Volkswagen will produce a five-seat version of its Atlas midsize SUV called the Atlas Cross Sport that will begin production at the same assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 2019, according to the company.

The Atlas Cross Sport will arrive 7.5 inches shorter than its seven-passenger relative and retain the same wheelbase length (117.3 inches). It will be built on Volkswagen's MQB architecture. Volkswagen is showing a concept version at the New York International Auto Show.

The Cross Sport is powered by the 276-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 that's fitted to the Atlas, but the concept version adds a pair of electric motors to enable plug-in hybrid drivetrain that makes 355 horsepower and provides 26 miles of all-electric range.

A conventional mild hybrid with the same powertrain would make 310 hp.

Volkswagen has been adding utility vehicles to its lineup in an effort to transform itself from a mostly car-based manufacturer in North America. The 2018 model-year brought a second longer-wheelbase Tiguan and the Atlas. In February, 54% of U.S. buyers chose one of those two vehicles, according to the company.

In addition to the Atlas Cross Sport, Volkswagen will also produce the battery-electric I.D. Crozz crossover for 2020.