Volkswagen Mission Efficiency Concept Sets Three World Records, Looks Like a 13-Year-Old Model

Volkswagen has unveiled the Mission Efficiency, a new concept car that has already set three world records. The model is being billed as the most energy-efficient EV ever tested, although its chances of reaching production remain uncertain.

The new Volkswagen Mission Efficiency stands apart from virtually every modern car with its unconventional body design. Its elongated profile gives it the appearance of a giant teardrop, while additional bodywork covers the rear wheels and underbody. The door handles are integrated into the body, and active cooling shutters are fitted at the front.

That design helped Volkswagen achieve a drag coefficient of just 0.158, a figure unmatched by any other vehicle in the world. The concept also has an exceptionally small frontal area of just 22.4 square feet.

The streamlined body delivers impressive energy consumption, with the efficiency advantage becoming even more apparent as speed increases. Volkswagen says the Mission Efficiency uses 30% less energy than the entry-level ID.Polo at 50 mph. The concept consumed just 10.5 kWh per 62 miles, setting what Volkswagen says is a new benchmark for modern EV efficiency.

This isn't the first Volkswagen to achieve exceptionally low energy consumption. Back in 2013, the automaker introduced the XL1 concept, which was considered the world's most efficient production-oriented vehicle at the time.

The latest efficiency test took place during a long-distance drive from Wolfsburg to Vienna. The Mission Efficiency covered more than 794 miles, stopping just once to recharge.

Volkswagen noted that the factory test was conducted on a flat road with no significant climbs or descents, while the car maintained a steady 42 mph. By comparison, the Geely Galaxy TT, which previously recorded an exceptionally low energy-consumption figure, was tested under more demanding conditions on winding mountain roads.

The new concept measures 188 inches long and seats four people. Its cabin follows a minimalist design and includes several storage compartments. The coupe also offers 17 cubic feet of cargo space. Volkswagen says the Mission Efficiency's body structure incorporates components from the ID.Polo along with high-strength carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer and aramid composite materials.

Other efficiency-focused features include an electromechanical rear brake designed to reduce friction losses and specially developed tires with low rolling resistance. Solar panels integrated into the roof can also generate enough electricity to add up to 19 miles of range.