Hoping to finally put its diesel emissions scandal in the rearview mirror, VW takes the wraps off the largest vehicle the brand has ever built in the U.S.
2018 Atlas

Volkswagen's good week

It's been sort of a good week for Volkswagen – something we haven't been able to say for the automaker since September of last year when it admitted to the California Air Resources Board that nearly 500,000 VWs equipped with 2.0-liter TDI diesel engines were "designed and manufactured with a defeat device to bypass, defeat or render inoperative elements of the vehicle's emission control system."

2018 Atlas

For one, at least the 2.0-liter portion of that year-long fiasco was finally put to rest on Tuesday of this week when U.S. District Court Judge Charles R. Breyer of the Northern District of California approved a nearly $15 billion settlement program for owners or lessees of Volkswagen or Audi 2.0-liter TDI, or "Clean Diesel" vehicles, as of Sept. 18, 2015.

The other good news occurred last night, when the German manufacturer finally unveiled its long-awaited entry in the midsize crossover segment – a vehicle it has christened "Atlas."

Atlas 2018

2018 Volkswagen Atlas

The name, itself, could prove to be prescient as the Atlas will be shouldering a great deal of responsibility as it attempts to help lift VW out of what seems like a decade-long sales slump here in the U.S.

"This is the biggest and boldest Volkswagen we have ever built in the United States, delivering the distinctive design and craftsmanship we're known for, now with room for seven, " said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North America Region, Volkswagen. "The Atlas marks a brand new journey for Volkswagen to enter into the heart of the American market."

2018 Atlas

Although the 2018 Atlas is the largest vehicle VW has ever offered here in the states, its' styling cues – including angular headlights and taught, linear character lines along the sides and in back - immediately identify it as a Volkswagen.

Based on the automaker's ubiquitous MQB platform, the new Veedub is 198.3 inches long, 77.9 inches wide and 69.6 inches high. Standard equipment on all trims will include LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights.

2018 Atlas

Inside, three rows of seats will, according to VW, "offer space for seven adults and their luggage," while the optional Volkswagen Digital Cockpit will offer a reconfigurable display that will enable drivers to customize the information they want displayed. Another option is Volkswagen's Car-Net infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink technology that's currently compatible with select Google Android smartphones.

Available safety systems will include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, land departure warning and an automatic post-collision braking system that works 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."

2018 Atlas

Atlas buyers will be offered the choice of two powertrains: a 238 horsepower 2-liter turbocharged inline-4 and a 280 horsepower 3.6-liter VR6, both mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive will be offered with both engines, while VR6 buyers can also opt for 4Motion all-wheel-drive.

The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas will be assembled at the automaker's Chattanooga, Tennessee assembly plant.

2018 Atlas

2018 Volkswagen Atlas prices and availability

The 2018 Atlas will launch in the spring of 2017, with pricing released closer to its on-sale date.

2018 Atlas