After making its debut three years ago, the Volkswagen Atlas is set to receive its first facelift, with the automaker releasing three official sketches to give us some idea of what to expect. Set to go on sale for the 2021 model year, the refreshed, seven-seat SUV is said to receive interior upgrades, new driver assistance and technology features, as well as a revised exterior.
Based on the sketches, the facelift will see a redesigned grille that is more trapezoidal in shape compared to the rectangular one that was seen initially. Within this frame, you’ll also find new headlamps that feature L-shaped daytime running lights, which blend into the louvres for a more elegant look.
If this look seems familiar, that’s because it is pretty much identical to the newer Atlas Cross Sport that appeared earlier this year. Meanwhile, the lower apron appears to receive corner inlets in place of the previous fog lamps, while a more prominent skid plate is highlighted in silver.
No changes are seen on the sides, as the rugged cues of the Atlas are carried over, with black body cladding and pronounced haunches. At the rear, the new taillight graphics mimic the look of the front headlamps, while a red strip has been added along the top edge of the reprofiled bumper.
There’s no view of the interior, but expect items from the Atlas Cross Sport to be present, including a new steering wheel and the latest infotainment system. Improvements to the list of available safety and driver assistance systems are also to likely.
In its current, pre-facelift guise, the Atlas sold in the United States is powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 235 hp and 350 Nm of torque, or a larger 3.5 litre V6 with 276 hp and 361 Nm. Both engines are mated to an eight-speed transmission, with power being sent to the front wheels, or via the brand’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system.
GALLERY: Current Volkswagen Atlas
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- Autodesk VRED Professional 2016 SP1
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- Autodesk VRED Professional 2016 SP1
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