is the s
ttest choice for the middle aged thrusting executive Cheers
PS Volvo V90 deals are pretty irresistible at he moment.......
Thanks numtum. Think a longish test drive in the XF will be a necessity before signing on the dotted line....
I have considered the V90 - exterior is attractive and interior is very nice indeed and better than the XF overall but the lease deals are quite a bit higher for a Momentum spec than the Portfolio deal I’m looking at and then you’d have to add a few expensive options on top, to create some parity. Furthermore, the T4 V90 has about 190PS and the XF about 250. Not the be all, of course, but a factor.
I guess it’s weighing up the pros and cons and individual taste. At the moment, if the deal is actually available, it seems the XF is going to be tough to better.
I have considered the V90 - exterior is attractive and interior is very nice indeed and better than the XF overall but the lease deals are quite a bit higher for a Momentum spec than the Portfolio deal I’m looking at and then you’d have to add a few expensive options on top, to create some parity. Furthermore, the T4 V90 has about 190PS and the XF about 250. Not the be all, of course, but a factor.
I guess it’s weighing up the pros and cons and individual taste. At the moment, if the deal is actually available, it seems the XF is going to be tough to better.
numtumfutunch said:
Over the summer I have done decent miles in:
BMW 335d
BMW 520d
Passat R Design
E220 AMG
Volvo V90
XF Sport Line
The Jag was far and away the nastiest place to crunch miles
It felt like a museum especially compared to the F31 which is almost obsolete yet felt light years ahead especially with respect to infotainment
And if you cross reference my posts you will see that one of the above manufacturers is a lot tighter than others when it comes to test drives. Kind of strange really when their car is the sttest choice for the middle aged thrusting executive
Cheers
PS Volvo V90 deals are pretty irresistible at he moment.......
That’s a bit much, methinks you’re trying too hard. BMW 335d
BMW 520d
Passat R Design
E220 AMG
Volvo V90
XF Sport Line
The Jag was far and away the nastiest place to crunch miles
It felt like a museum especially compared to the F31 which is almost obsolete yet felt light years ahead especially with respect to infotainment
And if you cross reference my posts you will see that one of the above manufacturers is a lot tighter than others when it comes to test drives. Kind of strange really when their car is the s
ttest choice for the middle aged thrusting executive Cheers
PS Volvo V90 deals are pretty irresistible at he moment.......
The F31 has been widely criticised for its cheap interior and poor ride quality. Many owners actually upgrade the suspensions with aftermarket bits. It must have been one of the most heavily discounted premium brand models over its life, too.
The 520d has one of the roughest diesels I’ve had the misfortune to drive. My 530d was good in that respect but nowhere near as smooth as the lowly 4 pot 25T
The E Class of recent years have been particularly bland inside (the latest is different if a little odd) road noise on anything but the smallest wheels is unbearable (that’s why I bought a BMW, which was better but still worse than the XF.
I’m an old man but not old enough to resort to a Volvo yet.
One of the reasons I ended up with a Jaguar is that my BMW dealer couldn’t/wouldn’t provide me with a 540/530i to test, and after waiting 6/7 weeks unsuccessfully for an E Coupe to try I walked into the Jaguar dealer, tested a car, went back the day after to borrow it for the day and ordered it.
Delivered in 7 weeks, no faults other than a low battery warning as mentioned. The tech may not be intuitive but neither are any of the others in my experience. It’s fine when you’re used to it.
Interestingly, I’d never noticed the ‘boat-like top on the doors. Neither here nor there to me, nor most I suspect.
Anyway, I’m off to gaze at my symmetrical exhaust tips (!). In the end it’s all down to personal preference and experience I guess.
I have a 25T R Sport XF.
Is the build quality inside as good as the 5 series or E Class....Nope
Is the Infotainment better than the 5 or E....Nope
But I think it looks great from the outside, and I like the design of the inside, they even manage to integrate the screen into the dash not stick it on top.
But the way it gets down the road. Mine has 20" wheel on standard suspension and it's brilliant it really drives like a big 4 seater sports car so much better than the Germans IMO. The 25T is smooth and really shifts when you have to overtake.
I had an F10 520d MSport and hated it so I must have polar opposite opinions to most. I also have a TVR so perhaps flawed British built cars are my thing.
But I am really happy with the XF and after nearly 6 months an 6K miles I'm still giggling like a child as I take on decent A road in it.
Is the build quality inside as good as the 5 series or E Class....Nope
Is the Infotainment better than the 5 or E....Nope
But I think it looks great from the outside, and I like the design of the inside, they even manage to integrate the screen into the dash not stick it on top.
But the way it gets down the road. Mine has 20" wheel on standard suspension and it's brilliant it really drives like a big 4 seater sports car so much better than the Germans IMO. The 25T is smooth and really shifts when you have to overtake.
I had an F10 520d MSport and hated it so I must have polar opposite opinions to most. I also have a TVR so perhaps flawed British built cars are my thing.
But I am really happy with the XF and after nearly 6 months an 6K miles I'm still giggling like a child as I take on decent A road in it.
Edited by stumpage on Monday 20th August 15:09
Argh, After all that, the dealer has now said that the advertised deal was an error and is not available 🤬 Somehow, someone somewhere transposed the first 2 digits of the monthly lease payment so instead of reading £320 odd, it read £230. Thought it was too good an offer but they didn’t tell me when I phoned on Saturday, but they have changed the ad this morning.
Oh well, back to the drawing board....
Oh well, back to the drawing board....
BreakingBad said:
Argh, After all that, the dealer has now said that the advertised deal was an error and is not available ?? Somehow, someone somewhere transposed the first 2 digits of the monthly lease payment so instead of reading £320 odd, it read £230. Thought it was too good an offer but they didn’t tell me when I phoned on Saturday, but they have changed the ad this morning.
Oh well, back to the drawing board....
Which broker? Oh well, back to the drawing board....
Select still have it starting at 230 although you need to nudge the initial and mile sliders a little to be representative
Cheers
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