Volkswgen’s 261-mpg XL1 is a concept car come to life, possibly the world’s first exotic electric vehicle from a major manufacturer, and it appears to be right at home in New York City, if a recent stop on its North American tour is any indication. Volkswagen is showing the XL1 in New York, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, to ensure that more American consumers are familiar with the flashy side of green driving.
A limited run of 250 XL1s will be built, with a healthy price tag of about $145,000. What you get for that price is space-age looks and a different kind of ultimate performance, as the XL1’s tiny, .8 liter two-cylinder direct-injection turbodiesel is supplemented by an electric motor and plug-in hybrid system. The XL1 is extremely light–just 1753 pounds–and extremely slick, with a drag coefficient of 0.189. This enables it to return 261 miles per gallon in European testing. The 48-horsepower engine and 27-horse electric motor aren’t designed for maximum speed, but the XL1 can cruise effortlessly at 62mph using almost no power. Top speed is about 99mph. A seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission puts the power to the road. On full-electric power, the XL1 has a range of about 31 miles.
Volkswagen says the XL1’s powertrain will lead to a slightly larger diesel hybrid engine that may see wider use. For now, it’s wrapped in one of the smoothest forms on the road. The XL1 is five inches shorter than a Porsche Boxster, and features a body that looks like a frozen droplet of milk. Extravagant butterfly doors allow access to a two-seat cabin. It’s just as show-stopping as any high-powered exotic, proving that a car doesn’t have to break the sound barrier to have serious curbside appeal.
