The Volkswagen XL-1 Is an Insanely Rare $150,000 Efficient Supercar

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Volkswagen XL-1 review! The Volkswagen XL-1 is a very special car, as only 250 of these were built for the world. The XL-1 also a $150,000 car that's both an economy car and a supercar -- and it's full of bizarre quirks and features. Today I'm reviewing the XL-1, and I'll show you all the quirks and features of this weird car. I'll also drive the XL-1 and show you what it's like behind the wheel of such an unusual car.
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[@abhishekvarma3001]

Volkswagen: 260 miles per gallon Bugatti: 260 gallons per mile

[@okme539]

This is a certified volkswagen moment

[@mementoscuderia833]

'perfectly balanced, as things should be.'

[@siddharthsrinivas6271]

@@okme539 Rimac*

[@robertgrover5657]

Hell yeah!

[@altergreenhorn]

@@siddharthsrinivas6271 You ate PR

[@rossedwardmiller]

When I saw the thumbnail I thought, “now that looks like a car with some quirks and features.”

[@matthewbowen5841]

And then it had surprisingly few. Exotic construction and mechanicals but not much else.

[@Sarchis]

@@matthewbowen5841 tbh the biggest 2 quirks about this car are its existence and the fact that I've never heard of it before...

[@jayyrod5943]

😂😂😂😂😂💯💯

[@frankcioffi5122]

There are many....lol

[@x0myspace0x]

My first thought was, "I want to see Doug try to climb into that thing."

[@AstroFalcon_Z]

My Dad is a manager at one of the VW UK dealerships and brought this home for the weekend before he had to give it over to the next dealership to display. I remember we went to IKEA in it for some reason (which is like an hour drive). After that, we were sitting in Pizza Hut, peering out the window every few minutes to make sure nobody stole it. I remember this day very vividly haha

[@gh-vi9tk]

There is currently one at a vw dealership in Stowmarket.

[@bashdachivo]

Great story!🎉❤

[@barneyboyle6933]

This thing was ten years ahead of its time. If it was announced today for release in 2024 people would be much more receptive to its aesthetic. You can see similarities between it and the Ev6 or Ioniq 5

[@jantube358]

Yes, and now VW is behind the times and trying to be cool by putting touch screens everywhere.

[@emma70707]

There have been attempts to do something similar here and there. The original Honda Insight was a more consumer-friendly version, getting 60-70 mpg back in 2000-2006. It wasn't wildly successful, but it stuck around for a bit. That was my dream car as a teen into environmental issues. Haha. Today I have an ebike (by far the most efficient means of transport once you account for food emissions, lol) and money down on an Aptera. That's all to say I totally would buy something like this if it had power stearing and more ergonomic placement of the mirror displays, but also that there have been attempts by other car makers to make futuristic aero cars to varying degrees for awhile, but I wouldn't necessarily point to the Ev6/Ioniq 5 as successors beyond the lighting design (which admittedly I do love).

[@Obvsaninternetexpert]

I’ve vw made this today with an electric drive train I wonder what range it would get

[@devinsouthworth3978]

I hope all you mfs have heard of the solo

[@Skylancer727]

I mean there's a couple different cars that have come since and around the same time, at least in concept. It just seems like the complexity of producing similar cars just tends to be a hurdle none of them make it past. Plus being so outlandish it's not exactly something investors tend to like. People like a safer investment, sure you could make it big if one of these really took off, but considering there's nothing like it you might also just being throwing that money away. The Lightyear 0 is probably the most recent. A 5 seater with the idea of 500 miles of range on electric power and solar charging. Lightyear just announced they're scrapping the project though due to funding issues. The Aptera is the more similar vehicle. The Aptera is also an electric car aimed to be powered with supplementary solar and a theoretical range of 1000 miles (unlike the Lightyear it wasn't truly rated yet to my knowledge). The Aptera though is a 2 seater more like the XL1 but it's also weirder in that it's a 3 wheeler with the front wheels hanging out the sides. That being said the concept is about as old as the XL1 with it originally being worked on starting 2005 but the brand broke up and was sold in 2011. They recently came back in 2019 and claim to be working on it, but it's debatable if they'll ever be able to fund the project fully.

[@lunchtimewatches1854]

VW engineer: *hits blunt* it’s like an economy car but very expensive

[@user-kf1jk7et4l]

heheheh

[@narwhal9852]

Lol

[@freecharles3902]

🤣🤣

[@resendz8280]

😭😭frrr

[@jkent9915]

With manual window cranks.. Cough, cough, cough, cough

[@joelness]

"World's first and only economy car super car." BMW i8 sobs quietly in the corner, but plays louder crying sounds through its speakers.

[@fucksusanwojcicki]

* engine noise speakers *

[@jackfoley6283]

only true guys understand this comment

[@wesgregg6451]

My buddy's F250 turbodiesel had over 600 horsepower - and approximately enough torque to tow a house - and got better fuel economy than any truck he'd ever driven. Thing weighed, IDK, six or seven thousand pounds and was fully capable of turning 12s when he locked the front hubs and dumped the clutch in second gear. Okay, more a muscle... er... truck than a supertruck. And it was "suitably enhanced" from its stock roots. Still, it illustrates that many things are possible with a halfway-decent drivetrain that includes at least one turbocharger. He's just a poor old hillbilly - Volkswagen (et al) is a *major* corporation with *major* heaps of money. The only thing the vehicle manufacturers have to worry about is the warranty. But here's the thing: My buddy's truck? He used, abused, beat on, and bounced the thing off of every second or third rock, tree, guardrail (and three vehicles, heh) that he encountered. Hauled a 41' or 42' fifth wheel camper full-tilt bozo up and down "hills" much of the time. And, after a couple "vehicle lifetime's" of this kind of stuff, he finally sold it - at nearly 300,000 miles! - not because the drivetrain was done, but because practically everything else was either broken, torn off, or worn out. He'd picked the truck up for just a few thousand dollars because the PO had "had nothing but trouble" with the thing, and he had originally assumed that it wouldn't last another 25,000 miles (but then he found a mechanic who knew what he was doing). And, yes, because he's a bit of a... Well, anyway, that ought to show that even the warranty thing is certainly not an insurmountable hurdle. It's a question of marketability. Can a manufacturer sell lots of a thing at a high enough price to ensure profitability? If the answer is, "Yes," than someone will end up doing it. Otherwise... not so much.

