i just had one of these for a week at DFW. i agree with your assessment -- an excellent upgrade from my F reservation, but the car belongs in YG, not H. the back seat was tight, but i was happy with the room up front.
the XG350's air conditioning feels a bit weak on a 100 degree day, and that woodgrain trim on the steering wheel is painful after the car's been in the sun from noon to 5pm. I had to make a point to touch only the leather for the first ten minutes or so.. give me a taurus with cloth for short drives on days like that -- ford knows how to cool a car....
on the whole, tho, i enjoyed the car, and would gladly take it again on an F or G reservation.