VW unveiled the Atlas Basecamp Concept last week, ahead of its 2019 NY Auto Show debut. Now that it’s camped out in the Big Apple, we can take another look at it, although unfortunately, its HIVE EX compact expedition trailer wasn’t brought along for the ride.
This means that NY visitors won’t get to admire the portable queen-sized bed, pullout canopy or the kitchenette, among many other kitchen appliances and outdoors utensils. Either way, the SUV is definitely more interesting than the trailer.
High spec, low maintenance?
The Basecamp Concept is based on the Atlas’ flagship SEL Premium spec, which means it’s packed full of safety and convenience features. Yet, it also looks like it wants to be taken off-road where it can face off against rough or slippery terrain.
Still, if you’re just interested in taking it easy, you can enjoy on-board goodies such as the heated windshield washer nozzles, power tilting/sliding panoramic sunroof, Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), Park Distance Control, Automatic LED headlights with LED DRLs and plenty more.
Since this concept was penned by VW design exec and avid cyclist, Axel Earle, you can bet that one of its purposes is to enable mountain biking enthusiasts to get around more freely and not feel limited in terms of whichever outdoors adventure they want for themselves when switching from four wheels to two.
Stick to four wheels and you’ll command a 3.6-liter VR6 engine, pushing down 276 HP with the help of an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive. Its boots are a set of fifteen52 Traverse MX Concept wheels with 265/70R17 all-terrain tires – the wheels are actually going into production this fall.
As for its styling, the concept comes with a Platinum Gray and Black Uni matte finish, orange accents, Air Design body kit, Front Runner Slimline II roof rack system with bike holders, off-road LED light bars front and rear, protective interior accessories and an H&R lift kit with coil over springs that up the ride height by 1.5 inches (3.8 cm).