[@stevenjalopnik1342]

@@wesgregg6451 no way it had 600hp

[@johndc2998]

@@wesgregg6451 thanks for taking the time to write out, awesome man

[@jassonsw]

Styling 6/10? It's too cool for school, it's an 11/10!

[@AnonyMoh]

Agreed! I expected a 7 or 8, it honestly looks so cool. It also has carbon fiber everywhere, the wheels and front look kinda nice, and the freaking doors!

[@NK-rm7kc]

The offset passenger-seat came with the placement of the battery-system. The battery is placed in front of the passenger seat and behind the front axle for several reasons. For enough foot space on the passenger side, the seat had to be placed offset.

[@maestrohun]

Nah. The reason is also aerodynamic: If you place offset 2 seats You can design a narrower car that shrinks the front surface that lower the air resistance. The battery, the axels and so on are secondary in a car design that made for lower diesel consumption as possible.

[@maximilianl4453]

I work at Volkswagen in germany. There are a few crazy additional things: 1. You charge the battery while rolling the windows up and down. It should feel abit like the generator on a bike. 2. You charge the battery while turning the wheel. 3. The parts supply is very good. VW can deliver a new engine in just 2 days inside of germany. 4. A big inspiration for that car is from the Lupo 3L... A tiny diesel powered car. 5. There was a special luggage set build for the XL1s trunk. It was the lightest and best made luggage set I've ever seen.

[@missouriresole4726]

Wow , thank yuo

[@MinoritiesRlazy]

Can the luggage hold my surplus of corn dogs?

[@backwoodsnomad1387]

I knew it!!

[@maximilianl4453]

@@MinoritiesRlazy There was a 75L Trolley, a small gym bag and a cabin sized trolley. Is that enough for your supply?

[@TheGamingNorwegian]

This is so absurd lol, but pretty cool. Can the economy stats from this be verified since it comes from the era of diesel gate tho?

[@backwoodsnomad1387]

Fun Fact: Rolling down the windows ALSO charges the battery!

[@ojsimpson9516]

They should add a big hand cranked generator that gives range haha

[@MrProminister]

@@ojsimpson9516 Since they moved the passenger seat back, it can be assumed that the pedals connected to the power generator would perfectly fit in the place intended for the legs. 😂

[@x2tb]

That's got to add a sweet millijoule of energy per lifetime of the vehicle if it's anything like those crankable flashlights 🔦 they should have gave the passenger a bicycle seat and set of bike pedals.

[@backwoodsnomad1387]

@@x2tb we on the same wavelength here! Haha

[@andysedgley]

@@x2tb And a Flintstones ™️ hole in the floor.

[@Philiopantheon82]

What I like about you is not just your cheerful love for cars and superior knowledge but your honesty

[@SyntheticFuture]

I definitely wouldn't mind having a car like this as a "go anywhere" kinda deal. Have a larger car for groceries and stuff but whenever you just need to go somewhere pop out the sleep 100+ km/l car. And it looks awesome as well :D

[@derpingforlulz]

Real OGs remember when Doug was hypermiling in the Honda insight

[@_monti142]

yup

[@Buuster1999]

These were the days

[@joemama38]

I wish he reviewed it. I have one.

[@Goat4459]

Yup sir

[@rylinyt]

omg yes

[@peterhauck8920]

I was in Nashville last week, visited the Lane Motor Museum and saw this car. They said business had picked up since Doug posted this video. Way to go Doug!!!

[@X3RUBIM]

The words "museum" and "business picking up" could only ever be used in one sentence by an American, ever.

[@jake-jm8se]

@@X3RUBIM HAHAHAHA

[@fever4174]

@@X3RUBIM do museums where you are not charge an entrance fee or something? Lmao. Not to be offended but like it’s not exclusive to America by any means I’ve had to pay in every country I’ve visited

[@MrBrno]

@@fever4174 Where I live, most museums are free and those few that are not are usually too cheap so everyone can have the possibility of getting in. But usually they live from music/theathre events or things like that

[@aliendroneservices6621]

@@MrBrno Exit through the gift shop.

[@n16161]

Doug loves it when the symbols of the car on the HMI look like the actual car. He always points it out.

[@johnfdonahue7040]

Great job Doug ! This car is a functioning piece of art. Those fuel numbers are depended on the batteries being charged. In order to maintain those fuel economy numbers you have to recharge the batteries every time. Easily fixed today. Add regenerative braking and solar panel built into the roof. In today's electric market and some upgrades you have a winner!

[@rv9990]

Fun fact they even wanted to make a sport vesion of this car with an 200hp Ducati 1199 Superleggera engine. Probably one of the many VW concepts that didn't happen due to dieselgate.

[@abhinandansingh5584]

Is that you Sheldon?

[@oriolgonzalez9328]

Now that would have been sick!

[@lejohnd2430]

Wow imagine if it did happen

[@nobodyinteresting9967]

I mean what if we buy one and swap out engine and Transmission let's make it happen.

[@LexusLFA554]

You mean the XL1 Sport Concept, do ya?

[@alsatch_]

It looks like what they thought the future would look like 30 years ago.

