Volkswagen Atlas R-Line Joins Standard SE and SEL Versions

Though the Volkswagen Atlas is not scheduled to arrive until the spring as a 2018 model, the automaker is already playing dress-up with the large, three-row crossover. At this week’s Detroit Auto Show – the North American International Auto Show – the automaker talked about its R-Line additions to the Atlas SE and SEL trim packages.

By dressing the models up in R-Line details, Volkswagen is offering buyers who opt for the package something a bit different. Then, again, that is one trait nearly all U.S. vehicle consumers seem to share. They want their vehicles to be unique. The R-Line upgrade falls into this category. The R-Line additions make it look great.

The R-Line package includes special 20-inch, dual-spoke alloy wheels; special front and rear bumpers and unique rocker panels. The interior features of this option include special stainless steel pedal covers, unique badging on the steering wheel and a unique graphic popup in the middle of the infotainment screen at startup.

Here’s a bit of interesting information about the R-Line upgrade. Though it sounds as if the Atlas becomes a tougher crossover, it doesn’t because the R-Line upgrade is cosmetic. The basic underpinnings of the Atlas remain the same.

The Atlas is available with two engine choices a turbocharged 2.0-liter four that turns out 235 horsepower and a silky 3.7-liter V-6 with 276 horsepower output. Both engines use VW’s eight-speed automatic transmissions. Base Atlases are equipped with front-wheel-drive while V-6 versions feature VW’s proven 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.

Chattanooga-built Atlases are set to go on sale in 2017 as 2018 models.

Sources: VW.com; thecarconnection.com