Interesting feedback on your test drive. You appear to see the same strengths that I do. I see what you mean about the character of the Freelander, but the driving experience in the X3 far outweighs this in my opinion.

I did a 250 mile round trip today and got out feeling as if it had been 250 ...

Toby

I can't totally answer your query as my X3 doesn't have VDC but in the past month I have moved from a SD4 Freelander to a 30d X3.

Like chalk and cheese is one way to express it.

Mine isn't a M Sport but it does have sports suspension on smaller wheels though. Much more controlled than the ...

Try navigation then settings and there is a map style of standard or alternative.  I have changed to the alternative option which makes the background green and the roads are a lot clearer.

Hope that helps.