Volkswagen Atlas finally gives buyers a 7 seat option in the competitive large SUV segment
This article from our colleagues at Autoweek outlines the pricing structure of the new Volkswagen Atlas. I’ve got a couple of questions, not the least of which will Atlas arrive in Australia any time soon. So when you’re reading the story, have a look at the US prices and then try to work out the launch pricing structure for the Australian market.
Pricing isn’t just the cost of manufacture plus a margin, plus a dealer margin as you might think. Manufacturers will do an in-depth analysis of the segment in the country of sale, looking at competitive brands and models within those brands. Heavens forbid if a price is so sharp that it changes the market. So please bear with me as I do the calculations for you at least on the base model.
In the USA, base model pricing is calculated on a 2.0 litre front wheel drive automatic at $31425 so we’ll convert that to Australian dollars by adding 25%. On top of this, let’s add $2500 freight to have it landed in Australia. Our GST (goods and services tax) will add another $4178 to taking the price to $45959. We’ll assume that the manufacturer margin and dealer margin is already in the starting price, so perhaps you could assume $45959 would be a fair retail price.
But then we need to compare this vehicle (SUV Large classification) against the competition. Ford Everest starts at $54990, Hyundai Santa Fe is $39350, Kia Sorento (diesel) is $44490. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (diesel again) is $48500, Nissan Pathfinder starts at $41990, and Toyota Kluger GX is $43550.
In the Volkswagen family Tiguan base model starts at $34500 for the DSG (Auto) and the Touareg is $68990 for a diesel auto.
My prediction is that Volkswagen Atlas will start at circa $49990 plus dealer delivery and government charges. That’s certainly a competitive price for the Australian market, but only time will tell whether I’m on the mark. If you’re considering an Atlas SEL Premium, I’m guessing it will top out at around $78990.
Here’s how much the 2018 VW Atlas will cost
When we drove the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas earlier this year, we had an inkling of what the designed-for-America (and built in Tennessee) three-row crossover was going to cost — around $30,000 — but we’re just now getting the official pricing info.
There are a lot of ways to configure an Atlas, but a 235-hp, 2.0-liter FWD Atlas S starts at $31,425 and stretches up to a 276-hp, 3.6-liter VR6-powered AWD Atlas SEL Premium at $49,415; those prices, as with all prices listed here, include a $925 delivery fee.
Add in the $1,960 R-Line package (offered for SE and SEL trims), second-row captain’s chairs ($625, for all SE and SEL trims) and more, and it can get pretty confusing. The basic trim breakdown is as follows:
Atlas S: The most basic model; 18-inch wheels, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone support. $31,425 gets you the 2.0-liter turbo-four and front-wheel drive. You can step up to a 3.6-liter VR6 engine and front-wheel drive for $32,825, or get the VR6 and AWD for $34,625.
Atlas S Launch: A limited-edition trim variant; similar to the above, but with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, a panoramic sunroof and more. The VR6 is the only engine option. $34,425 for front-wheel drive; 36,225 for all-wheel drive.
Atlas SE: Adds heated front seats, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leatherette seats, and more. $34,515 for I4-powered FWD cars. VR6-powered: $35,915 for FWD, $37,715 for AWD.
Atlas SE with Technology: To the SE trim, the SE with Technology adds adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, emergency braking, lane-departure warnings, remote start and more. $36,615 for I4-powered FWD cars. VR6-powered: $38,015 for FWD, $39,815 for AWD.
Atlas SEL: All of the SE with Technology trim goodies plus a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable passenger seat, driver’s seat and mirror memory functions, parking aids, a second-row 115v power outlet and more. I4-powered FWD cars: $40,085. VR6-powered: $41,815 for FWD, $43,615 for AWD.
Atlas SEL Premium: Loaded with the 12.3-inch VW Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, heated and vented front seats, heated rear seats, power-folding mirrors, 20-inch wheels, a Fender audio system and more. VR6-powered and AWD-equipped only; $49,415.
Good lines, great pricing at least in the USA
