Volkswagen’s New Atlas Unveiled: The Teramont Pro Breaks Cover in China but Won’t Reach European Shores

The new VW Atlas, also known as Teramont Pro, has been spotted without disguise

However, this over five-meter-long SUV will not be available in Europe

Volkswagen decided not to introduce the current version of the Touareg to the American market, leaving consumers there to rely on the more basic Atlas. This large SUV has been available since 2017 and has undergone two updates already.

Work on the second generation is already underway, and you can get an early glimpse of it here. Technically, it's the Volkswagen Teramont Pro, which is the Chinese variant of the model produced by the SAIC-VW joint venture.

The boxy SUV has not yet been officially launched in China, yet the information has been inadvertently released by the country's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Every new vehicle that seeks approval in China is subject to a particular process which includes the publication of detailed images on the MIIT's website. This practice has been ongoing for years, and it appears that car manufacturers do not take issue with the national government's department inadvertently revealing the designs of their upcoming cars.

The recently unveiled Volkswagen Teramont Pro has surfaced in photos from MIIT. Delving into its aesthetic appeal, it seems to lack a wow factor, doesn't it? Observing the front air intakes, it appears we're looking at two distinct trim levels. The white Teramont Pro features significantly larger intakes, hinting at a more athletic variant, likely carrying a heftier price tag.

It remains to be seen whether the relevant American version will feature an R-Line trim or not, but it's expected to look nearly the same. The Chinese model sports an R-badge behind the grille cover.

The design marks a significant departure from the current Atlas, but not necessarily for the better. It appears quite bland from nearly every angle. The front and back seem to mimic an exaggerated Tiguan, while the sides present a sleeker look with flush door handles. The previous Atlas wasn't exactly a stunner, but its successor seems even more nondescript.

The MIIT website, in addition to showcasing images (regrettably, there are no interior shots), provides a rundown of the vehicle's specifications. Details reveal that the Teramont Pro, tailored for the Chinese market, measures 5.16 meters in length, 1.99 meters in width, and stands 1.78 meters tall. It has a wheelbase of 2.98 meters, quite substantial for a three-row SUV, and tips the scales at approximately 2,150 kilograms. When compared to the Atlas, it's stretched out by an extra six centimeters, yet maintains the same wheelbase and width, along with a height that's almost the same.

The vehicle is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine that produces 272 horsepower and propels all four wheels, as indicated by the 4Motion badge. There's no information about the 3.6-liter VR6 naturally aspirated engine, but it's worth noting that the American version is discontinuing it for the 2024 model year. Meanwhile, the first-generation Teramont in China is available with a more powerful 2.5-liter V6 turbo engine.

Expanded Volkswagen Range for Worldwide Markets:

The upcoming iteration of the US Atlas is anticipated to launch for the 2026 model year, with an official reveal expected to occur at some point in 2025. It's likely that SAIC-VW will unveil the Teramont Pro, tailored for the Chinese market, ahead of this.

Source: Department of Industry and Information Technology

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