An EPA-estimated 18 MPG combined won’t win any awards for lower fuel costs, but that’s not the main reason to buy the 2015 Jaguar XJL with the 5.0L V8. This car is for people who want British heritage, luxurious features, and easy power more than saving money on gas. The XJL buyer wants a special experience that sets them apart from drivers of German luxury cars and accepts the fuel consumption as part of the experience.

City and highway performance

The EPA says this car gets 15 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The 15 MPG city number will probably seem even lower in stop-and-go traffic. The supercharged V8 responds quickly, rewarding a lead foot with fast acceleration, which wastes gas. Getting 23 MPG on the highway requires a careful driving style. The XJL’s weight and shape create a lot of drag at high speeds, so going faster than the speed limit will quickly hurt fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Jaguar XJL 5.0L V8 at $3,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. This number helps you compare the XJL’s fuel costs with other cars. Premium fuel is recommended for the best performance. Fuel costs may be higher than with a regular-grade vehicle.

Real-world expectations

Don’t be surprised if your actual fuel economy is worse than the EPA estimates, especially if you drive mostly in the city or accelerate quickly. The XJL encourages energetic driving, and that supercharged V8 can be hard to resist. Drivers who want better gas mileage can drive more carefully, watch traffic, and obey speed limits. Getting the best possible mileage from this Jaguar takes considerable self-control.

How it compares

The 2015 Jaguar XJL’s fuel economy is among the worst in its class. The 2015 BMW 750i xDrive, with a similar V8 engine and all-wheel drive, gets 19 MPG combined. Even the Mercedes-Benz S550, another heavy car with a V8, gets 20 MPG combined. A competitor such as the Lexus LS 460 offered increased reliability, excellent fuel economy and less maintenance than a Jaguar XJL. Checking XJL MPG across all years can help you see if newer models are more fuel-efficient. Buyers considering all-wheel drive may want to compare all Jaguar fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid short trips if you can. The 5.0L V8 uses a lot of gas when it’s warming up. Doing several errands in one longer trip lets the engine reach its best temperature for fuel economy.

Check your tire pressure often. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. The sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb shows the recommended tire pressure for your XJL.

Avoid accelerating quickly. The supercharged V8 is fun, but hard acceleration wastes gas. Smooth acceleration saves fuel and makes driving more relaxing.

Only use the car’s Dynamic mode when you really need the extra response. The normal driving mode balances performance and fuel efficiency. Using Dynamic mode for a long time will decrease fuel economy.

Keep your XJL properly maintained. A well-maintained engine is an efficient engine. Follow the service schedule, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections, to keep your XJL running smoothly.