I don't think DC ever intended to build more XF's then they did. Unless sales skyrocketed and even then we would now see the XF offered on R171 chassis. (or something else).

I think MB had a boat load of left-over R170 frames and 320 and 32 engines when they updated the SLK line to the R171 chassis. So they said let's build a new body, call it a Chrysler and we can off this excess inventory. We won't spend too much on advertising, keep the changes from year to year to a minimum and well see what happens. That's why the XF was priced so hi when first on the market and so low now - profit maximization on a limited quantity with marginal demand.

They could never sell new XF's again for $32K. Never happen and they know it. People would walk away. Once price comes down on a commodity with many suitable alternate choices - yer staked to the ground.

The rest of the story you know.