[@bradley2723]

Tbh it looks like a car a 12 year old would draw at school

[@thomasjohannesen1003]

How do you figure that?

[@m.kingery]

i think it looks super great now!

[@syntaxusdogmata3333]

Indeed... plus, it would also fly. 😉

[@gasmaskerobin1560]

maybe that's what they based it on

[@honestjakes]

Took a vacation to Nashville and spent the entire day, opening to close, at the Lane Motor Museum (small lunch break). I've never been at a car museum where there were SO MANY "What the hell is that?" cars. No ropes so you can stick your noggin, carefully, anywhere to get the a look. Super lovely staff! GREAT shop. Don't miss the basement tour!! You know the racecar from the Monopoly game? You'll see the full-size running version in the basement. And that's where I saw the XL1. Had no idea...

[@jedics1]

I can imagine if the XL1 and the Aptera had a baby it could be a perfect compromise. Eg. a 4 door 4 person version of this that is electric. This is the kind of combination I have been expecting to see available for years now, something focused on finding the sweet spot of efficiency and practicality for those who couldn't care less about how fast it gets from 0 to 60.

[@d0n_key]

I love how the whole car shakes from Dougs gestures

[@ojsimpson9516]

He reviewed a Soviet car one time and as he hand gestured the entire car straight up shook left to right

[@Benzinilinguine]

That's literally just the road. Doesn't look like there's any suspension travel due to the "aerodynamics".

[@d0n_key]

@@Benzinilinguine I meant during the interior quirks in the first half. Car shook a bit with every hand gesture.

[@lotus20856]

she's scared

[@Benzinilinguine]

@@d0n_key ah. Ok bet. Yeah. Shit looks rigid.

[@seraphimvalkyrin4543]

Odd, Doug usually docks points in practicality when a car has terrible gas mileage so I'm surprised that he didn't mention it (in the scoring section) and bump it up because of the incredible mpg.

[@chipperhughes4755]

You true

[@abdrahmalsi7043]

That's what i was thinking

[@dragospahontu]

@@Laugha man that's enough because you can fill up quickly

[@dragospahontu]

@@chipperhughes4755 this car was so technologically advanced it's incredible

[@willed021]

It's missing mirrors

[@Filiplego1]

I want all cars to look like this in the future. Looks perfect.

[@pistolen87]

Such a clever design. I'd like to see more cars of this size in the future.

[@maksqwe1]

“Backing up in this is terrifying because there is no rear window, you can’t see behind you” Panel van drivers: lol

[@edwardvalivonis23]

Peterbilt drivers: hold my cup

[@jcculmer9078]

Moving truck drivers: What's a rear window?

[@edwardvalivonis23]

@@jcculmer9078 that must be kenworth drivers🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@SoulTouchMusic93]

@@edwardvalivonis23 you called? try jack knifing a lorry. not only you can't see behind but now you can only see to one side too!

[@edstratton]

Yeah but it has rear parking sensors and good radar on the garmin so backing up is no problem!!!

[@artem7804]

The way Doug passionately talks about this car is full of the exaggerated swagger of a car reviewer

[@vape80]

I see you are a fellow man of culture

[@moises9760]

i understood that reference

[@Gaba_Ghoul]

Here before this comment has thousands of likes

[@benmarkos7506]

Early here

[@eddief60]

very based

[@Dermavent]

I love lane motor museum!!! Worth it for car enthusiasts, wide range of minicars

[@mikepokorny2835]

This by far is one of the best, if not THE best HALO car ever. I live in Herne, North Rhine Westfalia in Germany. 2 of these are regularly driving around in my area. 130.000€ for a car like this? YES. Insurance and running costs are pretty much nothing here.

[@huskypup3489]

Doug really amuses himself. Sounds like he’s ready to burst into laughter any second.

[@gaba319]

Its very much intentional. His character is a version of himself turned up to 11!

[@schagon]

And this VW is too European for Doug. 😉

[@domgold8476]

It’s the opiods

[@michagabo8819]

The Book of Truth When things were at their very worst: 2 Suns, Cross in the sky, 2 comets will collide = don`t be afraid - repent, accept Lord`s Hand of Mercy. Scientists will say it was a global illusion. Beaware - Jesus will never walk in flesh again. After WW3 - rise of the “ man of peace“ from the East = Antichrist - the most powerful, popular, charismatic and influential leader of all time. Many miracles will be attributed to him. He will imitate Jesus in every conceivable way. Don`t trust „pope“ Francis = the False Prophet - will seem to rise from the dead - will unite all Christian Churches and all Religions as one. One World Religion = the seat of the Antichrist. Benedict XVI is the last true pope - will be accused of a crime of which he is totally innocent. "The schism in My Church will be broken into different stages" Sunday, 20 October 2013

[@LitRandomness]

He’s excited to drive it

[@JetFire9]

Fun quirk: Same interior door pulls as the Murcielago. Makes sense.

[@BarryGGould]

well to be fair the same auto group that owns vw owns lambo so its not really that off the wall to think some parts would be shared

[@beaudaniel1370]

@@BarryGGould until you remember 2010 was the last model year for merci meaning they had a few lying around for years probably just enough for this low production "thing"

[@JetFire9]

@@BarryGGould Which is why I said it makes sense. I have a Murci, so I know firsthand how many VW/Audi parts are in it.

[@JetFire9]

@@yungboicontigo9278 stop being racist

[@metalheadgamer6666]

P H How was that comment Racist?

[@Herowebcomics]

MAN! This car looks great! 200 miles per gallon?! That is awesome! All they need to do is have four or five seats, more cargo room and a rear view camera!

[@craddocraddoc]

Just as addition, the early concept version shown in the movie has been moved into two branches, the shape was used for the XL-1, but the main car concept was shifted into producing the Volkswagen "Nils". So they didn't change the "sit-behind-each-other-concept" for the XL-1, they only used the general bodyshape of the concept car on the XL-1 as well, while the concept car itself was more the prototype of the Nils.

