2018 Volkswagen Atlas: Designed To Challenge The Top Contenders In The Midsize Class

Mar 27, 2017 01:00 PM EDT | Anthony Hunter

Volkswagen has already pulled the wraps off its new 2018 Atlas mid-sized American-built SUV, which is due next spring, and it's designed just for America. From what have seen so far, Volkswagen's upcoming three-row SUV has the goods to challenge the top contenders in the segment.

The new model will be built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for the North American market and will offer innovative technology and spaciousness. In addition, the all new Atlas thrills with Hallmark VW driving dynamics and attention to detail.

Hinrich J. Woebcken, Volkswagen CEO of North America Region, said, "This is the biggest and boldest Volkswagen we have ever built in the United States, delivering the distinctive design and craftsmanship we're known for, now with room for seven." This is also the first time that the automaker offers a model in the high-volume class in the category between the Touareg and the Tiguan that is fully tailored to the American needs.

Up front, a standard LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights to combine for a unique visual signature and optional LED taillights. The new 2018 Volkswagen Atlas has a length of 5,037 mm, a width of 1,979 mm, and a height of 1,768 mm. That makes the new Atlas larger than any other Volkswagen on sale in the United States.

On the inside, the vehicle maximizes its dimensions to offer space for seven adults and luggage. The third row can be reached via innovative folding seat solution. It also has the optional Active Info Display that allows drivers extensive options for configuring the display.

It also uses a wide range of online services including a standard App-Connect technology that offers integration with the three smartphone platforms like the Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. The new Atlas is the only vehicle is its segment to offer the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.

Under the hood, it arrives with a choice of two engines. First is a 2.0-liter four cylinder TSI with gasoline direct injection and turbocharging with 175 kW/238 PS. The other one is a 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 206 kW/280 PS. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed transmission.

Furthermore, the Atlas can also be configured either as front-wheel-drive or the 4Motion AWD in combination with the VR6 driving force. The 4Motion System comes with a Driving Mode Selection feature that will allow the driver to choose specific parameters based on driving conditions.

The 2018 Volkswagen will be built alongside with the Passat for North America. This large SUV will be offered in the Russia and Middle East markets at the end of 2017.

 

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