Volkswagen Atlas seven-seat SUV revealed

Volkswagen has revealed its latest SUV in the form of the seven-seater Atlas. Previously known as the Teramont, the large SUV was first seen undisguised through spy photos that came in from China.

Based on the VW Group’s MQB platform, the new Atlas will become Volkswagen’s largest SUV on sale with exterior dimensions dwarfing the current Touareg by 121mm, 38mm and 35mm in terms of length, width and height. The SUV is also a significant 225mm longer than the new Skoda Kodiaq, revealed earlier this year.

The Atlas has been designed primarily for the US market and although dimensionally larger, it will sit below the Touareg and compete with the likes of the Ford Explorer and the Dodge Durango.

Styling is similar to what was seen in the spy pictures, and includes squared-off daytime-running lights, a thick front grille, muscular wheel arches and sharp tail-lights. The cabin too is unchanged from the spy photos with the usual raft of VW switchgear and dials shared with the rest of the automaker’s model range. This includes the touchscreen infotainment system mounted on the centre console and an optional digital screen behind the wheel, the display of which can be customised according to driver preference.

The unique feature of the cabin, however, is its seven-seat layout, with VW claiming that the SUV is capable of carrying seven full-sized adults in comfort. VW has paid special attention to making access easy, developing a unique seat-folding mechanism for the Atlas' second row of seats to maximise space in the back.

VW has loaded the Atlas with driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and park assist technology. The carmaker also claims the Atlas is the only car in its class to receive a post-collision braking system.

Under the hood, the SUV is powered by a choice of two engines – a 241hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol motor and a larger 284hp, 3.6-litre V6. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is offered as standard, and power is channeled to the rear wheels. The V6, however, gets the option of 4Motion all-wheel drive as well.

Volkswagen has confirmed the new large SUV for the US market, with other markets such as China also
being considered.