Entertaining read, Andrew. As usual! Cool photos too. I actually like the XJ's design, for me it's a bit reminiscent of the first generation Maserati GT with the boomerang rear lights (which I really liked).
I'm not a big fan of rolling wall units like the RRS to be honest, even if it doesn't look half bad in white. It's certainly practical though and the height you're sitting in it apparently makes even dwarves feel like giants (here in Luxembourg mostly girls drive these 4by4s, and the tinier they are, the bigger the car is). You probably remember that my better half would love a Cayenne...but her being parking-challenged with a Corsa, this does not seem a good idea to me right now.
Take care mate!
Alpina_B3_Lux
P.S. I liked your comment on "Germanic solidity"
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Audi R8 LMX, BMW M550i xDrive (G30 LCI); gone: Alpina B3 3,3 (E46), BMW 335i, Audi R8 V10 manual, Audi R8 V10, BMW M235i, BMW 550i F10