Volkswagen Atlas 7-Seater SUV revealed

Volkswagen has unveiled the Atlas, its new 7-seater SUV. It is based on the MQB platform, and will be placed above the VW Tiguan. The SUV will be showcased at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show, which is scheduled to begin from November 18, 2016.

The Volkswagen Atlas is based on the company's Cross Blue concept, which was showcased three years ago at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. It features a new design philosophy and gets a squared off front fascia that houses LED headlamps and edgy DRLs. The front bumper gets a skid plate and a large blacked out area. The side profile is characterized by squared off wheel arches and a couple of character lines on the door panels. The Atlas measures 5,037 mm in length, 1,979 mm in width and 1,768 mm in height, and is even bigger than the Skoda Kodiaq.

On the inside, the dashboard features a dual tone layout with many additional trims thrown in to enhance its visual appeal. It also gets the optional Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. The infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and even offers MirrorLink connectivity. The car is equipped with a Fender Premium audio system, which comes with 12 speakers and a 480W amplifier.

The Atlas is equipped with a number of safety and driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert, lane departure warning and park assist. It also comes with an automatic post-collision braking system.

The Atlas will come with a choice of two engines - a 2.0-litre, TSI petrol with 234 BHP on tap and a 3.6-litre, VR6 unit rated at 276 BHP.

Volkswagen will be launching the Atlas in the US markets first, while there are chances of it making a Chinese debut as well. The company, however, has no plans to bring it to the European markets as of now.