Volkswagen’s Limited Edition Coupe XL1
Achieves 235 MPG
Recently Listed for Auction
Volkswagen’s XL1 diesel-electric hybrid coupe, initially launched in 2013, has resurfaced in the spotlight as it was recently listed for auction on the British vehicle site Piston Heads. Known for its futuristic design and groundbreaking fuel efficiency, the XL1 made waves at the time of its release, and its rarity makes it highly sought after by collectors today.
With only 250 units produced and just 200 sold to the public, the XL1 has become a rare commodity in the used car market. The model currently up for auction is the 148th vehicle in the series, one of only 26 sold in the UK.
Listed for Approximately $90,520
It is cheaper than the launch price
Moreover, this vehicle’s condition is estimated to be good even though it has only driven a short distance of 21,000km (13,049 miles) and has been 11 years old. The selling price was registered at £69,950 (about $90,520). Considering that the original selling price of the XL1 was €111,000 (about $119,686), it is expected to be quite popular among vehicle collectors.
The XL1 also attracted attention from its release due to its high-efficiency powertrain. Ferdinand Piech, then chairman of the Volkswagen Group, first designed the XL1 as a concept car in 2002. It maximized fuel efficiency by mounting a plug-in hybrid and diesel engine. In addition, expensive lightweight materials were applied to drastically reduce the weight of the vehicle body to 290 kg (639 pounds).
Volkswagen XL1 Launched in 2013
Still Boasts a Futuristic Design
The XL1 was engineered to achieve remarkable fuel efficiency, covering 111 km (69 miles) on just 1 liter (0.26 gallons) of diesel, as measured by Volkswagen’s standards. This impressive feat is why the model earned the name XL1, highlighting its ability to travel over 100 km (62 miles) on a single liter of fuel. But the vehicle’s uniqueness extends beyond its efficiency; its exterior design is equally forward-thinking. The XL1 boasts a streamlined, futuristic look with horizontal LED strip lights and a body shaped for optimal aerodynamic performance, even though it was created over a decade ago.
In keeping with its focus on aerodynamics, the XL1 features flat-face wheels, which reduce drag. Another distinctive touch is the butterfly doors, which add to its sleek, modern appearance. Instead of traditional side mirrors, the XL1 uses digital side mirrors—an innovative feature that was quite unusual at the time of its launch. The fastback roofline, which sharply slopes down to meet the rear trunk lid, complements the overall flowing design, adding to its futuristic and aerodynamic silhouette.
Fighter Jet-Inspired Interior
Diesel Engine with Electric Motor
The rear of the XL1 features a Kamm tail design, where the vehicle’s rear slopes down before dropping nearly vertically. This design choice, aimed at improving aerodynamics, is complemented by the tail lamps, which follow the car’s lines with a combination of horizontal and vertical elements. The body panels cover the rear wheels to reduce drag further, and the ground clearance has been minimized to enhance the vehicle’s efficiency.
Inside, the cockpit draws inspiration from fighter jets, with a minimalist layout focused on function. The dashboard protrudes slightly, maintaining a simple, uncluttered design, and the steering wheel has a D-cut bottom, adding a sporty touch.
The XL1’s seating is strictly two-passenger, with a configuration tailored for the driver and one passenger. Under the hood, it combines an 800cc two-cylinder diesel engine that generates 47 horsepower with a 27-horsepower electric motor, resulting in a total system output of 84 horsepower and a maximum torque of 140 Nm. Power is transmitted through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the car operates as a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, emphasizing its focus on efficiency and performance.
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