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.
