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Volkswagen XL1 (2014–2016)

The technically possible

Factory code: 6Z
Production period: 2014–2016

The XL1 is one of the most radical projects in Volkswagen's brand history. And yet the two-seater technology showcase makes it into small-series production. The key data of Volkswagen's first one-litre car do not aim at maximum acceleration or top speed, but at maximum energy efficiency. In the wind tunnel, the engineers reduce the Cd value to 0.186 in the wind tunnel – a fabulous figure in series production. Ultra-light carbon fibre-reinforced plastic makes the wind whisper: the vehicle body tapers towards the rear in a teardrop shape. The rear wheel arches are closed, and the underbody is smooth. Instead of aerodynamically unfavourable exterior mirror housings, there is a camera system.

The vehicle is powered by a plug-in hybrid that combines the economical technology of the common rail turbodiesel (TDI) with a 7-speed DSG. The TDI delivers 35 kW (48 PS) from just 0.8 litres of displacement. The hybrid module with a 20 kW (27 PS) electric motor and clutch is located between the combustion engine and the DSG. This replaces the usual flywheel in the DSG housing. The reward for all this effort: outstanding Class A+ energy efficiency, Euro 6 emissions, and record-breaking low CO₂ emissions of just 21 grams per 100 kilometres. Incidentally, the XL1 can also travel 50 kilometres purely on electric power and recuperate energy when braking.

The VW XL1, limited to 200 units, is hand-built at the Osnabrück plant from March 2014. The first customer vehicles are delivered in May 2014. Production of the Volkswagen XL1 ends in 2016.

XL1 profile

Vehicle data

Volkswagen XL1 (2014–2016)

Engine versions

Volkswagen XL1 (2014–2016)

XL1 variants & highlights

XL1 model update

2009

Prologue

A first near-series study of the one-litre car is presented to the public in September 2009 at the IAA under the name L1. Fuel consumption is 1.38 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. As with the XL1, the engine is a rear-wheel drive solution consisting of a two-cylinder TDI with a displacement of 0.8 litres and an electric motor. At this stage of development, the two seats are still arranged one behind the other for optimum aerodynamics.

2011

The pre-production series

In January 2011, a technically and visually very close-to-production study is presented as a concrete preview of the planned small series. The body, which is significantly wider than that of the L1, offers enough space for two seats arranged side by side. A diesel plug-in hybrid with a compact lithium-ion battery pack is again installed in the rear. Like the later series version, the vehicle has a compact 10-litre diesel tank, which is sufficient for 515 kilometres. A further 35 kilometres can be covered in pure electric mode. Depending on the battery charge status, this corresponds to remarkably low consumption figures of between 1.82 and 1.94 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres.

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The specified fuel consumption and emission data does not refer to a single vehicle and is not part of the offer but is only intended for comparison between different types of vehicles. Additional equipment and accessories (additional components, tyre formats, etc.) can alter relevant vehicle parameters such as weight, rolling resistance and aerodynamics, affecting the vehicle's fuel consumption, power consumption, CO₂ emissions and driving performance values in addition to weather and traffic conditions and individual driving behavior.

Further information on official fuel consumption data and official specific CO₂ emissions for new passenger cars can be found in the "Guide to fuel economy, CO₂ emissions and power consumption for new passenger car models", which is available free of charge from all sales dealerships and from DAT Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH, Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, D-73760 Ostfildern, Germany and at www.dat.de/co2.