We knew it was coming, and we had some idea what it would look like after spy shots and teasers surfaced online, but now we can finally put an end to all the speculation: The all-new 2018 Volkswagen Atlas midsize SUV was finally revealed last night in California.
Look for it to go on sale next spring.
Based on the CrossBlue Concept unveiled in Detroit three years ago, the new, Tennessee-built Atlas will write a new chapter in the German automaker’s American history as “a 7-passenger vehicle offering class-competitive levels of technology and spaciousness combined with hallmark Volkswagen driving dynamics and attention to detail, all at a price designed to draw customers’ attention in the family SUV segment,” the price release says.
Riding on the award-winning Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture, the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas is larger than any other Volkswagen on sale in North American, even the Touareg. This translates into an interior that can comfortably accommodate seven adults and their luggage. The third row can be easily reached by an innovative folding seat solution, one that works even with child seats installed in the second row.
Up front, drivers can enjoy the new Volkswagen Digital Cockpit (similar to Audi’s) allowing them to reconfigure how they view vehicle information, while the available Volkswagen Car-Net system provides a full suite of connected vehicle services including standard App-Connect technology with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink).
What about powertrains for the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas? Both the standard 238-horsepower 4-cylinder TSI turbo and optional 280-horsepower VR6 engine are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with 4MOTION all-wheel drive available. Fuel economy ratings will be announced closer to launch.
“This is the biggest and boldest Volkswagen we have ever built in the U.S., delivering the distinctive design and craftsmanship we’re known for, now with room for seven,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North America Region at Volkswagen. “The Atlas marks a brand new journey for Volkswagen to enter into the heart of the American market.”
Make sure you take a look at the picture gallery below.
