Volkswagen is readying a more rakish-looking, coupe-like variant of its Atlas high-rider and these leaked shots show us exactly what it’s going to look like from the outside. The overall shape remains true to that of the Atlas Cross Sport Concept shown this year at the New York auto show, but pretty much every detail has been toned down.

If you look at the vehicle from the side, it looks nearly identical to the concept, but the crease that runs above (and follows the contour of) the wheel arches is not as sharp, although it is pretty much the same shape as on the concept. The front end, however, is very different compared to the concept, which had a unique fascia.

The back retains the exact shape of the concept, but with slightly different designs inside the light clusters (which appear to have retained the same shape as those on the concept). Sadly, it looks like VW has given it massive, ridiculous fake exhausts tips integrated into the bumper. The interior has not yet been shown, but it can’t really differ too much from what you find in the current Atlas seven-seater.

The vehicle you see in these photos is the Chinese market model, but the Atlas Cross will be sold outside China too, namely in the U.S. where it could be sold as a bolder but less practical Atlas for those who don’t require such a cavernous interior. However, a hybrid or larger engine could also be offered.

As a reminder, the current Atlas can be purchased in the U.S. starting from just over $30,000, but a top spec model with the V-6 will cost closer to $50,000, and we expect the Atlas Cross to be a few thousand more expensive, since it will be sold as the sportier and more exclusive model.

Further reading

Read more details about the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Concept.

Read our full speculative review on the 2019 Volkswagen Atlas Five-Seater.

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas.

Read our full driven review on the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas.