Volkswagen Atlas (2018)

While the base Atlas S is equipped with cloth seating surfaces, Atlas SE models come with leatherette seating surfaces and include a second-row middle armrest with integrated cup holders. SEL models come with a three-profile driver seat memory function. SEL Premium models boast leather seating surfaces and heated outboard seats for the second row.

Captain's Chairs are available on SE models and above. This replaces the three-passenger, second-row bench seat with two individual seats for even greater comfort and adjustability. The two-passenger third-row bench seat offers a 50/50 split, and both second- and third-row seats feature fold-flat functionality.

Across all three rows, an array of available inputs (12V, USB, auxiliary), cup holders, bottle holders, storage nets and cargo containers provide convenience for all passengers. Atlas has a maximum cargo volume of 96.8 cubic feet behind the front-row seats. With just the third-row folded, cargo capacity is 55.5 cubic feet, and with all seats up, cargo capacity is 20.6 cubic feet.

Two-zone (first row and second/third row) climate control is standard on Atlas S and SE, along with a second-row control panel for rear passengers. SE w/ Technology, SEL and SEL Premium models come with three-zone Climatronic® automatic climate control. KESSY keyless access on all five doors, along with push-button start, is standard equipment on SE trim levels and above.

Exclusive to Atlas SEL Premium, the advanced Volkswagen Digital Cockpit system presents drivers with a fully-digital instrument cluster. Using a 12.3-inch TFT display, the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit offers a customizable presentation of important vehicle information.

Every Atlas model offers the ability to customize up to four driver settings. Dependent on trim, customizable features include: driver seat memory, driver assistance system preferences, temperature, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit arrangement, and navigation view.

MIB II Infotainment. As standard equipment across the Atlas line, the MIB II infotainment system not only creates the foundation for the next generation of Volkswagen's Car-Net® connected vehicle services platform, but also offers one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle services and features available in the automotive industry today.

Atlas S is equipped with the Composition Color unit, which features a new 6.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display. Atlas SE, SEL and SEL Premium models are equipped with a glass-covered 8.0-inch touchscreen display-SE and SEL models with the Composition Color unit and SEL Premium models with the Discover Media system. The new 8.0-inch display is not only brighter than previous generation of MIB II, it also offers better color reproduction, response time and improved viewing angles due to the switch to In-plane Switching (IPS) technology. Atlas SEL Premium's Discover Media unit offers 2.5D navigation, which features one-shot voice destination entry, destination entry with quick search and auto-complete, and predicts possible destinations based on often used routes.

The infotainment system also offers AUX-in, SD card and USB multimedia interfaces, as well as a rearview camera, JPEG viewer, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, HD Radio and support for lossless audio file format (Free Lossless Audio Codec FLAC). Standard Bluetooth® technology has the ability to send and receive SMS text messages via voice command with compatible phones and pair two phones simultaneously. There are three speaker configurations for Atlas, dependent on trim level-the S model includes six speakers, mid-level trims offer eight speakers and the SEL Premium model features the all-new Fender® Premium Audio System with 12 speakers.

New Fender® Premium Audio. There is no shortage of entertainment system options with the 2018 Atlas-but the SEL Premium trim offers the most advanced Fender Premium Audio System to date. It was meticulously engineered, specifically for Atlas, to recreate the emotion of a live performance for all three rows of passengers.

The system was developed through collaboration between Fender, the legendary music amplification experts, and Panasonic®. A powerful, 480-watt, 12-channel amp delivers arena-sized sound to the spacious Atlas cabin. There are 12 speakers in total, including an innovative center channel speaker, woofer speakers in each door, first- and second-row tweeters, and two wide-frequency speakers and a subwoofer in the third row.

Volkswagen Car-Net. Volkswagen is committed to driving the development of more connected and intelligent vehicles, and the Car-Net® connectivity system is a major element in achieving that goal. Features available through Car-Net are divided into three key areas: "App-Connect," "Security & Service," and "Guide & Inform."

Car-Net App-Connect smartphone integration for compatible devices is standard on all Atlas models. App-Connect offers users the ability to run select smartphone apps directly on the vehicle's display through services like Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®.

