The Volkswagen Atlas is the most American-made car the company has ever built.
Volkswagen finally unveiled the three-row Atlas after a long and arduous teasing campaign. The Atlas, unlike the Tiguan or Touareg which are produced in Mexico, is the first and largest CUV that comes out of the Chattanooga plant. It will be joined by the new Passat.
The new Atlas measures in at 198.3inches long, 77.9inches wide and 69.6inches high. It is larger than the aging Touareg (188.1/76.4/67.3) and longer than the new Honda Pilot (194.5/78.6/69.8). All this extra size translates into a larger interior.
The Atlas can accommodate seven adults and their luggage. Volkswagen has not yet stated how much space the cabin actually offers. The interior’s highlight is the innovative folding seat solution. This allows for easy access to the third row even with a child’s chair in the second.
A Volkswagen Car-Net system is available to allow users access to a complete suite of connected vehicle services. Add features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the mix and Atlas is ready to go. Not forgetting the Fender Premium Audio System, which includes 12 channels, a 12-channel amplifier and 12 speakers.
The new SUV rides on a modified version of Volkwagen’s MQB architecture. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI motor with 238 horsepower (177 kilowatts). You are looking for something a little more refined? You still have the option of the 3.6-liter VR6 engine, which is now 11 years old and produces 280 horsepower (208 megawatts).
The power for both engines is transmitted through a more efficient eight speed automatic transmission. It is then transferred to the front wheels if the 2.0-liter TSI is used, or to all four wheels if the 3.6-liter VR6 is selected. The system can be configured with the 4Motion all wheel drive to allow for different driving modes depending on road conditions.
Beginning November 18th, the Volkswagen Atlas will be displayed at the LA Auto Show.