[@cozymonk]

you’d think that if they can turn the side mirrors into cameras, they could put a standard back-up camera like every. other. car. so you could see directly behind you when in reverse.

[@JL-sm6cg]

I was wondering about that.

[@alolanstarboy]

I was thinking exactly this and I came to the comments to see if anyone else also mentioned it seeing as Doug didn’t remember to lol

[@hyperlogos]

It's kind of shocking that the GPS isn't a rear view camera, especially since Garmin makes units that do that

[@michaelabate5176]

That would make too much sense

[@carl8790]

Pretty sure Volkswagen's engineers are cringing hard at that massive oversight to this day lol Nevertheless, what a cool car

[@devongee1776]

Doug: it looks pretty similar to a GARMIN. The infotainment screen: GARMIN

[@DamonBlack_Media]

Underrated comment.

[@gato311]

It's the same screen which can be found on a VW Up/Seat Mii/Skoda Citigo or a Seat Ibiza from the era. The difference to a plain Garmin is the connection to the car data including your fuel level which allows the navigation to take that into account.

[@honestyisthegucci]

@@gato311 nearly the same gauge cluster also

[@richardbottom9843]

@Umbah umbah can you not

[@katydid5088]

This is one of those weird concept cars where, with the exception of the backup camera, it seems like most of the compromises were fairly practical. Missing out on the power steering sucks, but at least it is mechanically simpler, not to mention lighter, to work with.

[@---ny4ys]

i love all the dirt marks on the kicker panel from dougs shoes. truly chefs kiss

[@javieralfocea1014]

10:09 Doug: "This car has a horn that sounds extremely pathetic". Horn: **sounds** Honda owners: "That's a completely normal horn" 🤔🤔

[@twistsouth514]

It’s because it’s single-tone. The Polo has a single-tone horn too. The T-Roc used to have a twin-tone horn but they decided to be cheapskates just before I bought one and made it single-tone so my T-Roc also sounds like a clown car and I’m ashamed to use it 🤣 apparently the brackets are still there so you can add the high horn and a wiring loom but I’m not sure I’m brave enough to get my hands dirty 🤔

[@javieralfocea1014]

@@twistsouth514 i understand. I had twin horn in my Passat till a heavy rain broke one of them and then it started to sound like the XL1

[@greenshield1]

The only thing I can't stand about my Atlas is it's wimpy horn. SO disappointing to the point its embarrassing. I do my best to never use it or even double click the lock on the remote.

[@Camopar87]

It's a lot louder than the horn on my Charger

[@agustinforti7281]

Oh my god. Yes finally, the renault clio v6 is coming and I can’t wait.

[@JuanGlaniver]

I would love to see a clio williams too

[@agustinforti7281]

@@JuanGlaniver yes but unfortunately it isn’t quirky. It’s just a plain clio with the 2.0l just like the clio sport of the same era as the v6

[@agustinforti7281]

@hv a happy day please don’t bother us with your spam. Get lost

[@bwofficial1776]

@@agustinforti7281 Be a real shame if we all reported these bots...

[@flowf7397]

Can’t wait for it either! Although it’s “only” the phase 1 Clio and not the improved Phase 2😍

[@Juzman]

Love Doug! Also love the Grover voice (or is that Super Grover?) and all of his quirks and features!

[@EmmettLBrown2015]

I love it's futuristic look, reminds me of one of the cars that you see driving around Hill Valley 2015 😉

[@jalefkowit]

“Be sure to visit…” [ 30 full seconds of wild gesticulating ] “… CARS AND BIDS!”

[@fucksusanwojcicki]

Yeah his hand gestures and vocal exclamations and emphases are increasing in severity and ridiculousness video by video and i'm honest to god not sure if i can handle the cringe much longer. I really honestly, and seriously hate what youtube does to people's behavior

[@brianstraight9308]

Yeah, my Doug Tollerances are getting lower and lower with every "Cars and Bids" ad I have to go through. I can put up with it in the video, though sometimes it gets to be much (This RV has lights, storage, and a toilet in it!) But the Cars and Bids thing needs to stop. Its there, those who care know its there, put the ad at the end and a link in the description. Those of us normal people not able to buy/sell expensive cars on the internet can be happy.

[@ziggamon]

@@brianstraight9308 "..and this 1998 Lexus LS400 which sold for $25,000, almost 1998 msrp"

[@jalefkowit]

@@fucksusanwojcicki Eh, I find it endearing that he’s so excited about his project. We kid because we love, Doug

[@BrenoAngelotti]

VW: "Let's save weight not including power windows" Also VW: *slaps butterfly doors on it*

[@5kronor221]

And cameras

[@skunkjobb]

@@5kronor221 I'm pretty sure the cameras save more fuel by reduced drag than they ad fuel by their weight. Not even sure that they weigh more than external mirrors, including the screens.

[@RobLinkable]

@@skunkjobb 00l

[@MisterBones2910]

@@skunkjobb Keeping in mind that the digital camera and screen in even a mid-range phone for 2014 had more than enough resolution and weighed next to nothing without the battery and tiny computer I can't see how it would possibly come anywhere near the weight of the glass and mounting hardware of a side mirror in a regular vehicle. I'm just perplexed that they didn't add a third camera in the middle back at either the end or the roof for use with the dash screen.

[@TheMusicalMedic]

As someone who has taken the doors off a Jeep with manual windows and a Jeep with power windows, there's a massive difference in weight.

[@psuaero100]

Surprised that it doesn't have a backup camera. They were coming into mandatory fashion about that time. It would be nice to see a similarly styled full electric vehicle. Two people is often one more than you even need for commuting.

