I've had my 04 VDP for about a month now. I love the car. The fit and finsh of the X350 is second to none. Today, I had to make a round trip from LA to San Diego (230 miles total). It could be my imagination, but I had a hard time adjusting the seat to be as comfortable as I remember my 2001 XJ8 was. I like the front part of the seat cushion angled upwards so I can "sink back" into the seat. That's much harder to do in the X350 without lowering the seat almost all the way down to the floor, making the dash appear rather high. The X350 seats also feel a little firmer.

On the whole the ride was comfortable. The X350 is quicker and quieter (less wind noise) than my X308, but in the X308 I found the seating position that fitted me like a glove. It was extremely relaxing on longer trips with the softer seats. Has anyone else noticed this switching from the X308? I should mention that at 5' 8" I'm not a tall driver. Plenty of space for me in both cars!

 

The main adjustments I made when I went from my X308 XJR to my X350 was to raise the seat right to the top of its travel as the forward visibility seemed worse and turn off the exit feature as I felt like a beached whale trying to get out of it because the rear drops too much.

I have never had any issues getting comfortable in all of the Jags I have owned whereas I get instant back ache in my wifes Subaru Outback but that is probably because she has the seat in a really weird position and doesn't like me fiddling with it. I wish it had memory seats like the Jag.

 

Definitely I have turned off the recess option as well, because my fat *** would rub against the B pillar (and has worn part of it away!).

A lot of people complain about the side bolstering in the X350's seats to be too aggressive, especially in the XJRs. I haven't really noticed. Definitely much more comfortable than my daily driver's.

 

The seats seems a bit narrow. Not an issue for me (5'9" 200) but would think it is for a bigger person. I play with settings all the time. As I drive a lot my x350 is very comfortable

 

The side bolsters don't bother me that much and thankfully I'm not too wide yet for the seat. I'm going to try raising the seat higher to see how that works out, although it seems the higher the seat, the less you can angle the front of the bottom part up.

 

I can't speak to the 04 XJ VDP but I do know that an all day trip in my 05 XJR is not a pleasant experience. The seats are hard, narrow and over bolstered. A trip of 2 hours or less is very pleasant and a lot of fun but 8 hours or better is a revelation.
I have always considered the above to be the nature of the "R" beast. I'm bewildered that someone has a similar complaint on the VDP. I'm starting to suspect that the issue is one of age (old bones, fat ***** & sore joints). Not on the the car but the driver.

 

Once I found my seats sweet spot, I have no issues at all. Last Sunday I did an Orlando to Columbus trip - 14 hours with one break for BBQ in SC. I could have gone farther.

 

Yeah, I think the seats on the non supercharged models are just fine. Never sat in an XJR seat, though.

 

It's my intention to make my next Jag an XJ VDP, mainly for reasons of comfort. I surely will miss my super charger because there are still many BMW/Merc drivers who need a dose of humility and Dr "R" has just the right prescription.
Subtract about 20 years from my age and an XKR would suit me perfectly. I went for a test drive in an XK a few months back. The salesman offered to let me take the wheel after several miles. NO, says I, "just take me home". Getting old is not for sissies but you have to know your limitations. Sob, sob.

 

Why not split the difference and get a super v8?

 

Tell me about the Super V8. Does it have VDP seats? What about the suspension? Is it rated "comfort" or "sport"? Wheel size?

I'm sure interested if the Super is essentially a VDP with a super charger.

 

I looked at a Super V8 a few months ago. From what I can remember, it was almost identical inside to my VDP. I think it really is just a VDP with a Supercharger. Not 100% sure about the suspension, but I think I remember reading it was comfort and not sport.

 

Hmmm... interesting that the XJR would have a sports seat but not the Super V8.

 

Mitchun,

If your impressions are correct my next Jag will be a Super V8. I will do some further checking. As is, my 05 XJR only has 63 K on her so I've plenty of time.
God how I hate to give up on the dream an 07 + XKR. Well, at my age it's not the first dream to go a glimmering.

 

My impression is that it is basically a VDP plus supercharger and all the options (rear entertainment, etc). 19 inch wheels are standard on my 2005 but I think 20's are common on later models. This fall I'll swap these out for 18's--the smallest which will fit over the brakes from what I've read--and anticipate greater isolation on my nasty New England roads, but really it is pretty cushy most of the time.