I think manuals are for racing fans the right choice. I love to cruse smooth with my XF thru the city to turn heads and I love it if an pimped VW Golf is behind me and push me to a race. I love the faces if I use the kick down and blow him away. That is better then Sex and my heart is beating so fast if I hear the sound of my engine. I love the XF. It is the best car I have had.