[@bennyhannover9361]

The car was a sort of heritage from the former CEO of Volkswagen Ferdinand Piech who drove in a prototype of this to the last shareholder meeting that he hosted in 2002 and where he did give his good bye as a CEO. During his time between 1993 and 2002 Volkswagen implemented several technologies for higher fuel economy as e.g. aluminium space frame (asf) which was used for the Lupo 3L tdi mini which was the only Lupo with an aluminium body like the Audi A8 of this time, achieving a fuel economy of 2.9 litres on 100 km with a two mode 3 cylinder 1.2 litres diesel engine with an economy mode (42hp) and a sports mode (61hp) with an empty weight of 720 kilos this was quite an advanced city commuter. In sports mode it did about 106 miles per hour top speed and less than 13 seconds to 62 miles in 1998 ! ! !

[@lrod312]

This looks like a concept car that would’ve been in Gran Turismo 2. At the hefty price of : - - -, - - - Cr. of course.

[@RealNameNeverUsed]

This comment and your profile picture gives me PS1 memories

[@TheMovingChicane]

North City theme intensifies

[@beatboxlanguage]

*Special Stage*

[@andysedgley]

@Connor Hoskins All *MY* problems would be solved, I've been grinding for the 20 million Ferrari for ages!

[@richardfitzwell6579]

It reminds me of the cars from Rush on N64

[@richardb6260]

I imagine the offset passenger seat helps the driver see out the passenger window when merging into traffic. Also, it helps to keep the rear view screen from being obscured by the passenger.

[@user-my8js3tm8y]

First of all it gives both driver and passenger some shoulder room in that tight space. Actually the same reason the McLaren 3-seaters don't have three seats in a row but instead side seats are moved backward. Shoulders room.

[@mater753s]

yes, I've also noticed this - the screen is in a perfect spot to be covered by passengers legs if seat moved up front.

[@JustinPM]

That, and putting people offset lets you make the width of the car smaller without compromising a bunch of comfortability.

[@goldcd]

@@JustinPM Yes - way more aerodynamic to add a bit of length to allow you to move passenger back, rather than just adding width. Just wondering why we don't have any more adventurous seating layouts... e.g. instead of using a A8/S-Class as luxury transport for one, maybe just a 2 seater with a very premium passenger seat

[@DapperHesher]

It's to reduce frontal area.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

"Armstrong" steering! And the window cranks were outta my 86 Scirocco manual sunroof :)

[@idiot4406]

I was there at that museum, and wondered about Doug demuro speaks on the quirks and features

[@tweedyburd007]

"two vents should be good enough for this small of a cabin" *doug sweats profusely during the test drive*

[@jasonmcelroy1938]

😂 I noticed the same thing.

[@newtekie1]

He has said in one of his other More DeMuro videos that he doesn't run the AC on his test drives because the air moving messes with his microphone.

[@SportsSharp412]

It's the second layer of t-shirt, duh 🙄

[@chrissinclair4442]

He always sweats profusely...

[@martylucas8557]

@@chrissinclair4442, hence the t-shirt under the T-shirt…

[@the_real_Kurt_Yarish]

If they're using cameras instead of mirrors, and the car has an infotainment screen anyways, why didn't they add a third camera on the rear of the car that displays to the infotainment screen while you're reversing? That way you could still see directly behind the car, much like how you'd use a regular reversing mirror. I can't imagine it would add *that* much more weight.

[@V.VIIIBeanman]

I came up with this exact same logic myself. The only thing I can think of is the systems managing/running the 3rd camera would add to much weight aka how you have to manually roll up and roll down the windows so they opted to do the LEAST amount of effort for as possible when it comes to reversing.

[@The8blackwidow8]

@@V.VIIIBeanman German auto manufacturers are quite dumb when it comes to digital stuff. They mess it up all the time.

[@PhaseSkater]

@@The8blackwidow8 yup. I heard they still have slow internet in Germany.

[@the_real_Kurt_Yarish]

@@The8blackwidow8 Sounds like similar problems with internet infrastructure we have in the US. The majority of internet infrastructure for anywhere other than major cities is often fairly outdated, and ISP's have strangleholds over areas and have basically monopolized entire regions of states. Even if you wanted to switch to another provider, it's not uncommon to not have any other available in your area. So out of desperation, people continue to use these outdated services, which incentivizes ISPs to not do anything to upgrade their service. I remember a handful of years ago reading that some tens of thousands of people in the US still use dial-up internet. Wonder how much that rings true today.

[@pex_the_unalivedrunk6785]

A lot of this car seems unfinished and underdeveloped....they could have sacrificed a few miles per gallon and added some practical things & driving aids. Also...a slightly larger fuel tank would have been nice...imagine driving 1000 miles non-stop!

[@moritzm.3671]

I find it quite funny. I come from a quite rich area of Germany. The Lokal VW dealer hat one of these on his show room, they were on all kind of public events all the time... I haven't seen one in years, but I never would have considered it a car people don't know about. But I have to admit, it most likely didn't leave Germany that much and the fact that my region has a substantial amount of people willing to spend that kind of money also didn't hurt.

[@maestrohun]

The 2 seat offset "weird quirk" is also for aerodynamic to shrink the front surface, I guess. Power wheel is not only weight saving. The power need "fuel" as the car should need to charge the battery and the power wheel discharge the battery and this is right for any other comfortable equipments.

[@LazerLord10]

What's stopping them from re-releasing an XL1 with an all-electric drivetrain? Does anyone else have a small EV that looks this neat?

[@da10cent41]

Yes

[@bluequadrifoglio6057]

Why does it have to be all electric? I hate electric cars. Nothing but democratic hype.

[@mikos321]

No development intrest :/

[@Sheridantank]

No, the fact is runs on gas is why it's great.

