The video shows the AMG next to the XJR. The Jaguar looks fantastic. The AMG looks like a Volvo sedan to me.
I would say the XJR is all show and no go. But that is not correct, it is plenty go. Push the pedal and away it goes. The handling is not up to the acceleration. And it looks great sitting still.

 

I really like the CLS, to me it does not look like a boring box and is distinctive. I am thinking of a CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake as the replacement for the SV8 maybe in a few years.

 

On a recent 300 mile round trip filled with 93 premium gas, 60% four lane at 65 to 75 MPH, 35% two lane at 50 to 65 MPH, and 5% slowly through town, my SV8 averaged 24.6 MPG on the trip computer. Should I expect more?

 

It's really hard to say as mileage can vary depending on quite a few factors (wind, oil life, etc). What's your Monroney sticker say (if you have it)?

 

In a few years you might be able to add "Dynamic Skip-Fire" to get an extra 15-20% in mpg. A Silicon Valley startup called Tula has apparently already demonstrated this software that controls which cylinder fires when.

 

I am not familiar with a Monroney sticker. What is it and where would I look?

BTW, We've consistently gotten around 24 MPG in mostly rural driving during the 3100 miles we've had the car. I can get similar mileage in our 1999 Dodge Grand caravan mini-van, but only with very careful driving and nowhere near the get-up-and-go or the comfort of the SV8.

 

This is the Monroney Sticker:

 

Fuel economy.gov seems to validate your findings.

I get about that mpg as well.

Thanks
Mag

 

Same here. Low twenties at best at long, highway speeds. I always verify what the computer says vs. actual mpg calculation. The computer always comes in 5 - 8% more favorable mpg calculation.

 

I've owned both models and wouldn't drive a non-supercharged version. Just me. I found the VDP could not stay in high gear on the Interstate. Always in and out of lockup. Traded it on an XKR. Then had to have another XJR.(First Jag was an 01 XJR.) I don't need the 04 XJR anymore, but find it difficult to sell because it is such a great driver's car. I drove the car from SC to California and back in August 2014. 5980.9 miles, 24.6mpg average, 62mph average. That speed average is misleading. From Alabama west, interstate speed limits rise from 70, to 75, then to 80. Spent many miles with cruise set on 90 or close. Supercharger whine is not obtrusive by any means and I actually enjoy it. And zero lag. MPG urban driving is about 20-21. I'd highly recommend the XJR or Super V8.

 

Thanks,

No, I don't have that sticker. Unfortunately my car didn't come with any documentation at all - no owner's manuals or service history. However it is good to know my gas mileage is close to other's experience with the supercharged V8 and not bad for a car of its capabilities and comfort.

I have heard that the normally aspirated V8s can achieve better MPG, but after driving the SC version I'm satisfied to trade some gas mileage for the added power, and I have to admit that we've also become somewhat spoiled by the other perks of the SV8 like the NAV, heated seats, and adaptive cruise control.

 

Xjr all the way and the newer aluminum body to boot. I always loved the older style xjr but the newer cars engine response and overall tuning is SOOOOO much better. No it does not handle like a race car but tap the gas and your in literal 4 door luxury car heaven. The older x308 just feels heavy and sloppy in comparison. Also a few of the newer xjr's may have had their struts swapped out for non adjustable arnotts. I have noticed this will affect the handling slightly although not a HUGE difference

 

Sorry for not responding here have been very busy.

Still no closer to making a decision. The video of the XJR vs the AMG highlights something about the handling of the aluminium X350+ ones. It appears they are too light for the air suspension so do wobble a bit on corners (I have heard of spring conversions which may make a tremendous difference).

I find the car although very smooth on the motorway quite wobbly at high speeds 90mph+ in Germany especially even with the slightest side wind, so this corroborates the 5th gear video.

In this regard I imagine the X308 would hold the road better it being a heavier and mechanically sprung car, although have never driven one.

Is the concensus above that the supercharged versions are real gas guzzlers? My annoyance with this would be the fact the range is decreased and the frequency of refueling. Having owned a Range rover in the past I know what a nuisance this can be.

 

The X350 is going to be better on fuel than a X308 or equivalent AMG, for the size and power it is exceptionally good on fuel.
Personally, I find the handling not bad, considering its size and I don't expect it to drive like a sports car.

 

Like alecescolme I find the handling of my 2005 XJR not bad. At speeds of 100mph + I feel perfectly comfortable and safe.

On a long trip mostly highway, 400 miles, I get between 25 and 27 mpg where I travel at about 80mph with several hard acceleration runs for overtaking.

Around town I get about 20 to 22 mpg with a few hard acceleration blips.

I use Shell 93 Octane whenever I can.

 

Please see photos.

4.2L
AV 55mph over 450miles
25.8 mpg US

 

Compare the above with:

4.2L Supercharged
Over 350 miles averaging 55 mph
22.9 mpg US

Thank you-
Mag

 

Fuel info above

First set of photos
2004 xj8
111K

Second set of photos
2008 Super V8
102K

I suppose car two (in addition to the supercharger) with longer wheelbase and being more optioned, weighs a bit more so that would contribute to the fuel numbers being a tad better for car one.

In all, 10% ish seems to be a reasonable 'penalty' for the supercharged engine.

I have done better on mpg numbers, up near the 28s as well on N/A 4.2. The photos above represent a single winter 2015 set of data points captured a few days apart.

Should represent fairly well, a standard comparison; your mileage may (literally) vary.

Thanks-
Mag

 

The OP stated fuel mileage was not a concern...And that's what this thread has turned into...XJR all the way if you are performance guy...XJ8 if performance is not an issue...He will get a real nice, mint low mileage XJ8 for the same price as a average XJR with lots more miles...And his parameters on interior/exterior colors will be easier to fulfill with an Xj8...I have an XJ8 now, but would prefer an XJR for myself...But im really worried about the poor fuel mileage!!!

 

In the real world you cannot use the performance of the xjr for long on the road trust me I've tried nice to have the power though I would go for the best example of either one within your budget best thing is go and see a few and have a test drive in them