I'm getting the Supercharged V8 XF.

But I'm really struggling in the decision between a 2012 vs. 2013, mostly based on the transmission and the sound system.

The 6-speed trans in 2012 seems to work really well with the supercharged V8, yet the new 8-speed trans is more fuel efficient (something I don't care much about). I understand the 8-speed though is less aggressive, unless you're in sport mode, basically racing the engine through the gears trying to get it in 8th gear as quickly as possible. And then if you slam it, it struggles to find the optimum gear during the kickdown to lower gears. I didn't find this to be an issue much with the 6-speed (haven't been in the 8-speed yet).

But my one reason for leaning heavily towards the 2013 is that I can get the 825W Meridian upgraded system, which I understand sounds pretty damn nice....likely better than the 2012's B&W system.

So should I get the 2012 with the 6-speed and B&W, or the 2013 with the 8-speed and the upgraded Meridian system?

Hmmmmm....

 

Are you trolling?..this is your first post..what kind/edition is the 2013?..I'm assuming it's also SC'd...LOL..How do you know for sure then about how the 13 does???...Is this something you heard about how it shifts, etc?


Do yourself a favor, drive one right after the other..this is the only way you'll know what you like best...


IMO..I'd go with the 2013, since all the water pump issues and other little problems have been worked out..No brainer.

 

Been debating on a Jag for 6 months. So I've been hanging around these XF forums for a while. Ready to pull the trigger soon.

Yes, both are SC'ed V8s.

And yes, I've heard about the transmission differences in expert reviews, and posts here in this forum. Looking for the pros and cons of each, if any.

Will do. Have already spent extensive time in the 2012 with the 6speed. And sometimes it's hard to get a good feel from a short test drive. Looking for input from owners who've had the 8-speed for a while.

Good point. We'll see if it's a no-brainer for me too, in the end.

 

Given you are looking at the V8 SC I doubt the extra gears will make much performance difference to you. Torque curve and power output is relatively flat from low revs all the way up so lots of gear changes are less helpful. I think the small engined 4 cylinder turbo and the V6 plus the diesels would prob benefit more. That said it does have a lower final gear ratio so the fuel economy difference is quite real

On the sound system all you can do is test them and see. I have the 2010 SC with the 625W system which sound excellent in my view

Good luck!

 

I have the 2012 6sp and it is a wonderful transmission. But, I would chose the 8sp any day if I would have that choice now. I test drove car with it several times and liked it a lot.

The SC is a performance car and the 8sp, close-ratio transmission provides additional performance to it. Yes, it will "race through the gears", exactly what a performance car should do. The car will accelerate faster with the 8sp and stay in the "power range" better when driven by an experienced performance driver. To add to the previous poster, the torque curve IS, indeed, relatively flat through the RPM range BUT, the power curve is NOT flat at all. You have to look at a dyno sheet to see where the peak power is, usually near the engine's red line. For max performance a close ratio transmission can be kept near that peak power, within about 1500 RPMs between gears.

On top, it gets a good 5 percent better MPG at highway cruising speeds, so, what is not to like?

 

i agree with the last post as well......to me the 2010 sound system is great, im happy that i can connect to it in ways my 2006 STR doesnt allow. id test the 2013 in slow cruise mode and the sport modes...also try the paddles ... although i cant imagine not really enjoying either year : )

 

A good clarification on power curves. I had thought the power curve was relatively flat too - but I just looked and it does appear to grow until around 5000 rpm. So that makes sense

Seems like consensus is with the 8spd model - but you should drive one to check!

 

Our LR4 has the upgraded Meridian system. My XF has the B&W system. They are different in sound, much like hearing 2 different home systems. I like the B&W system better. I haven't driven the 8 speed in an XF, but have in the LR4. I don't think you lose anything by going to the 13 with transmission.

 

I like the B&W system better, but I upgraded the subwoofer. The Meridian system has better bass (still not to my liking though), but to me the clarity in the highs suffers. So it's easy to fix what is wrong to my ears on the B&W, not so much with the Meridian.

With the supercharged motor, you won't lack for gears either way. The engine has so much torque that any gear that is close will do. The highway mileage will always be better the more ratios you have though.

 

I'd do a 2012, then take the $$$ you save over the 2013 and get a good extended warranty, and do your mods. Your not really buying this car to listen to its stereo..lol One of the other things that came with the 2013 is the stoplight engine shut off, forced economy from a performance car, really?

 

Thanks for the feedback, all

Good point, Will. I'm definitely modding this Jag, complete with the pulley and ECU so it can put out about 560 hp, then some aftermarket shoes and performance tires, and likely a subtle drop.

If the Meridian system or the 8-speed is not world's better than the B&W and 6-speed (and it sounds like it's not), I will do just what you said. I could care less about fuel economy, I'm not buying a SC V8 Jag to save money, else I'd buy an Accord.

 

I heard about that BS feature..I understand it can be disabled once you start the car, but must be redone every time you start..what a pain in the ***..

 

Just unhook the second battery in the trunk and the start stop mess will be over with for good.

Interesting comment about the 8 speed. Is it really faster than the old 6 speed?
I have not read any road tests that indicate this. If it is maybe the 8 speed is worth a bit more?
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You'll also get a constant warning light that says the Start/Stop system is disabled.