What are the major diffrences in the X and S Type?

 

X type - engineered in the UK, based on another European engineered vehicle (Ford Mondeo - the C/D class leader). Built in Halewood (near Liverpool) in the old Ford Escort factory - a remarkable transformation.

Mini XJ styling which I think works very well.

Snug interior (which I like - its cosy). Perhaps not for tall people though.

Class benchmark Diesels (in Europe), adequate gasoline engines, 2.5 is discontinued in the USA, and to my tastes only works with the manual trans, somewhat thirsty 3.0 Auto and, I'm told, the V6 2.0 is nice with 2WD.

Interior NVH (noise) is somewhat high for the class, especially the driveline whine and road noise.

Reliability is patchy, but Jaguar throw in a 4 year 50000 mile warranty with free servicing to compensate.

Excellent handling and ride compromise and very positive steering.

Excellent buy used - the automotive press keep on about it being outclassed and downgrade it accordingly.

A wonderful way to travel and arrive - ignore the press.

S type - engineered in the USA as a global program which gave us the Lincoln LS, joined by intrepid Brits, who 6 months into their US stay were told that suddenly the Jaguar S type was the lead program (panic), and which was launched in Birmingham in an old Spitfire factory.

Retro styling which looks a bit as if two cars have been stuck together in the middle. The facelifted version is a bit better. the front grill is too retro - we've moved on since the 60's chaps....

Interior not so good, somehow, although the design theme is similar, the parts look out of sorts with each other. Its bigger inside but not that spacious. Likewise the trunk (boot).

V6 and V8 engines - including the R version (there is no X type higher performance derivative).

the Lincoln LS reliability is poor - I assume the S type is similar.

NVH is OK but I hate the creaky brakes and the hollow sound to the ride. Handling is too floaty for my tastes.