Autofocus: 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Unveiled
Volkswagen of America, Inc. revealed the latest models of the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport for 2024 at the Chicago Auto Show today. These updated seven- and five-seaters boast advanced technology, improved interior designs, high-quality materials, and a more dynamic powertrain.
Pablo Di Si, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America, highlighted the significance of the Atlas as the first Volkswagen crafted exclusively for American consumers. Since its initial introduction, the Atlas has become a key player in the U.S. automotive market. Di Si emphasized that the refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport build upon this success, featuring a refined new interior and an advanced turbocharged engine that enhances both performance and the overall driving experience.
While retaining the successful foundations of their predecessors, the revamped Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport for the 2024 model year undergo substantial enhancements, particularly in the interior space. The interiors of both vehicles receive a significant overhaul, incorporating premium materials such as a leatherette-trimmed soft-touch dash and center console. The first-row door trim seamlessly integrates with the dash panel, creating an opulent cockpit, a design echoed in the second row. Ambient lighting, offering 30 color choices, complements the backlit dash décor, elevating the overall aesthetics. Quilted leather seats with a diamond pattern are a highlight in the top-tier models.
Comfort features receive a notable boost, with standard offerings now including a heated steering wheel with shift paddles, ventilated front seats, a height-adjustable passenger seat, Climatronic® automatic climate control, and Voice Control. The redesigned center console now includes a storage cubby underneath. Additionally, leather seating surfaces and heated rear seats are available even in a trim line lower than previous models.
The technological enhancements in the refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport aim to deliver a more connected driving experience. A 12-inch floating infotainment display takes center stage in the redesigned cockpit, complemented by the 10.25-inch fully configurable Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro available across all trim levels. Connectivity is streamlined with standard wireless App-Connect, wireless charging, and six USB-C ports (with eight available) featuring 45-watt fast charging.
The safety features receive a boost with the inclusion of IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance technology, providing hands-on semi-automatic capability. IQ.DRIVE offers lane-centering on highways and alerts for obstacles in urban settings, enhancing overall safety. A head-up display and predictive Adaptive Cruise Control are also offered.
Externally, the 2024 models showcase a fresh front-end design, distinguishing between the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport. Both feature a wide chrome four-bar grille surrounded by LED headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). The Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) wrap around the headlights, leading into an illuminated lightbar atop the VW logo. The rear receives a larger spoiler, extending the roofline for a sleeker profile. Wheel designs are updated across all trims, ranging from 18 to 20 inches, with R-line® trims boasting a gloss-black grille, 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and signature R-line badging, adding a touch of sophistication.
In the upcoming 2024 model year, the entire Atlas family will exclusively feature a four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine, boasting 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This new engine delivers power comparable to the outgoing VR6 while introducing a notable increase in torque distributed over a wider rev range. This enhancement enhances both drivability and acceleration, with the added anticipation of improved fuel efficiency. The towing capacity remains consistent at 5,000 pounds. Standard features include an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, while the Volkswagen 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available throughout the model lineup.
More comprehensive information, including detailed specifications and pricing, is set to be disclosed in the lead-up to the early Q3 launch. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting evolution within the Atlas family.