[@R.S-1986]

You have TESLA 😉. And it has 4/5 seats and no diesel engine.

[@dinoboss1948]

Omg thats a fucking Clio V6 in the intro, can't wait for that one.

[@Leafyfpv]

this is the comment i was looking for... quite a cool looking car

[@sealand9049]

Im still waiting for fiat multipla

[@Evinrudeeee]

And Honda S2k CR

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

Unfortunately they are nowhere near as good as they look like they should be.

[@liamfoxy]

I really wish manufacturers would do more for this. I'd love an affordable super hybrid instead of a full electric. I also feel like people would be a lot more receptive to a car you only have to fill once a month rather than an electric you have to charge at home and again when you get to work

[@Skylancer727]

I mean many EVs have nearly 400 miles of range. Not many people have over a 20 mile daily mileage in the first place so it's relatively mute. In fact one study showed that 90% of car drives are less than 4 miles. Also he did say that the XL1 only had a fuel range of 236 miles. The car was made purely for the fuel economy, not practicality. Plus you can get some EVs that have over 500 miles of range. The Lucid air for example does just that. The Lightyear 0 was also gonna have 600 miles of range but was canned due to funding, plus it was always going to be an obnoxiously expensive car. The next closest thing to this is probably the Aptera but that's a really exotic looking 3 wheeler. Yeah it can in theory get 1000 miles on a single charge, but is that enough to justify it to people? The main reason we have less cars like this is they're just too niche in design for mass car production brands, plus the XL1 was basically one of the only ever diesel hybrids. Diesel is basically nonexistent in the US outside of trucking and fancy pickups and Europe has been pushing to ban them even faster than gas. Diesel will always be more fuel efficient than gas so I just don't know if a gas hybrid could ever be made quite as fuel efficient. The highest rated gas hybrid I've seen stock was the Ioniq hybrid with 58mpg.

[@stephenlackey5852]

Doug is the kind of guy that would ignore the owners’ manual when he’s trying to find out what the “mirror” button actually does.

[@robvenom1058]

Love these type of reviews. Weird low production or concept cars.

[@ThePiquedPigeon]

Next video: "The US Army Larc LX is a 5 million dollar colossal iron behemoth"

[@ItsMeGiga]

the car is interesting the LARC in the background is moreso!

[@Xaiux]

That was the first thing I noticed in the video lol

[@bdub1682]

RCR did a review of it, its in pretty bad shape so i doubt itd be featured here

[@hohohor3551]

And now we're gonna take it on a drive

[@toms_garage]

I haven't seen one of these in years!! Must be about 3 years since I seen a XL-1 driving about (it was in Pollock, just south of Glasgow)

[@OhmiKuma]

Doug has driven a 1st gen Honda Insight and didn't mention it once in this review surprisingly. I imagine it's somewhat similar to that in terms of driving experience.

[@CarReviewsEU]

Didn't even know that this cas exist but fortunately Doug DeMuro is here for us 👍.

[@pinut187]

Quite famous car tbh.

[@NewHandle_]

Jww has one

[@davidlundmark9359]

@@pinut187 Almost everyone knows about this car tbh.

[@ABAtrading]

@@pinut187 u mean famous cas

[@wolf3dv]

I always assumed it never went into production, even if it was incredibly famous at the time

[@chrisunguez]

“$150 grand?” “But think of all the money I’ll save on gas.” “Yeah, it’ll be less than that.”

[@bradfordbertoli2829]

Not with Biden in office.

[@blakestebbe7937]

@@bradfordbertoli2829 yep, blame the president and his lever in the Oval Office that controls the gas prices.

[@cavemanvi]

@@bradfordbertoli2829 politics? On KZbin comments???? Let’s focus on more important divisional questions. Coke or Pepsi !?!?!

[@spedracer55]

@@cavemanvi the dew

[@AdamIsUrqed]

@@cavemanvi Coke. As a brittle diabetic, I have fond memories of that sweet, sweet nectar of the gods from my childhood.

[@D0li0]

If you forked a new channel, with just the BEVs and PHEVs, no hybrid cars... I would totally subscribe, what are the odds? your reviews are super Great! Ya, not electric, but was a fan all the same, really neat car, awesome that you got hands on for a walkthrough.

[@JFDragoncar]

I love the look outside and inside i love the simple way to do things about that cars.

[@hondaracer888]

"The drivers side seat and passengers side seat are in different places." -Doug DeMuro

[@wesgregg6451]

Huh. So it can actually exist in this universe, then. :rolleyes:

[@paddington1670]

@@wesgregg6451 it allows two different humans to exist in two separate seats, amazing technology.

[@hackabilly4787]

@6:09

[@hondaracer888]

@@hackabilly4787 actually 5:09 all good

[@edstratton]

I own an XL1 and I can confirm that the camera on button is there to allow you to fire up the cameras and screens when the car is off. So for example you park up and switch everything off and the screens of course go off too, but then after a while you want to see what's behind without having to fire up the whole car (without having to put foot on brake pedal and press the START button to put the car in READY mode) - so you just press the camera ON button and it just fires up the cameras and screens and nothing else. Pretty obvious when you think about it.

[@leegoddard2618]

I was hoping maybe if you turned it on, put it in reverse a better camera "pOpped" out at the rear of the car. 😑🤦

[@aliyusx]

Doug, you need to review the giant truck sitting in the background!

[@liminos]

All the electronics in terms of Infotainment, Gages, Key etc. is lend from the european VW UP. The key is in fact not the standard key from that VW era - it's the cheaped out version delivered only with the UP AFAIK. With the UP the second key was analog only actually. Other spots this can be seen are: - Gages - Turn-Signal control sticks - Garmin-System for Infotainment Also, the ThinkBlue Trainer is actually shipped as a standard feature for about every VW since '14. At least in europe it is.