Equipped on Volkswagen Atlas SE models and above, Car-Net Security & Service is a suite of elements that provides security features and also allows owners to access their VW remotely through vw.com/carnet as well as a smartphone app.

Customers purchasing new Volkswagen models equipped with VW Car-Net Security & Service, will receive a no-charge trial 6-month subscription from Verizon Telematics. To extend the benefits of this system after the trial, customers can choose from a number of payment options: 1 year for $199, 2 years for $378, and 3 years for $540, or month-to-month for $17.99, plus applicable taxes and fees. App-Connect can be used free-of-charge and is not included as part of the subscription-based services.

Available Car-Net Security & Service features include Automatic Crash Notification, which can automatically notify an operator who can quickly contact first responders in the event of an collision; Manual Emergency Call, a feature that allows for quick access to customer specialists at the touch of a button; Roadside Assistance, for added peace-of-mind in the event of trouble on the road; and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, which uses Car-Net Security & Service to assist law enforcement with locating your vehicle in the event that it is stolen.

In addition, Car-Net Security & Service offers remote vehicle access, remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash of lights, last parked location information, and remote status check (doors and windows). Consumers will also be able to send a location from their connected smart device to the factory-installed compatible navigation system on select models. For consumers who prefer a more personal touch, agent destination assist is also available.

Car-Net Security & Service also includes Family Guardian, a suite of features that helps families. Family Guardian includes speed alert, which notifies the owner of the vehicle when the pre-determined maximum speed limit is exceeded; and boundary alert, which lets you know when the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary.

Diagnostics and maintenance information is also available through Car-Net Security & Service. In addition to the vehicle's warning and indicator lights, a Vehicle Health Report provides customers easy access to diagnostic information. When it's time for scheduled service, Car-Net Security & Service not only notifies the customer, but provides a simple way to schedule a dealer visit. It can even identify the closest dealer in case owners need a recommendation.

The available VW Car-Net app for Apple Watch allows VW customers to control a host of Security & Service features and functions available through the iPhone app and Customer Web Portal, directly from their wrist. Apple Watch wearers can keep tabs on their vehicle from afar, remotely locking and unlocking doors and viewing the status of doors, windows and sunroof (open or closed). These consumers can also find a parked vehicle quickly, with a map of the current vehicle location, walking or driving directions to the vehicle, and the ability to honk the horn and flash the lights remotely. Drivers can check their fuel level from the Apple Watch as well. As with the Car-Net app for iPhone, Apple Watch wearers can receive alerts directly to their Apple Watch from the app.

Car-Net Guide & Inform is included on Atlas SEL Premium and offers an enhanced navigation and infotainment experience for VW consumers. Volkswagen has incorporated technologies that enhance existing navigation offerings while adding an additional level of information that empowers consumers. The in-vehicle navigation system features fuel prices, sports scores, movie information and weather data as part of the three-month SiriusXM Travel Link trial. VW customers will also enjoy real-time traffic information and a complimentary three-month SiriusXM Traffic trial.

Powertrains

Volkswagen Atlas is offered with a choice of two powerful and efficient engines-a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or an available 3.6-liter VR6 engine. Both units feature Start/Stop technology and Remote Start is standard on SE w/ Technology trims and above.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit is a member of the latest EA888 engine family, utilizing turbocharged induction and direct fuel injection to achieve excellent efficiency while still delivering impressive power. Output is rated at 235 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque from 1,600 rpm (on premium unleaded gasoline).

Augmenting the EA888's 16-valve, dual-overhead-camshaft layout is Volkswagen's latest variable cam phasing system, which controls both intake and exhaust valves, as well as a variable lift system for the valves themselves. The single-scroll turbocharger feeds intercooled air through the aluminum-alloy crossflow cylinder head. The cast-iron engine block uses a wall thickness of just 0.12 inches to reduce its weight to 72 pounds, while a lightweight polymer oil pan and aluminum-alloy screws and fasteners also reduce mass. Another change that helps the engine to shed pounds is a reduction from eight to four crankshaft counterweights. Internal friction is reduced due to measures such as roller bearings for the engine's balancer shafts and a reduction in the size of the engine's main bearings.

