20 MPG combined is what you can expect from the 2017 Jaguar XJL AWD 3.0L. This number won’t impress anyone looking for hybrid-like economy, and it won’t convince buyers focused on saving money at the pump. However, for those attracted to the XJL’s unique British luxury, strong supercharged V6 engine, and all-weather capability, the fuel consumption is an acceptable trade-off. XJL buyers value the experience: the soft leather, the sporty feel, the distinctive exterior, and are willing to accept some inefficiency to get it.

City and highway performance

The EPA further breaks down the XJL’s fuel economy, giving it 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city number shows the engine’s fuel consumption in stop-and-go traffic and frequent acceleration. The supercharged 3.0L V6 requires a good amount of fuel to deliver its quick power. The 25 MPG highway rating is more respectable, showing the engine’s efficiency when cruising at a consistent speed. The eight-speed automatic transmission also helps, keeping the engine at the right RPM for fuel conservation on long trips. Still, these numbers don’t redefine the luxury car segment in terms of efficiency; they are simply part of owning the car.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Jaguar XJL AWD 3.0L at $2,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs may change based on your driving, the fuel you use, and local gas prices. It’s a helpful way to compare the XJL’s fuel use to other cars in its class. Keep in mind that this cost is just one part of owning a luxury car. Insurance, maintenance, and repairs add to the total cost of keeping an XJL on the road.

Real-world expectations

The EPA figures provide a starting point, but real-world fuel economy almost always varies, sometimes a lot. Things like driving style, traffic, terrain, and even tire pressure affect how much fuel you use. Drivers who accelerate quickly or drive mostly in busy cities might get MPG closer to the city estimate, or even lower. Drivers who often take long highway trips and accelerate smoothly should get closer to the 25 MPG highway number. Consider the EPA numbers a guide, and expect some changes based on how you drive.

How it compares

The 2017 XJL’s fuel economy puts it among other large luxury sedans. For example, the all-wheel-drive BMW 740i xDrive with its 3.0L turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine gets an EPA rating of 21 MPG combined, a bit better than the XJL’s 20 MPG. A Mercedes-Benz S450 4MATIC, with a 3.0L turbocharged V6, also gets around 22 MPG combined according to the EPA. Even the Lexus LS 500 AWD, known for Toyota’s engineering, only gets about 21 MPG combined. These small differences can add up, but are often less important to buyers in this group. People considering an XJL MPG across all years care about more than just saving on gas.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently to save fuel in the XJL. The supercharged engine responds even with light pressure on the gas pedal, so avoid fast starts and sudden changes in speed. Smooth acceleration lowers the amount of fuel used, improving your overall efficiency.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Check them often and inflate them to the pressure listed on the tire placard (usually on the driver’s side doorjamb). Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and can lower fuel economy. This applies to all-season tires and winter or snow tires.

On long highway drives, use cruise control. Maintaining a constant speed helps save fuel by removing the small changes in throttle that happen with manual speed control. Remember to turn off cruise control in traffic or bad weather.

If available, use the “Eco” driving mode. It might slightly reduce the engine’s responsiveness, but the “Eco” mode adjusts the transmission and engine for maximum fuel efficiency. It’s useful for less aggressive driving, like commuting.

Reduce extra weight. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk or backseat. Extra weight puts more strain on the engine, increasing fuel use. Removing weight can make a small but noticeable difference. See all Jaguar fuel economy data to compare Jaguar’s current model offerings.