VW’s Super-Sized 2021 SMV Crossover Spied Testing In Europe

At the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show last April, Volkswagen unveiled the SMV, a concept that previews a production SUV larger than the Teramont – aka Atlas in North America.

Fast forward to present day and our spy photographers caught it testing in the cold in northern Sweden, trying to hide its design underneath vinyl stickers. At a first glance, it does look similar to the study, albeit toned down at both ends, with smaller air intakes and no light strips joining the head and taillamps together.

We already caught a glimpse of the SMV’s interior last week, courtesy of the Chinese media, with a large infotainment system, digital instrument cluster and flat-bottomed steering wheel. The center console features a floating design and hosts the tiny gear selector and a large storage cubby, which is probably where the wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones is located. Elsewhere, the SUV boasts leather and Alcantara, with contrast stitching, on the seats, dashboard and door panels.

Interior spied by Autohome

In spite of being spied in Europe, the SMV, which comes from the FAW-VW joint venture, will be limited to China, where it will probably launch with a 2.0-liter TSI petrol engine. Upper specs might receive a 2.5-liter VR6 turbo from the Teramont rated at 299 PS (295 hp / 220 kW) and 499 Nm (368 lb-ft) of torque, matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Under the sheetmetal likes the VW Group’s MQB modular architecture, which is compatible with numerous powertrains. The manufacturer is expected to lift the curtain on the SMV later this year.