Volkswagen XL1

Many car manufacturers are currently dreaming of low-consumption models, at least since the new WLTP consumption cycle has to be specified in their brochures. The fact that Volkswagen was ahead of its time by five years may sound almost ironic due to the current diesel discussion triggered by the same company. Nevertheless, one must admit that the 2013 XL1 in rare consequence presented what is technically possible. Comparable implementations could only be found in real supercars of the same time, which, however, traditionally turn to another customer group.

Already in 2002 VW showed the concept study 1L for the first time, an eco vehicle only weighing 390 kilograms with the internal requirement that only one liter of fuel per 100 kilometers could be used. Company boss Ferdinand Piëch showed that this was really possible in the same year in a media-effective drive from Wolfsburg to the group press conference in Hamburg, in which the car only consumed 0.89 liters of Diesel per 100 kilometers with an average speed of 72 kph. Seven years later the 1L was followed by a much closer to production study, the L1, in which both passengers still were sitting behind each other under a glass dome swinging sideways like in the 1950s Messerschmitt KR200.

In 2011 Volkswagen showed the first pre-production prototype of the XL1 at the Qatar Motor Show, for which they finally decided for a wider body with seats next to each other, but slightly aslantly arranged. In addition, the hybrid technology had evolved into a plug-in hybrid in which the batteries can also be charged at a power outlet or at charging stations. With full batteries and a full tank of 10 liters of diesel fuel, the XL1 can reach up to 550 kilometers (342 miles). Despite a larger face area due to the increased width, the air resistance value is only 0.186. The weight increased to 795 kilograms for the low-volume production at the Osnabrück based plant, bought from Karmann. And that although monocoque and body have been made of carbonfiber, the rims from magnesium, the brakes from ceramic and many other parts from light alloys. For the first time there was a European special permit for the use of reversing cameras instead of classical rear-view mirrors.

The production version of the XL1 debuted at the Geneva Motor Show 2013. Shortly thereafter the low-volume production started while in early 2013 production numbers of 100 to 1,000 cars were said. In February this was changed to only 50 cars, only available in a special leasing program, and then at the Motor Show in Geneva VW told the visitors about a small series of 250 copies. Shortly before its market launch, Volkswagen announced the starting price of 111,000 euros in Germany. Ultimately 200 copies were created for private customers plus some pre-production prototypes. While there was a prototype in red metallic, the series cars were only available in white or silver metallic.

Under the rear hood hides a two-cylinder turbo diesel engine with only 800 cubic centimeters of displacement, which alone makes 35 kW/48 hp. Added to this is is an electric motor with another 20 kW/27 hp. Combined or individually, the power reaches the rear wheels via a seven-speed double clutch transmission. In pure electric mode 50 kilometers are possible to reach. The average fuel consumption is between 1.82 and 1.92 liters per 100 kilometers, depending on whether the batteries are full or empty. As maximum speed the official papers state 160 kph (99 mph). And to take the wind out of the sails of the current diesel opponents: The XL1 was classified in the emission class Euro6 already in 2013, so it really was ahead of its time.

While the majority of the low-volume production remained in Germany, a few cars arrived Switzerland, Austria and even Great Britain, although the XL1 was only available as a left-hand drive. One of the few British-owned cars will be auctioned by Silverstone Auctions at the NEC Classic Motor Show Sale on November 10 with an expected hammer price between 95,000 and 115,000 GBP.

Images: Volkswagen (Gallery 1), Silverstone Auctions (Gallery 2)