Last week was the debut of the Europe and China-bound all-new Volkswagen Touareg. More than likely it won't be coming to the US. To compensate for that, Volkswagen has unveiled the five-seat Atlas Cross Sport Concept plug-in hybrid, a very clear preview of the production version that's set to launch next year. Like the currently on sale seven-seat Atlas, the five-seat variant will also be built in Chattanooga, Tennessee. One look at this concept and it's quite clear it's nearly production ready.

Like the existing Atlas, there are LED headlights and LED daytime running lights located within the radiator grille. Unlike the seven-seater, however, the concept's grille crossbars are also illuminated in white and operated as LED daytime running lights. Will this feature make production? We honestly don't know yet. But unlike the seven-seat Atlas, the five-seat concept has more of a coupe-like silhouette thanks to sleekly raked C-pillars and shorter front and rear overhangs. Also notice the 22-inch wheels, roof spoiler, LED taillights, and aluminum trim piece extending across the bumper into the tailpipe surrounds.

The interior is adorned with a pair of infotainment screens, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen located high on the instrument panel while. It responds to gesture control and drivers can select from here a choice of four driving profiles, Snow, Sport, On-Road or Off-road. What's also cool is that the navigation data can be displayed in either 2D or 3D form. With the latter, users can configure an individual display layout that can be done on three or more levels that hover above one another in virtual space. There's also a 12.3-inch touchscreen, aka the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, which shows information regarding driving, navigation and various other assistance functions. Drivers can also transfer data shown on the touchscreen to the display.

Powering the Atlas Cross Sport Concept (and presumably the upcoming production version) is the same 3.6-liter V6 with 276 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, but here it's connected to a pair of electric motors, one up front the other out back, providing an additional 54 hp and 162 lb-ft and 144 hp and 199 lb-ft, respectively. Total output is 355 hp. Zero to 60 happens in 5.4 seconds and top speed is 130 mph. A lithium-ion battery provides the electric motors' juice. The battery's charging plug is located on the driver's side rear wheel arch. VW also points out the concept could also feature a mild hybrid powertrain, utilizing the same V6 and electric motors, but with a smaller battery.

This results in 310 hp, 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds and the same top speed. This PHEV concept has five driving modes, E-Mode, Hybrid, GTE, Off-road or Battery Hold/Battery Charge along with the 4Motion Active Control system. American may not be getting a new Touareg, but the Atlas Sport Concept hints at some very good compensation.