I'm about to pull the trigger on a new XF, but I can't decide between a loaded Portfolio and an XFR. Now that you can get the R seats and most of the exterior trim on the Portfolio (new Sport Package), I'm torn between the two.

If I didn't already have a 510 hp XKR, it would be a no-brainer and I'd just get the XFR. The Portfolio is about $70,000 MSRP (pretty much all options except adaptive cruise) and the XFR is about $85,000 (Black Package and carbon fiber veneer). Don't want the S/C model because I'd add B&W stereo, aero add-ons, and other options that would bring it very close to the R price anyway.

If I'm used to 510 hp, will the 385 hp seem too slow? It seemed OK in the test drive of a 2011. A $15,000 difference is not insubstantial, but it's hard to put a price on potentially having buyer's remorse ("I shoulda bought the R"). Would resale value be better on an XFR compared to a Portfolio with $10K in options?

 

Rule of thumb is that you don't get money back on options, so % wise the XFR should hold its value better. These Jags don't seem to hold their value too well though, from what I have seen? Part of the reason I bought one though - bargain!

 

I'm thinking you will kick yourself for not getting the R. Don't go into it thinking about resale. Pick up a used 2010-11 XFR if you are thinking about that.

 

Nope...has to be new (business tax purposes). Plus, I prefer the refreshed design. The more I think about it, I really don't think the hp difference is going to matter that much in Chicagoland traffic. Plus, on the days that I have the urge to surge, there's an XKR175 waiting to be taken out and played with.

I could shave a few grand off of the Portfolio by sticking with the standard stereo. Is the standard sound system lousy or just not quite as good as the B&W?

 

You wouldnt pay MSRP anyway right? Go with the XFR and be a tougher negotiator.

 

I'm waiting on the 2012 XF also but the dealers tell me they wont be here for another few weeks. Have you talked $$$ with your dealer? I know i wont get anywhere near the deal i'd get on a 2011 at this point, but are they still asking MSRP?

 

Although I am sure the B&W would be even better--the "standard" stereo in the XF is fantastic! And this is from someone who is crazy enough to have spent more than 50k on my home audio system.

 

No I would get a discount, but the price difference between the 2 would be the same (about $15,000) no matter what.

 

I think you smile a few more times with the XFR, (during those times when you nail the gas pedal, throwing caution to the wind).....now the question is those few more smiles worth $15K?

 

I took a long test drive in the 385 hp XF this weekend and it is going to be just fine for me, especially since I will still have my XKR on the days when I need an adrenaline fix.

Now I just have to decide on the color.