International Edition
Latest News
Business

Rare Volkswagen XL1 Hybrid Up for Auction with Low Mileage

A rare Volkswagen XL1, the limited-production hybrid frequently dubbed the "one-liter car," is currently listed for auction on the Catawiki platform. Bidding for the vehicle, which is one of only 250 units ever manufactured, has already surpassed 70,000…

Rare Volkswagen XL1 Hybrid Up for Auction with Low Mileage

A rare Volkswagen XL1, the limited-production hybrid frequently dubbed the "one-liter car," is currently listed for auction on the Catawiki platform.

Bidding for the vehicle, which is one of only 250 units ever manufactured, has already surpassed 70,000 euros, according to reporting by iAuto.

While the current bids are high, the vehicle’s estimated market value is approximately 125,000 euros. The unit in question was first registered in Luxembourg in 2016 and currently shows a low odometer reading of just 1,672 kilometers. It is now registered in the Netherlands and retains a valid technical inspection certificate for another 11 months.

The XL1 is powered by an 800 cm³ two-cylinder diesel engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 75 horsepower. This hybrid powertrain is mated to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. In its purely electric mode, the vehicle is capable of traveling up to 50 kilometers on a single charge.

Efficiency is central to the design of the XL1. The car features an aerodynamic body with a drag coefficient of just 0.189. By utilizing carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFK) in its construction, the manufacturer kept the total weight of the vehicle under 800 kilograms. These factors contribute to an official average fuel consumption rating of 0.9 liters per 100 kilometers.

Metric Specification
Production Total ~250 units
Odometer Reading 1,672 km
Fuel Consumption 0.9L/100km
Drag Coefficient 0.189

The final sale price remains to be determined as the auction continues.

About the author: Marcus Liu - Business Editor

MBA and ex‑B bureau chief specializing in global finance and fintech. Marcus speaks Mandarin, Japanese, and English, and has interviewed CEOs from the Fortune 50 to Y‑Combinator unicorns. Marcus Liu delivers sharp analysis on markets, startups, and corporate strategy for investors and entrepreneurs alike.