[@hgill257]

Can’t stop looking at the “US ARMY LARC” behind Doug

[@RauASTER]

could that be the same one from one of RCR videos?

[@ThatLEG0Guy]

@@RauASTER i think it is as both videos were shot at the same place, unless they have 2 of them and that's unfair, i'll give it a good home or more likely it will be my good home, life in an amphibious land barge sounds like a good time

[@leokearns1221]

@@ThatLEG0Guy Same here. :)

[@pieanddanish]

@@RauASTER it's the same. It's quite a sight to see in person.

[@KGRautos]

For sell on Cars and bits!!! ??

[@32bit15]

Did anyone notice that when he moves his hands, the whole car shakes.

[@MysterDaftGame]

It's as light as a lotus elise and doesn't have suspension as stiff so yeah, anything wil make it move

[@FirssenSimracing]

I was searching if someone noticed that too ;p

[@antruys646]

unrelated but this reminds me of how the wipers in my dad's camry can shake the car when it's idle and they're on high

[@left8138]

@@MysterDaftGame so the car isn't good for 😏

[@leenevin8451]

might need shocks

[@Jonwayne777Iloveyouall]

Damn Doug you're getting to drive a museum piece.

[@r4z0r84]

I totally want one for the fuel efficiency, but pretty happy with what I get with the Audi A3 2018, still nothing compared to this for fuel efficiency.

[@naveen5126]

I actually didn't know something like this existed

[@peace7482]

Human beings still don't know a lot, it's impossible to know it all...

[@paladain55]

Europe only so thats why. It only exist in imaginary land.

[@TheMrDemonized]

Now you know

[@arion9696]

Bruh

[@MrCarGuy]

Well, Naveen, your country didn't even know toilets existed until relatively recently

[@DonziGT230]

2:15 "This gets about 260 miles per gallon." 2:41 "There's about a 2 1/2 gallon fuel tank giving it a total range of about 250 miles." I ain't no mathematician, but those numbers seem a bit off to me.

[@pex_the_unalivedrunk6785]

Yeah...i noticed that too...

[@TehHoly1]

You have to watch further when he talks about the mileage people get when they treat it like a normal car using the AC etc.

[@snoopdoggthecertifiedg6777]

Also, why in the hell wouldn’t they give it a bigger fuel tank? This car would be unstoppable with a 15 gallon tank.

[@XX-166]

@@snoopdoggthecertifiedg6777 because the 15 gallon gas tank would be bigger then the car itself.

[@snoopdoggthecertifiedg6777]

@@XX-166 all I’m saying is an interior gas tank or something would be very helpful in terms or overall range.

[@titusm]

awesome to see the "future" of the 3L versions...and what could be

[@codemiesterbeats]

I suspect that the seating position might also be related to the 'mirror' camera viewing screens... probably provides better unobstructed view of the screen on the passenger side... in case your passenger is prone to arm flailing 8:30 etc...

[@Optatius]

90s scifi told me we should all be driving cars that look like this by now.

[@cheez8313]

would be a cool but also a weird world

[@gsilva220]

We had a bright future ahead of us with biofuels, but dieselgate and Tesla ruined it all. Now, the only alternatives are super expensive and unrepairable battery-electric cars.

[@matthewbowen5841]

This is 2 years newer than the oldest Model S.

[@ProAlchemist]

EV6 is getting pretty close. Same with the iPace. aerodynamics are forcing cars to look more like this but they're better balancing utility and mpg

[@Mchacz8008]

@@gsilva220 Bio fuels are myth in terms of enivormentar "Friendlines" Also, Electric cars are extremly easy to repair compared to an gasoline engine.

[@pe8268]

Another fun fact: VW also built a concept car called XL1 Sport that was powered by a V Twin from Ducati with some 100hp. Just imagine if they put that into production, it would have been an insanely fun car

[@1701Q]

Ye i know and i love it, i wish they made it.

[@christianabad9982]

That car is the exact definition of what a future car may look like and not some boring SUV/crossover or pickup.

[@marriius9879]

That reminds me of a vw up. It’s so similar even the screen was a thing in the up aswell as the Speedo

[@1018Video]

The mirror button is for when the car is off, if the passenger wants to get out on a busy road the mirror button turns the side mirrors on temporarily to show if there's a car coming or not.

[@Teamshmo]

lol how the hell do you know this information about such a weird car?

[@1018Video]

@@Teamshmo Research and a little common sense, why else would there be a mirror button to turn the mirrors on, when they're on the entire time the vehicle is running, lol. Because what if someone wants to turn them on while the vehicle is off.

[@Muscleduck]

I immediately assumed the button was for when the car is off. Makes total sense.

[@OfficialXivil]

I actually sat in one of the L1 prototypes at my school when a class had a project about cars and future, and one of these kids was the son of Ferdinand Piëch.

[@shawoo]

Ok, you sat in it. Anything else to share? How about some details about what the prototype was instead of just saying you say in it

[@seanm4082]

@@shawoo did you sit in it foo?

[@FCT8306onTwoWheels]

Thats super cool. 👍👍

[@JohnSmith-hn5bt]

@@shawoo he ain’t gotta do a review man he’s just sharing a cool experience chill

[@fubarexress6359]

@@shawoo your annoying.

[@odw32]

It would be amazing if they made a full-electric XL-2. The body of the car looks amazing, and if they updated it with some 2022 technology and a small battery pack, it could be a phenomenal EV.

[@paulvansteenberghe4644]

You can cover front wheels just like the rear wheels for even great aerodynamics. Check out the University of Maine’s Phantom Sol from the early 2000s.

[@nicobrouwer4598]

Gets 260mpg “practically is okay... 3/10” 😂

[@user-mx1fq6qm6i]

Practically also includes the amount of seats, cargo space, helpful features...

