I've been searching old threads and elsewhere online to answer this question and have a few gaps in information I'm hoping can be clarified. I started out looking for an XFR but found a great deal on a 2012 XF SC that essentially looks new and has a color combo I love, complete records, etc... I do love the look of the 2012+ car and am specifically trying to figure out the differences between the 2012+ XFR and the SC.

As far as I've been able to find (and maybe I missed more info somewhere) there are different styling cues on the exterior (i.e. front air dam) and additional R badges, 510hp vs 470hp, and maybe a few other minor things. However, it seems like some of the key pieces to me (rear diff, brakes, active suspension) are actually the same on both cars. Can someone clarify if that is true, or are there physical differences in the differential, brakes and suspension? Does it just boil down to the code used to control these systems since they are all "active", such as the ECU tune accounting for the difference in engine output? Or maybe no difference at all?

I would expect the R to be a little firmer/sharper as it's often compared to the M5 and the XF SC to the 550i. That difference may be preferable to me, though it's impossible to say without first hand experience. Thanks in advance for any input!

 

The XF SC has identical drive train. The hp difference is in the tune. The rest of the XFR upgrades are cosmetic. The XF SC is a steal if you think about it.

 

I have been thinking about it and that's exactly what I was thinking... haha Thanks for the reply! Now I need to make a decision, and I think i know what that will be...

Out of curiosity, did you have much trouble sourcing an XFR front bumper? I thought about potentially doing the same, though I don't mind the 2012 SC look as is at all.

 

I was in the market for a S/C but ended up in an R due to finding one for cheaper than all the local S/C.

The seats in the R are much nicer and more comfortable (in my opinion) than in the S/C, but otherwise driving the two felt the same, though I think the XFR has a quicker steering ratio? I thought I could feel a difference there.

 

Just based on photos the 2012 seats look the same or very similar between the SC and R, but I haven't been able to sit in a 2012 R. They were definitely very different (flat, no side bolstering) in a 2011 SC I looked at. The 2012 I'm eyeing has very nice seats that definitely qualify as proper sport seats in my opinion.

I was wondering about the steering ratio, and usually prefer something on the quicker side. Not sure that's a deal breaker though, especially for the price difference and having to make a trip just to see an XFR in person. The steering on the SC didn't bother me, but did feel a bit slower than what I'm used to, though my current car has a pretty quick steering ratio. I guess if it really bothered me I could keep my eye out for a proper XFR in the future... otherwise I'm incredibly impressed with the SC.

 

My previous cars (rx8, 350z, e92 335is) also had much quicker steering, but the R seems fine to me. The S/C felt a bit slow in comparison, but it didn't really bother me since the car is nowhere near as nimble as my previous rides.

I think you can get "sport" seats in the S/C that are the same/similar to the R seats. The S/C's that I drove had pretty plain seats that had very little support.

2012 s/c (plain, little support)-
http://images.gtcarlot.com/customgal...r/62953133.jpg
http://www.ridelust.com/wp-content/u...ont-Seats3.jpg

Apparently also a 2012 s/c (no R logo on the seats)-
http://services.edmunds-media.com/im...555-125166.jpg

XFR -
https://pictures.dealer.com/j/jagtes...5cda9db3bx.jpg

 

Sounds about right in terms of car history... I'm sure once I've driven the S/C for awhile I won't even notice. It was just quite a contrast coming from a very quick ratio, but I can't say it felt terribly slow either.

The seats in the last S/C pic you posted look exactly like the seats in the car I'm looking at, including the color. Support seemed very good to me, especially since they are adjustable.

 

Yeah, I don't think those are standard. The one's I drove had the plain seats in the first two pics .

Nice car if it has those seats! I would have loved to get in a 2012+ S/C like that.

 

Now that you mention it, I think some of the other 2012s I browsed online did have the standard seats, it's just not as evident unless you look closely. That's why I was surprised by this particular car, as it seems like an XFR dressed as a SC.

 

I just traded in my 2010 XFR for a 2012 XF Supercharged. Like you, I discovered the differences were very minor. Mine came with the sport seats option, so same as the XFR (minus the R logo). I just recently added the rear air diffuser that comes on the XFR-S and have sourced an XFR front end replacement for ~$750. So, add in a tune, and some body parts and you have something that could potentially outrun an XFR and you're saving around 10k.

 

As best I have been able to find out, mechanically the cars are the same, the 40HP difference comes from a tune. The XFR has sports seats, a rear blind and interior trim differences, all these can be optioned on the XFSC. Exterior differences are a body kit.

 

Tires make a huge difference in steering feel and "quickness". Had Hankooks. Steering was slower and ride was better. Have Bridgestone S-04's now and steering is noticeably quicker, turn in is a ton better, and it's much more planted in corners.

 

If the steering ratio is different btw SC and R then I presume it must be just settings as the parts are all the same to my understanding. So should be relatively easy to adjust? But I'm wondering if it's really different given the rest of the suspension setup is the same. I'm sure you could find out if you call the dealer

I went with SC in the end as at the time it was a lot cheaper for the same car without body kit. And no regrets from me

 

Well I caved and bought it... 2012 XF SC, 34k miles, certified, looks like a new car. Thanks for all of the replies, looks like this is a great community. I'll post some pics a bit later.

 

Congrats. You'll love it.

 

Cool beans..enjoy

 

Congrats. I'm sure you'll love it
Post pics soon

 

Here are a few from a quick trip yesterday... definitely loving it.

XFSC Slideshow | Photobucket

 

Great choice!

 

Great pictures - love the backdrop!