The 2019 Jaguar XJ AWD with its 3.0-liter supercharged V6 gets 20 MPG combined. Fuel efficiency isn’t the primary concern for buyers in this segment, nor is it Jaguar’s main selling point. This is a flagship luxury sedan designed to deliver a refined and engaging driving experience, with a focus on craftsmanship, technology, and unmistakable British style. The XJ buyer appreciates the finer things and accepts the associated running costs as part of ownership.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Jaguar XJ AWD at 17 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go nature of urban driving, where the supercharged engine’s responsiveness can be both an asset and a detriment to economy. The highway number is more respectable, thanks to the smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission which allows the engine to cruise at lower RPMs. However, aggressive use of the throttle on the highway will quickly diminish those gains, as the supercharger delivers power when called upon. Smooth, consistent inputs are rewarded with better fuel mileage, but few drivers are thinking about maximizing fuel economy when behind the wheel of an XJ.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Jaguar XJ AWD at $2,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the EPA’s projected national average fuel prices. Individual costs may vary significantly depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used. It’s a reasonable baseline for comparison, but your real-world expenses could differ considerably.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized test cycle, real-world fuel economy depends heavily on individual driving styles and conditions. An owner who primarily drives in heavy city traffic with a penchant for spirited acceleration is unlikely to achieve the EPA’s 17 MPG city rating. Conversely, someone who frequently embarks on long highway journeys, employing a gentle driving style, may well exceed the 26 MPG highway figure. Regular maintenance, proper tire inflation, and avoiding excessive idling can also contribute to improved fuel efficiency. The XJ is more about the experience than extreme economy. For those seeking the most savings, all Jaguar fuel economy data reveals other models within the brand offering superior numbers.

How it compares

The 2019 Jaguar XJ competed in a segment with several other luxury sedans, each offering its own blend of performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency. The BMW 740i xDrive, with its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, manages around 24 MPG combined, a considerable improvement over the XJ. The Mercedes-Benz S450 4MATIC, powered by a similar turbocharged V6, posts figures around 24 MPG combined like the BMW. The Lexus LS 500 AWD, with its 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, achieves approximately 21 MPG combined. While the XJ lags slightly behind these competitors in terms of fuel economy, it carves out a niche with its British elegance, sporting character, and distinctive design. For the XJ buyer, a point or two of MPG is often less important than the brand’s heritage and the car’s unique driving dynamics, and finding XJ MPG across all years shows similar numbers.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Given the Jaguar XJ’s supercharged engine and performance-oriented nature, maximizing fuel efficiency requires effort. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The supercharger delivers instant power, but using it frequently takes a toll on fuel consumption. Practice smooth, progressive throttle inputs to maintain momentum without unnecessarily engaging the supercharger.

Keep your tires properly inflated to the recommended pressure. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly, especially before long trips, as this is perhaps the easiest way to save fuel across all vehicles.

Minimize idling. If you expect to be stationary for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and idling wastes fuel without providing any benefit, especially in urban environments with frequent stops.

Regularly service your XJ according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A properly maintained engine runs more efficiently, and replacing air filters and spark plugs at the recommended intervals can help optimize fuel economy. Plus, a well-maintained car is a happy car!

Consider using cruise control on the highway where appropriate. Maintaining a steady speed can help you avoid unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, contributing to better fuel efficiency. While the XJ has adaptive cruise control, be mindful of how it accelerates to maintain set speed, and only use it where appropriate to save fuel over long distances.