The Volkswagen Atlas opens up an important segment for the brand: mid-size SUVs formed a tenth of all new registrations in the USA in 2015. For the first time, the German automaker now offers a model in this high-volume category between the Tiguan and the Touareg that is fully tailored to American needs.
Building on the company’s modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform, the Atlas is born with the latest VW design DNA – classic proportions and clean lines that create a sense of timelessness and precision.
Up at the front, standard LED headlights and LED daytime running lights combine for a unique visual signature, with optional LED tail-lights to complete the look. With a length of 5037 mm, a width of 1979 mm and a height of 1768 mm the Atlas is larger than any other VW car on sale in the USA today.
Inside, the Atlas makes maximum use of its dimensions to offer space for seven adults and their luggage. The third row can be easily reached by an innovative folding-seat solution. Clear, driver-centric displays enhance the driving experience. In addition, the optional Active Info Display (called Volkswagen Digital Cockpit in the US market) gives drivers extensive options for configuring the display.
Volkswagen Car-Net offers a wide range of online services, including standard App-Connect technology that offers integration with the three major smartphone platforms – Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. The new Atlas also features a Fender premium audio system offering a sophisticated sound experience with 12 speakers and a 480-watt amplifier.
The Atlas offers a selection of premium SUV driver assistance features. Depending on the equipment line, these include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), and Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist).
The Atlas is also the only vehicle in its class to offer the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This automatically initiates a deceleration of the vehicle when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping to reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.
The Atlas arrives with a choice of two powertrains: a 2-litre 4-cylinder TSI with gasoline direct injection, turbocharging and 238bhp, and a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 280bhp. Both engines route power through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Atlas can be configured either as front-wheel-drive or with 4Motion all- wheel-drive in combination with the V6 engine.The 4Motion system has a Driving Mode Selection feature that allows the driver to select specific parameters based on driving conditions.
The VW Atlas will be built alongside the Passat for North America at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga assembly plant (Tennessee). From the end of 2017, this large SUV will also be offered in the Russian and Middle Eastern markets. 
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