I don't really have much experience with a stick in the XF...but everything else I drive does have a clutch and shifter. I think John gave you some good advise. Can you put it in 1st at a stop, by depressing the clutch, ALL the to the floor? I say ALL the way, because as I taught my sons to drive a stick, they had a problem with remembering to depress the clutch enough let gear changes happen smoothly. I know there are a host of stick owners on here who will sooner or later chime in....as I know listening to them that 1-2 shifts can be challenging...