Just picked up a new 61 FL2 HSE as my MY11 XS is in for a service. I absolutely can't believe the difference. My car feels like a dinosaur compared to this one. The HSE is really quiet, handling is so light, so much comfier.. How are they so different?

wouldn't have thought there would have been such a difference.............maybe a bit psychological ?

Iain

I remember my first test drive in a FL2. It was a 58 plate GS and I have to say, I was a bit disappointed.
It felt agricultural and sluggish.
Then a week later I had longer drive in a 59 plate XS and it was just as you described. It felt refined, quiet and perky. I have no idea what the difference was.
I've also had a MY11 TD4 as a courtesy car and it felt more refined than my MY10 XS.

As for the RRS HSE I had as a courtesy car....i

Stuart

I had a RRS HSE before the FL2! It was fab!

I had a GS freelander 2 ( brand New) for a day when mine was in for service, was glad to mine back at the end of the day !!

When i changed my 08MY TD4 for a 11MY SD4 it felt like a completely different vehicle, much quieter, comfier and much more refined. strange... Now - 2017 BMW X3 M Sport Carbon Black
Gone - 2014 BMW X3 M Sport Space Grey, faultless!
Gone - 2011 Freelander 2 SD4 HSE Bali Blue with xenons
Gone - 2008 Freelander 2 TD4 HSE Rimini Red with bodykit

It has to do with the fact that, on an (un)conscious level you are geting used with the levels of resonance and the sound frequencies of your car. In short with the sound of your car.
On a new car, those frequencies are different, as the sound particularities of every car and engine are different, just like a fingerprint.
So, on the new car, you won't hear the sounds that you are used to hear on your car, so it seems quieter or sometimes, depending on the car and person, much noiser.

Hi Boolia-why did you go back to a Freelander after the RRS? Stornaway grey SE auto with 18" alloys

It was cheaper!! And the FL2 is better in snow and we live in the countryside and getting snowed is isn't an option as have hubby with heart condition. I absolutely LOVED it though and pine for it!!

Remember that 11MY vehicles are available in TD and SD versions, all SD are auto and engine output is higher.
You may not have been driving like for like models on technical basis. All FL2's (3) Gone
2011 Mercedes C180 CGI Gone
FL2 GS Auto SD with heated leather, factory tints, alloy spare and a few other bits.