Volkswagen offers a wide range of SUVs in China and continues to expand its lineup, but some models transition from one market to another and may go by different names. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in China has just revealed the new Volkswagen Tiramont Pro model. This model is set to arrive in the North American market as the next generation 2026 Volkswagen Atlas.
The current three-row Volkswagen Atlas, which is a twin of the Chinese Tiramont, has been in the market since 2017 and has undergone two facelifts in 2020 and 2023. Volkswagen has confirmed that the model will remain unchanged until the 2025 model year, which means the new generation may arrive in the U.S. and Canada as a 2026 model.
Latest images from China reveal the completely redesigned Tiramont Pro, featuring a boxier shape and improved structure. It retains the distinctive two-part headlights with new colors and the latest design. The front grille is now covered and illuminated, connecting the headlights with the Volkswagen logo for a cohesive front-end design.
Volkswagen plans to offer two versions of the front bumper design for the Tiramont Pro. The base version will feature taller air intakes, while the higher-spec models will have a sportier design. At the rear, the taillights are integrated into a dark section, extending to the sides similar to the smaller Tiguan.
Official documents reveal that the Volkswagen Tiramont Pro measures 5158 mm in length, 1991 mm in width, and 1788 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2980 mm. This makes it 60 mm longer than the U.S.-spec Volkswagen Atlas, although both share the same wheelbase. The SUV will likely use the MQB Evo platform, like most internal combustion engine vehicles from the Volkswagen Group.
The Volkswagen Tiramont Pro 450TSI features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 268 horsepower. The power is transmitted to all four wheels through a DSG automatic transmission and Volkswagen's 4Motion AWD system. Meanwhile, the North American-spec Volkswagen Atlas is expected to continue with a 2.0-liter TSI engine, accompanied by a PHEV version.
Information from China indicates that the Volkswagen Tiramont Pro will be unveiled earlier than the new Atlas, possibly hitting the local market in early next year. The SUV is a product of a joint venture between Volkswagen and SAIC. It will be introduced alongside the existing Tiramont. Volkswagen has followed the same strategy with the new Passat Pro and the old Passat, leading to an increase in its model offerings in the Chinese market.
Adrian is an Editor. Psychology graduate with over 4 years in the automotive industry, 3 in front of the camera. Occasionally seen at his family owned tyre shop. He will only buy cars that pass the big bottle test.