[@nicobrouwer4598]

@@user-mx1fq6qm6i joke

[@nathanmenezesaw1983]

I would bump up that score to 4/10 cus no other car on the planet is perhaps even half as efficient as the XL-1

[@kevintappminville195]

@@user-mx1fq6qm6i All seats accounted for, I give it a practicality score of 8/10... I mean, no friends, no wife, no kids... What are those backseat for? Hauling my old McDonald's bags???

[@theunknownguy265]

@@user-mx1fq6qm6i free Palestine

[@MaxEffex]

I see Doug has a video coming soon on the Renault Clio V6 mid-engine'd hatchback.

[@flowf7397]

Can’t wait for that 😍😍😍

[@tranc3porter]

That's some serious forbidden fruit right there.

[@pianist554]

@@tranc3porter I love this 2 door v6 fruit thats not sold in the us.

[@Grulaz]

how does he keep getting this Euro cars? you can't exactly import them...unless it's in Mexico

[@shroomyesc]

@@Grulaz You can see a lot of them in the background in this video when he's inside, he's loaning them from a museum. You can't drive them properly on public roads but a couple channels like doug or RCR have been able to take the cars around the block.

[@sqarefox3928]

Slap in the 300 HP 2.0 tsi from Golf R mk VII and 6 speed manual and oh boy I'd buy that in a heartbeat

[@mrembeh1848]

Imagine this level of engineering and then upping the car to 2L/100km (120mpg) it would be an amaaaazing car and far below 100k

[@dude231ification]

I genuinely thought this was a 2021 car not 7 years old.

[@EdPMur]

The exterior design has aged very well

[@J.Gainez]

im pretty sure it came out in 2011, regular car reviews reviewed this car a while ago

[@BlitzStudiosIsinsideyourhome]

I thought it was an Audi due to it looking like the r8 at the front

[@G59METH]

@@BlitzStudiosIsinsideyourhome have you ever seen the Scirocco ?

[@yamkaw346]

Same until I saw the interior

[@camogap7392]

Doug is the type of guy who brings a Toyota Previa to a Mid-Engine car only race

[@bridgetsawamura56]

he'd pretty much do that lol

[@joshua.harazin]

Shit I'm that type of guy.

[@norbertodelrio]

Doug thank you for your incredible reviews I became an addict!! Congratulacions for your exceptional work!!!!

[@MrSmurfBurger]

Just saw one and an Alfa Romero SZ in a Dunkin’ Donuts parking lot today in Kingsport Tennessee.

[@wesbeausoleil8193]

The fact that RCR got this car before Doug is wild lmaoooooo

[@sarcasticpanda84]

Doug just living in Mr. Regular’s brown shadow

[@hardbodybrain]

Doug avoids travelling for reviews too much, so he's gotta wait on several occasions Although he's in Nashville rn so idk what's happening here lol

[@trinitykid_]

Not about who gets it first but the experience ,. “Doug score”

[@bradythegenius2123]

Well I mean doug demuro does follow them on Instagram soooooo

[@bradythegenius2123]

@@hardbodybrain lmao u know he does actually travel a lot

[@The8BitGuy]

How did somebody get this imported into the USA? I'd like to import a VW ID-3, but I'm told it is virtually impossible.

[@TheCorruptNation]

They probably have some exceptions due to it being a museum piece. Same reason people can import certain R34 GTR models before the 25year rule. They can only be driven a small number of miles per year, I'm sure there are other restrictions.

[@JaredConnell]

They probably brought it in via the show or display law which allows certain cars to be imported but not registered for normal use. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Show_or_Display

[@RazzFazz-Race]

You already own an iconic electric car from germany. And its body is made from carbonfibre too…

[@obeseperson]

Shut up

[@donnacooper7440]

@@RazzFazz-Race He has an i3?

[@BirnieMac1]

Do those back wheel covers come off? How else do you change the tires? Or do you just have to prop it up even higher?

[@maddiekits4998]

They come off easy yes

[@goldenboy7on780]

MolksAgen rims look fire at the beginning 🔥

[@DateJust89]

Doug: “It gets 260mpg” and “It has a 2.5 gallon tank.” Me: “Wow, 650 miles per tank. Impressive.” Also Doug: “It has a total range of 250 miles.” ???

[@HodgePodgeProducts]

It's a PHEV. Using diesel alone it gets 100-120 mpg for a range of ~250 miles.

[@DateJust89]

I see…. Typical for Volkswagen to mislead people.

[@robnichols434]

I thought the same thing

[@NBSV1]

Yeah. It’s typical marketing hype they use for other plug in hybrids and even some electric cars. There’s a silly conversion for fuel mileage calculation when on electric power. You end up with something that probably does get 260mpg when the electric motor is providing most of the power. But, that doesn’t last long so over longer distance it doesn’t actually get that good. Which is always funny because if it legit got 120mpg it would still be impressive and a more accurate representation of what it does.

[@DateJust89]

@@NBSV1 100%

[@alexim1202]

80, 84, 90 = wow that’s not bad! Doug: that’s in kilometers… Oh…

[@berlinerkindl6970]

I saw one in Hamburg 1 Month ago,thought what a cool space ship!!

[@Dingus04]

11:25 that “dummy” vent appears to be a return air vent for the climate control system and is only active when the air recirculation function is on. Usually, car manufacturers hide this underneath the dash somewhere out of sight however VW decided to put it smack dab in the center of the dash. I assume they did this because the dash is made of carbon fiber and it would be cheaper to integrate the return vent into the areas where the piano black trim is rather than create a space in the carbon fiber for this rather simple item. Do understand that Doug is partially right though in that when the air recirculating function is not enabled, this vent becomes inactive and the car instead sucks air from outside.