VW Atlas Cross Sport Concept Gallery

VW could've taken the easy route when it came to making a 5-seat version of its 7-seat Atlas SUV. Unbolt two of the seats, slap a new badge on, and call it a day. That's not what happened, though, with the VW Atlas Cross Sport Concept previewing a new SUV set to go on sale in 2019.

It's shorter than the existing Atlas, but keeps the same wheelbase length for maximizing cabin space. On the outside there's a more rakish design and some DRL detailing borrowed from VW's I.D. family of EVs. Indeed, under the skin the Atlas Cross Sport Concept is electrified itself, with VW using a plug-in hybrid system that gives the car a maximum of 355 horsepower and 494 lb-ft. of torque.

Inside, there's Volkswagen's digital instrumentation and a fared-in touchscreen for the infotainment system. The transmission lever has been replaced by a smaller control, and there are various drive modes including some that VW claims would give the Atlas Cross Sport Concept legitimate off-roading abilities. How much of that makes it to the production 5-seat Atlas, we'll have to wait and see.