New York 2018: VW gives Atlas a sporty makeover in new Cross Sport concept

Want a Volkswagen Atlas but don't need the third-row bench in the back? You're in luck as Volkswagen is looking to make one soon. Officially making its public debut in the Big Apple is the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Concept.

It previews an upcoming five-seat version of the Atlas and comes with a coupe-inspired design, plug-in hybrid tech, as well as a cutting-edge infotainment system with proximity sensors and gesture control.

Sharing the same MQB platform as the seven-seater version, the five-seat Atlas Cross Sport Concept comes with the exact same wheelbase. However, this particular Atlas is shorter in length which also allows it to have shorter overhangs for a sportier look.

But perhaps the most prominent feature on the Atlas are its LED headlights and daytime running lights that have been integrated on the illuminated front grill. This gives the crossover a recognizable look day or night. Further giving the concept its rugged and sporty charm are the flared wheel arches, 22-inch directional-style alloy wheels wrapped in 285/40 tires, kinked-up C-pillar and the L-shaped LED taillights.

Climb aboard and the concept greets you with a futuristic cabin layout as well as a plethora of monitors. Like most Volkswagens on sale today, it has a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument panel with multi-info display and a 10.1-inch infotainment system. While it does have a touchscreen function, it comes with gesture control and proximity sensors which allow users to manage it with ease.

Under the hood, the Atlas Cross Sport Concept is powered by the same 3.6-liter VR6 that produces 283 PS and 360 Nm of torque. However, as mentioned earlier, the concept gets a helping hand from a pair of electric motors that are placed at the front and rear. With this setup, it allows the concept to run on either full electric power or with both the gasoline engine and motors working together. A six-speed dual-clutch gearbox sends power to the wheels.

It also comes with five driving modes. E-Mode acts as the concept's electric mode while Hybrid sets the rear electric motor and engine to work in unison. GTE, on the other hand, sharpens the engine mapping and makes full use of the hybrid powertrain. The last two modes are Off-road (which activates all-wheel drive) and Battery Hold / Charge.

Beside the V6 hybrid motor, the Cross Sport Concept also features 4Motion Active Control that offers seven different driving profiles: Comfort, Eco, Rocks, Sludge & Sand, Gravel, Sport and Snow.

There is no word yet as to when will Volkswagen officially reveal the five-seat Atlas in production form.