Hi I had a similar problem with my X type and it was the fuel filter was the culprit, it would splutter when pulling away and sometimes nearly stall. I also had similar symptoms due an issue with the EGR valve on mine but the dash lights come on and it goes into limp mode.
Welcome to the Club, Gary. The problem could be simply the need to clean out the fuel system --- there is a product from Wynns that can do the job for under a tenner. I had my car put through the Terraclean service and it did make a real difference to the performance of my S type 2.7D, and worth the £100 or so. Regards, Peter.