Which one would you guys get? Is the base engine sluggish or does it have some pickup?

 

The word sluggish doesn't fit in a sentence, when we are talking about Jaguars.

Go test drive them, see what you like.

 

The 5.0 or 5.0 SC or 5.0 XFR. I have owned both the 5.0 and the 5.0 SC and tested the XFR. The 5.0 385 HP is extremely fast, relative to your standard 4 door sedan. Kick it up to SC at 470 HP hyper faster watch what you're doing. The 5.0 XFR is the same engine as the SC just unleashed further to 510 HP really ultra hyper fast so really watch out.

A 5.0 standard is an excellent choice and I was getting 26-27 MPG highway. The drive train is great the hard part is selecting the color combination and wheels.

 

Yeah I know it's pretty much between Black, White and Lunar grey. I'm pretty sure I want black inside though.

 

As to whether the naturally aspirated 5.0 XF is sluggish or has adequate pickup, please consider this. The weekend before last I had to cross the Cascade Mountains on US 2, a 2 lane road over a 4000 foot pass. I got tired of following a semi at 55-60, so when a long straightaway with no oncoming traffic finally presented itself I swung out and stepped down. I did not floor it, and in fact did not even step down hard enough to kick down the transmisson. It accelerated effortlessly, and as I cleared the truck's front end and began to move back into my lane I glanced down at the speedometer. The needle was at 110 and climbing very fast. I eased back down to 70 or so right away, amazed at how fast it got up to high speed, but also at how solid and stable it felt at that speed, more so than any car I have ever driven.
In case this still does not sound like enough pickup for you, I point out that flooring it wide open and kicking down (or paddle shifting) to a lower gear would have gotten there even faster. I have driven the Supercharged, the R, and even the R-S (in XK form) and in my opinion some of the other features like adjustable suspension and limited slip differential may well be more important upgrades on those models than the supercharging when the car is already so incredibly powerful and balanced.
Incidentally the Lunar Grey Metallic with Warm Charcoal (black) interior is what I have, and I love it.

 

As Swimref states, I made the decision to get the S/C for the adaptive dynamics and adaptive differential control. The S/C is also a great overall package. The base engine NA 385 is plenty of power for most. The S/C is a kick in the head! Handling is even better. I don't think I could go back from S/C. Only you can decide in the end.

 

Thanks for the replies. Gonna go to the dealership sometime this week and try 'em out.

 

There's a really steep bridge into Baton Rouge. I accelerated going up that bridge to pass an 18-wheeler, and it was bolting past like I was on level ground. Friggin' awesome. Naturally Aspirated.

I'd love to have an SC or an R, but the deal I got on my NA was great and I'm really happy with it. I did notice the handling improvements in the SCs I test drove, but only because I was floggin' the heck out of them. Honestly, I shouldn't drive like that on the street.

Enjoy your tests! Drive a bunch of them.

 

Interesting. My nearest Jaguar dealer only orders new cars (Jag, Land Rover and BMW) in Black, Gray, Silver and White...no colors. I find that a little dull.

If it were me, I'd go with the STUNNING Caviar over London Tan on a '12 XF Portfolio. That said, there's something to be said about the comp maintenance on owning a 2011.

I find the engine in my 4.2L V8 XF to be plenty powerful. If you're not racing Nascar, the average driver will love its effortless drive.

 

Going with the Black on Black portfolio, should be able to pick it up sometime next week!! Can't wait.

 

2012?

 

Yeah

 

Congrats!
What did you think about the 5 liter engine?

 

Congrats! Yes, give us your impressions, thoughts on final decision.

 

It has more than enough power and more than I excpected.

 

Thanks! I'm sure i'm going to love it. Going from a Chrysler to a Jag.

 

Let me guess...300 Hemi?

 

Yeah

 

I might be getting a supercharged afterall. It's a 2011 listed as brand new?? Going to check it out before I pull the trigger on the portfolio.
2011 Jaguar XF Supercharged For Sale | Woodbridge CT .

 

My 2011 XF SC was purchased from a CT dealer by my local dealer. I believe this was one of the cars I considered before I found the car I purchased. Find out if the wheels have been changed to 19 inch Draco style and the original Dunlops switched out as well. If so, so a couple grand pr more may have been taken out of the car in value. The Draco's are not the original tire for an '11 SC. If they are 20's it likely is not a drop in value. Also, find out if there is any miles on it; although listed as new, it likely racked up some miles from test drives.

I had mine shipped to Western NY from CT, and paid $55,500 (without tax). Also find out when the warrnaty started, as the dealer likely had to buy the car from Jaguar and start the warranty running. '11's have a 5 year warranty including maintenance, so it may have 4 or more years left.

I'll look in my office e-mail tomorrow to see if I have any corrspondence from my dealer on this car. Check it over, it may be a good buy for the right price. The 2012's have some upgrades over the '11s. Have you priced out a 2012 supercharged for comparison? Prices should be dropping.