well I've had my SSB for the huuuuge period of 5 days now and thought I'd jot down a few impressions (both good and bad)

I parked it in a train station car-park yesterday and was amazed at how small this is - it feels a lot bigger (in a positive sense rather than it's unwieldy)
obviously the exterior looks are unique and really set us apart from most (all?) other modern cars... though it has to be said that there are design elelments taken from other cars old and new, as an example the hatch and flanks from the rear (narrow and long) for some reason puts me in mind of an e-type



and it has been mentioned before that the flanks are not entirely disimilar to the Aston DB9

The interior really is a lovely place to be where everything seems to fit well and have a reassuring solidity about them. For better or worse the dials are quite 'retro' in their design and the seats are generally comfortable and very adjustable. The doors/tailgate shut with a lovely, meaty 'thunk'. The slushbox shifts quite well and the bonus is the tiptronic should you want it .

I have to admit that I was facing the stereo with some trepidation given the negativity I'd read about it but I have to say that the sound quality is very good with good levels of base (my prefered taste is rock... or should I say rawwwk!) - that being said it still has to go since there is no mp3 compatibility

performance in a straight line is acceptable rather than great (though in fairness I am comparing it to my old 2000 F150 Lightning) but the road-holding seems to be very good, and despite the hard ride it never seems harsh... the steering is also not as bad as I had read, and I really like the fact it is 'heavy'. Fuel economy in my eyes is very good (again bear in mind my previous ride was the Lightning!!!)
the trunk (boot) is deceptively big and can easily accodate the weeks shopping - and therefore I'd guess enough to have a week away with mrs waylander

now the less good things...

performance - nothing that an LS series engine from GM wouldn't solve (and it looks like it'd fit )
noise - there's just not enough of it, it's just too "civilised"
stereo - lack mp3 compatibility
steering wheel centre - just looks big 'n' bulky

Oh and to cap it all off - it's FUN!!!!


Any other newbie thoughts?

 

Good observations. I don't think I qualify as a newbie anymore (18 months of XF ownership), but some thoughts:

Performance - SRT-6 will solve this issue the best and easiest way. You have been on the forums for a while and are probably aware there are some mods available to up the HP.

Noise - Easily fixable by changing out the muffler. A CAI will also change the engine noise a bit as well. I recently purchased an ANSA muffler. More noise without the drone. Do a search for Magnaflow, Flowmaster, and ANSA...

Stereo - Easily fixable with a new $150-$200 unit. I replaced mine last year with a Sony that has an AUX port on the front so I can use my Zune and Sirius radio.

Steering wheel - Well, darn those airbags.

 

Wait until you find out that the hood (bonnet) can open to a full 90o and there is a secret coin holder in front of the ashtray. How come no mention of the less than useless cup holder? I also agree that the engine could use a few more hp, but I doubt a GM motor will run all day at 120+ mph like the M-B engine will -- holding 8.5 qts of oil helps.