The engine is also compact. The exhaust headers have been integrated directly into the cylinder head, not only optimizing the system coolant operation (aiding rapid warm-up, which helps improve efficiency), but also allowing greater thermal management of the exhaust stream. The turbocharger can withstand extremely high exhaust temperatures, so the forced-induction system doesn't require complex fuel enrichments under high load, which helps improve efficiency.

All Volkswagen Atlas trims are available with a 3.6-liter VR6 engine. This powerful direct-injection engine delivers 276 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm. The engine utilizes a crossflow aluminum-alloy cylinder head design, twin overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and variable valve timing.

With either engine, power is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission to help maximize efficiency. This transmission then sends the power to either the front wheels, or-if equipped with 4Motion all-wheel drive (V6 models only)-all four wheels as needed. All Atlas trims can be equipped with either engine and drivetrain option-except Atlas SEL Premium, which is only offered with the VR6 engine and 4Motion all-wheel drive.

Volkswagen Atlas models equipped with the VR6 engine and a factory installed trailer hitch (SEL and SEL Premium) offer a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs., while all other models require trailer hitch installation, and then allow for a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 lbs.

All Atlas models are outfitted with an 18.6-gallon fuel tank. EPA-estimated fuel economy for V6 models is currently pending EPA certification, but front-wheel drive models are expected to be rated at around18 mpg in city driving, 25 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg in combined driving. V6 models with 4Motion all-wheel drive are expected to be rated at around 17 mpg in city driving, 23 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in combined driving. These estimates are preliminary, and official EPA estimates will be available prior to the vehicle's market launch this Spring. As the 2.0-liter engine will have late availability, no information is currently available.

4Motion® All-wheel-drive System

Atlas can be equipped with 4Motion all-wheel drive. The latest-generation 4Motion system is activated before wheelspin occurs, helping eliminate traction losses. The system achieves this by using an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions. When operating under a relatively low load or when coasting, the front wheels are driven and the rear wheels are decoupled, helping to save fuel. However, the rear wheels can be engaged in fractions of a second whenever necessary via the center differential, which is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump.

A control unit continually calculates the ideal drive torque for the rear wheels and controls how much the multi-plate clutch should be closed by activating the oil pump. The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates in proportion to the torque desired at the rear axle. So, the amount of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to continuously vary the amount of torque going between the front and rear wheels, up to a maximum of 50 percent at the rear axle.

In addition to the center differential that acts longitudinally, electronic differential locks (EDS) that are a function of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system act laterally. The system briefly brakes a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side.

Driving Mode Selection. The Driving Mode Selection feature, equipped on all Atlas models with 4Motion all-wheel drive, allows the driver to select specific vehicle profiles based on driving conditions. It has four settings: Onroad, Snow, Offroad, and Custom Offroad. Within the "Onroad" setting, additional options are offered: Normal, Sport, Comfort and Individual. These alter operating parameters for drive systems like the engine, transmission, steering and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), as well as traction-assistance systems like Hill Descent Assist and Hill Start Assist. The singular user interface is highly intuitive, comprising both a rotary knob and a push-button. Turning the knob engages the various drive modes, while pushing the button triggers a pop-up menu on the screen of the infotainment system, allowing the driver to fine tune the Onroad mode.

Onroad mode is the default setting. Here, Atlas automatically varies the drive distribution between the two axles, accounting for road conditions. A press of the button triggers the driving profile selection screen to pop up on the infotainment screen, offering the driver a choice of "Normal", "Sport", "Eco" and "Individual" drive modes. Within each, the tuning parameters for the engine control, gearbox, steering and optional ACC are varied.

In Snow mode, the response curve of the accelerator pedal is flattened to negate unintentional and excessive wheelspin, and the transmission upshifts earlier to maximize traction. Communicating with the accelerator pedal and individual wheel speed sensors, the traction control system (TCS) helps reduce engine power the moment it detects slippage. The sensitivity of the system is more relaxed in straight-line situations to allow adequate power transfer, while the limits are tightened in cornering, where traction is of paramount importance. Last but not least, ACC is switched to the more defensive "Eco" driving profile when in Snow mode.

