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Volkswagen of America, Inc. unveiled the new 2021 Atlas during the 2020 Chicago Auto Show Media Preview on Thursday, Feb. 6. The refreshed model bodes a bolder design in addition to interior upgrades, advanced technology and new driver-assistance features.

"Particularly now that the Chicago Auto Show is the first major auto show of the year, and the fact that it traditionally has been a very strong consumer show, we should anticipate that going forward it will get also some degree of elevation of importance to the media," said Johan de Nysschen, chief operating officer, Volkswagen Group of America & Volkswagen North American Region. "I am optimistic by the prospects of the Chicago Auto Show."

"The 2021 Atlas takes all the good things about the vehicle and makes that even better: a spacious interior with room that can comfortably seat seven adults, expressive design, intuitive ergonomics and infotainment, vast array of available driver assist systems and a typical Volkswagen driving experience," expressed Hein Schafer, senior vice president, product marketing & strategy, Volkswagen.

Thanks to new front and rear bumper designs, the refreshed Atlas is nearly three inches longer. A bold three-bar grille extends into the front light signature creating a more stylish presence. The refreshed model features new headlight and taillight designs that include standard LED lighting. This, along with the sculpted front and rear bumpers, gives the Atlas a more aggressive stance.

The R-line trims up the ante with a unique bumper design, side skirts, and available 20- or 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (dependent on trim), as well as signature R-line badging.

The interior receives upgrades including a new steering wheel, available contrast-stitching on the leather seating surfaces and door trim, and an 8-inch Composition Media infotainment system on all models but the base S trim. Available features include the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, Fender Premium Audio System, ambient lighting, 3-zone Climatronic climate control, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, wireless charging and remote start.

The Atlas highlights new technology features such as the Car-Net telematics system. The next generation of Car-Net includes an updated mobile app, a long list of no-charge services for five years, and a variety of subscription options for customer flexibility - including in-car Wi-Fi capability when subscribing to a data plan. Car-Net Hotspot allows passengers to access the internet with up to four connected devices simultaneously, including compatible tablets, smartphones, laptops, gaming devices, and more - all at 4G LTE-enabled speed.

A suite of driver-assistance technology is available on the Atlas. Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert are standard on all models. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop and Go, Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist), Park Distance Control (PDC), Park Steering Assistant (Park Assist), and Overhead View Camera (Area View) are also available. Traffic Jam Assist and Dynamic Road Sign Display, first debuting on the Atlas Cross Sport, will be available as well.

The Atlas will be available with two powertrains: a 276-horsepower V6 and a 235-hp four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI engine. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and are available with Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The 2.0T and 4Motion pairing is new for 2020, as is the availability of the four-cylinder engine on top trimlines. V6 models can tow up to 5,000 pounds, when equipped with the Towing Package.

More details and pricing will be announced ahead of the launch in the spring of 2020.

For more information on the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com. For high resolution photos and b-roll, visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com/media/online-newsroom-gallery.

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