I don't think the handling is that bad in the snow. I am from the Denver area, and my XF is my daily driver. We had about 8 inches two weeks ago and the car drove just fine. I have an autostick 04, which would be a limited 05 model with the traction control. I set the transmission to the "W" mode and it worked well. The brakes work great. I also have the all-season tires on with no additional weight in the back. It all comes down to driving skill. Obviously if you jump on the gas, the car will spin/swerve. Just have to be smarter than the car. ANd drive for the conditions. If it snowed more than a foot, then the XF becomes a snow plow.