Offroad mode offers similar throttle and transmission characteristics to Snow mode, adding manual control of transmission shifting via Tiptronic (only the throttle kickdown switch will force a downshift). The Start/Stop system is switched off in this mode, and ACC operates normally. The ESC system is relaxed to help avoid false positives often encountered off-road, and Hill Descent Control is automatically activated on gradients of more than 10 percent. It functions up at speeds between 1.2 mph and 19 mph, and is adjustable via brakes or throttle.

With unique Offroad ABS programming, the wheels can lock up briefly before the system reduces the brake pressure. This allows time for a small wedge of material from the ground (such as gravel or sand) to build up in front of the wheel, thus increasing the braking effect. This means that the car still remains steerable while its stopping distance is substantially reduced.

Custom Offroad mode allows the driver to alter the steering, engine and gearbox behavior, as well as Hill Descent Assist and Hill Start Assist.

Chassis

Volkswagen Atlas is built on the same MQB chassis architecture as most other vehicles in the Volkswagen lineup. The unitary construction chassis has two solid-mounted subframes with bolt-on front fenders, and utilizes new technologies such as the laser clamp welder, which produces "wobble seam" welds in a wave pattern to maximize strength in a limited space, offering significantly more strength than that of a traditional spot weld.

The stamped steel body and chassis boasts a large percentage of high-strength, hot-formed steel. This technology, along with the use of newly developed ultra-high-strength steels, allows much of the chassis and body to be constructed from thinner and lighter parts without any loss in strength.

Thanks to the extensive use of modern construction techniques and high- and ultra-high strength steels, the Atlas chassis manages to remain lightweight despite its upscale features and enhanced structure. Throughout the car, incredible attention to detail has optimized components-such as the seats, air conditioning unit, and even the electrical architecture-to help save weight.

Atlas features independent suspension for all four wheels. In the front, Atlas features a strut layout with coil springs and telescopic dampers, and at back, a multilink arrangement with coil springs and telescopic dampers.

Volkswagen Atlas's braking system is comprised of 13.2-inch vented front discs and solid 12.2-inch rear discs with standard three-channel ABS with electronic brake pressure distribution. The rack-and-pinion steering features electric power assist and speed-sensitive variable steering assist. This system offers a 16.3:1 steering ratio that allows for 2.76 steering wheel turns from lock to lock and a vehicle turning circle of 38.06 feet.

Safety

Like the rest of the Volkswagen lineup, Atlas provides an assortment of both passive and active safety systems. It has been engineered to meet or exceed all current safety regulations and features six airbags (driver, passenger, driver and passenger side, and full-length curtain) as standard along with a number of electronic safety systems. All Atlas models are equipped with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Atlas is the only vehicle in its class to offer the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which is standard on all models. This system builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact-the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System addresses this by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.

Atlas S is equipped with a basic rearview camera, while Atlas SE, SE w/ Technology and SEL feature a system that incorporates dynamic guidelines and additional perspectives.

Driver Assistance Systems

Atlas offers a number of standard and available driver assistance systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), front and rear Park Distance Control, Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist); High Beam Control (Light Assist) and Overhead View Camera (Area View).

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) uses forward facing radar to maintain a set speed while helping maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. The driver sets the speed and the desired spacing via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and can further use those buttons or the brakes to cancel the ACC function while the accelerator can be used to override the ACC function. All ACC-related system messages appear in the central multifunction display.

When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is clear, the system maintains the set speed. Atlas models fitted with ACC can match a vehicle in front and come to a stop. If the car in front moves within three seconds, ACC will resume automatically to the set speed. If the car stands longer than three seconds, the driver can resume ACC control after pressing the accelerator pedal or the "resume" button on the steering wheel.

Front Assist, standard on Atlas SE w/ Technology, SEL and SEL Premium, works in conjunction with Adaptive Cruise Control to warn drivers of potential frontal collisions (Forward Collision Warning) with vehicles and pedestrians, and in some cases provide automatic braking assistance (Autonomous Emergency Braking).

Within physical system limits, Forward Collision Warning helps warn the driver of critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a warning symbol in the instrument cluster above 18 mph. If the driver fails to brake, or if the car is below 18 mph, Autonomous Emergency Braking is activated to slow the vehicle. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure is increased by the system (Braking Support).

