I finally saw an X yesterday in the wild. Boy that took forever! I was underwhelmed. I had never seen one aside from photos. I have never liked the white version. This one was Midnight Metallic, which I thought looked better in photos. It just did not do it for me in real life. I don't think it is ugly. I just don't think it gives the car a true authoritative presence. I'm not in the market. So, ultimately, I don't care all that much. My only hope is that those who have bought the X are in love, as I am with my lovely Miss.
I think the S nose cone is OK. It doesn't bother me at all and I really don't have strong feelings about it. I certainly don't think it is beautiful. I don't think it's ugly either. It is certainly different. I don't think it takes away from the beauty of the overall design, which I think is truly stunning. For me, the most beautiful grille is that of an Aston Martin. I salivate over the new DB 11 grille, and car, for that matter. The most lovely thing I have ever seen.
Not being a designer or having a creative bone in my body, I don't have any other design suggestions that could improve the front end look of either car. So I don't think criticizing either design would be fair.
And I still love both cars!!!