19 MPG combined is what you get for driving a 2015 Jaguar XK with the 5.0L V8. This isn’t a car people buy to save money on gas. The XK is a statement, a blend of British elegance and raw power meant to stir the soul as much as it turns heads. Fuel economy is secondary to the experience it provides. Buyers in this segment prioritize a sonorous exhaust note and effortless highway cruising over squeezing every last mile from a gallon.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates this XK configuration, the one packing a 5.0L eight-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, achieves 16 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic where the engine spends more time idling or accelerating, situations that hurt fuel consumption. The highway figure showcases the XK’s ability to cruise long distances. At steady speeds, the engine settles into a comfortable rhythm, proving more efficient over longer distances. These numbers are closely tied to driving style. Someone with a heavy foot will likely see figures well below the EPA estimates, while a more relaxed driver might get closer to the advertised values.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for a 2015 Jaguar XK 5.0L V8 is approximately $3,050. This calculation assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year and uses the national average fuel price at the time of estimation. This is just an estimate, and the actual cost can vary widely depending on individual driving habits, local fuel prices, and the percentage of city versus highway miles driven. If you primarily drive in urban environments or like to accelerate quickly, expect to spend significantly more than the EPA’s projection.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures offer a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the 2015 Jaguar XK 5.0L V8 often deviates. Driver reports suggest that achieving the advertised 24 MPG on the highway is possible, especially on long, uninterrupted journeys. Replicating the 16 MPG city figure is more challenging. Many XK owners report averaging closer to 14 MPG in urban environments due to frequent stops, traffic congestion, and the temptation to use the engine’s readily available power. Expect a combined MPG figure closer to the low end if your driving is mostly urban.

How it compares

The 2015 Jaguar XK’s fuel economy is similar to other high-performance luxury coupes and convertibles of its era, but it lags behind more modern designs optimized for efficiency. For example, the 2015 BMW 650i, with its 4.4L V8, achieves a similar 17 MPG city and 25 MPG highway. A 2015 Mercedes-Benz E550 Coupe, packing a 4.7L V8, gets around 18 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. These numbers show that powerful V8 engines in heavy luxury vehicles are not known for their frugality. If lower fuel costs are a primary concern, a buyer might consider something like a Lexus RC 350, which manages around 19 MPG city and 28 MPG highway but sacrifices the thrill of the Jaguar’s supercharged V8. For details, see all Jaguar fuel economy data. You can also read about XK MPG across all years to get a fuller picture.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is your best friend. The Jaguar’s 5.0L V8 is responsive, and it’s easy to get carried away with the throttle. Each rapid acceleration burns a significant amount of fuel. Focus on smooth, gradual increases in speed to minimize fuel consumption. Anticipate traffic flow and avoid unnecessary braking.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. This simple maintenance task can noticeably improve your MPG.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds weight, which puts a strain on the engine and lowers fuel economy. Remove any items from the trunk or back seats that you don’t need. Every little bit helps, particularly in city driving.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a steady speed, which can improve fuel economy on long trips. Avoid excessive accelerating and decelerating, allowing the cruise control system to manage the throttle as efficiently as possible. This is especially true on relatively flat stretches of highway.

Service the XK according to Jaguar’s recommended maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements ensure that the engine is running optimally. A well-maintained engine is a more efficient engine, and keeping up with scheduled maintenance can help you maximize fuel economy over time. Ignoring these tasks can lead to decreased performance and increased fuel consumption.