Rare 261-MPG Volkswagen XL1 Listed for Auction at Estimated $140,000
The two-seater plug-in hybrid achieved 31 miles of electric range and features a carbon fiber chassis.
A rare Volkswagen XL1, an ultra-efficient diesel plug-in hybrid capable of 261 mpg, is currently up for auction in the Netherlands with an estimated value of $140,000.
What Happened
Volkswagen produced only 250 units of the XL1, a futuristic two-seater that debuted in 2013 after a 12-year development process spearheaded by then-CEO Ferdinand Piech. The vehicle listed on Catawiki is a 2016 model with just over 1,000 miles on the odometer and is described as being in excellent condition. The XL1 features a teardrop-shaped body and chassis made entirely of carbon fiber, butterfly doors, and offset seating to optimize aerodynamics. It is powered by an 800cc two-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with a plug-in hybrid system and a 5.5-kilowatt-hour battery. The car achieves a drag coefficient of 0.189 and weighs just 1,852 pounds.
Why It Matters
The XL1 represents a significant engineering milestone in fuel efficiency, achieving an EU-tested consumption of 0.9 liters per 100 km. It can travel 31 miles on electricity alone, registering an efficiency of 6.2 miles per kWh, which is approximately double that of conventional EVs. However, its performance is limited, with only 68 horsepower and a 0-to-60 mph time of nearly 13 seconds. While the vehicle offers extreme fuel economy, the source notes that its diesel powertrain has seen steep price spikes, and the $140,000 estimated auction price places it far beyond the financial breakeven point for most drivers compared to standard used EVs.
The Bottom Line
The Volkswagen XL1 remains a rare collector's item that prioritizes efficiency and historical significance over practicality and performance. At an estimated $140,000, it serves primarily as a piece of automotive history rather than a cost-effective solution to rising fuel prices.