The VW Atlas SE w/ Technology, SEL and SEL Premium are equipped with standard Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist). If there is an indication that the vehicle is unintentionally straying from its lane, Lane Assist actively counter-steers to help keep the vehicle in the lane above 40 mph. The system's camera recognizes visible lane markings and, using a special algorithm, calculates the risk of the car leaving the lane. If the driver takes his or her hands off the wheel for a defined period of time, or the vehicle crosses a lane marking without use of a turn signal, the system provides an audible warning and a visual signal in the instrument cluster, asking the driver to take over.

The system can work in the dark and/or in fog, but it will not engage if it cannot properly detect lane markings. If the turn signal has been set before crossing a lane marking, the Lane Assist system will not engage or give a warning. The driver can "override" the system at any time by applying minimal force to the steering wheel.

Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert is included on Atlas SE. Blind Spot Monitor uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and help warn drivers of potential danger in adjacent lanes. If the driver uses the turn signal to indicate a lane change while a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, the system utilizes a flashing LED symbol in the outer area of the side mirrors. Even if the driver does not use a turn signal, the LED symbol in the mirror will illuminate if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. The system is designed to help alert drivers in specific situations; stationary objects or oncoming vehicles do not trigger warnings, nor will vehicles more than one lane across away from the vehicle.

If combined with Lane Assist (Atlas SE w/ Technology, SEL, SEL Premium) the system not only helps warn the driver with the flashing LED symbol if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, but within system limits, it can also countersteer to keep the car in the lane. If the driver still tries to steer out of the lane, the system will warn with an additional vibration of the steering wheel.

The Rear Traffic Alert system helps detect vehicles approaching from the side that may be difficult for the driver to see while reversing. It offers a sizable range of about 65 feet, and will present a visual and an acoustic warning, before applying the brakes if a potential impending collision is detected. If the driver does not react, the system can apply the brakes and in best case prevent an accident. The system is activated either by selecting reverse gear or by the optional Park Distance Control when starting off.

Park Distance Control, equipped on Atlas SEL models, uses ultrasonic sensors located in the front and rear bumpers to monitor a range of up to five feet in front or behind the vehicle. The system is activated when reverse gear is engaged or below a speed of 9 mph and helps provide guidance when parking or in tight situations. The system has audible and visual warnings when the car starts to approach parked cars or static objects from the front or rear.

New on Atlas is an emergency braking system called Maneuver Braking. Included with Park Distance Control, it can help mitigate or prevent collisions with static obstacles while the vehicle is maneuvered. The system is active when reverse gear is selected.

If the system detects a stationary object while the vehicle is in reverse and moving between 1-6 mph, it can apply the brakes automatically to help prevent or mitigate a collision. The system can be deactivated at any time using the touch display or permanently in the setup menu.

Park Assist is included on Atlas SEL Premium. This system can now automatically steer the car into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces (the latter both forward and in reverse). After pressing the Park Assist button, the system will show the available maneuver in the instrument cluster. The driver only needs to activate the accelerator pedal and brake once a gear is selected, as Park Assist automatically helps steer the vehicle into the parking space.

The driver can override or deactivate the steering assistance at any time by turning the steering wheel, disengaging reverse gear or pressing the button. Below 25 mph, the system scans both the left-hand and right-hand sides of the road-for example, in a one-way street-for any parking spaces as it drives past. By activating the turn signal, the driver stipulates which side of the road they wish to park on.

Two final driver assistance features, both standard on the Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium, help drivers see the world around their vehicle better. High Beam Control (Light Assist) automatically raises the headlamp high beams above 40 mph, if there is no oncoming traffic detected. The Overhead View Camera (Area View) creates a bird's eye view from the car's four cameras, allowing the driver to recognize obstacles, vehicles that are fast approaching, or pedestrians at an early stage.

Built in the U.S.

The VW Atlas is assembled alongside the Passat at the Volkswagen Chattanooga assembly plant, the result of an additional $900 million investment by Volkswagen in the facility. The Chattanooga plant is the only automotive manufacturing facility in the world to receive Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) program.