Volkswagen Arteon Review: SEL Premium AWD

All-new for 2019 is the Volkswagen Arteon, a luxury sport fastback which replaces the Volkswagen CC. I got a chance to test one during a press event in the mountains of Colorado.

Appearance

Built on the MQB platform by Volkswagon, the Arteon features a distinctive hood design (called a clamshell) that wraps around the front of the car and over the wheel arches. This and angular LED daytime running lights flow into the chrome crossbars on the grille giving the Arteon a sophisticated, modern look.

As with most of the new Volkswagen designs, the lines of the car are clean and make sense. A low and wide stance gives a more European impression. SEL Premium trim levels roll on 19″ wheels that fill the arches giving the car a luxurious yet sporty appearance.

When you see an Arteon in the rearview mirror it looks phenomenal; elegant, low and slightly aggressive.

Performance

All trim levels of the Arteon have the same engine and transmission set-up, a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission which is smooth and unobtrusive through shifts. We meandered our way through mountain passes at high elevation, where turbocharged cars really come alive. The Arteon is no exception. With 268hp and 258lb-ft of torque passing trucks and heavier vehicles up steep passing lanes is a breeze.

Drive modes include; Sport, Normal and Comfort. Comfort mode provides a softer, relaxed ride. Sport increased engagement with higher revs and later shifts.

Through the touch screen, handling characteristics are customizable.

Adjustable dampers on the Arteon means the suspension can be adjusted to suit. Comfort+ allows for a smoother softer ride, whilst Sport+ brings in response for a more sporty ride. Dampers are noticeably stiffer, and body roll is similar to most other Volkswagen sedans.

Comfort

SEL Premium models have a gentle massaging driver’s seat, wrapped in leather, power-adjustable with lumbar support, it’s easy to find a comfortable position. Long drives should be pleasant in the Arteon.

Front driver and passenger seats are heated and ventilated, with the steering wheel also being heated.

Having a longer wheelbase means there’s tons of legroom, with over 41 inches in the front and 40 inches in the back. If you don’t fit in the Arteon, send me a pic.

Volkswagen Arteon driver seat with 2 memory settings available and massage option.

Economy

Available in FWD or with 4Motion AWD, the EPA fuel economy numbers for the Volkswagen Arteon are as follows;

FWD: 25mpg combined, 22mpg in the city and 31mpg on the highway.

AWD: 23mpg combined, 20 mpg in the city and 27mpg on the highway.

Technology

Vehicle technology is making leaps and bounds with new patents being filed constantly. Volkswagen is no exception and was ahead of the game when it came to Apply CarPlay and Android Auto which had been offered on the Atlas and Tiguan since 2018.

Advanced headlights that turn with the steering angle are standard on the Arteon to direct more light where it’s needed while driving at night. I was driving the Arteon during the day, so I didn’t get a chance to test this feature on the car.

8″ Capacitive touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 8″ touchscreen is standard across all trim levels on the Arteon, with pinch and zoom capability and 2 USB ports.

Allowing for seamless integration with smartphones, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto means calling, texting, navigation, music and more can all be done hands-free in the vehicle. Utilizing the navigation system on your smartphone, the map will appear on the touchscreen and voice directions through the speaker of the vehicle. This pretty much eliminates the need to purchase an expensive built-in navigation system (unless cell signal is weak or you’re worried about data charges).

SEL and SEL Premium trims get the Discover Media 8″ screen with built-in navigation and 3 USB ports.

Piano black trim and a dark background on the screen is tricky to keep clean of fingerprints, but it sure looks classy when it’s clean.  Smartphone integration is easy with no more than two taps after plugging in through the USB, you’re good to go.

Digital cockpit

Available on SEL trim levels and above, there is no old-school analog speedometer in this car. A 12.3″ screen is the digital cockpit which has 5 difference display settings. This allows for a color navigation display in-between the speedometer and rev counter.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go

Also only available on SEL and above trim levels, but perhaps well worth it if you do a lot driving. Cruise control can be set with or without the adaptive part. With adaptive cruise control set, if the Arteon detects a slower moving vehicle directly ahead, it will automatically slow you down and to a complete stop if necessary. Upon the vehicle in front speeds up, the Arteon will also speed up. This takes away a lot of the strain when driving in heavy traffic and/or during long journeys.

Safety features standard on the Arteon

Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, Reactive Hood, Intelligent Crash Response System and Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.

Exclusive safety features on the SEL Premium

• Lane Keeping System
• Parking Steering Assist with front and rear Park Distance Control
• High Beam Control (Light Assist)
• Overhead View Camera
• Active Side Assist

2019 VW Arteon Pricing

SE with 4Motion AWD starts at $37,645 MSRP.

SEL with 4Motion AWD starts at $41,795 MSRP.

SEL Premium with 4Motion (as reviewed in this article) starts at $44,945 MSRP.

R-Line

Further sportier styling to the Arteon is available with the R-Line trim, adding bumpers with C-signature in gloss black, a gloss black spoiler and R-Line badging. On the interior, R-Line adds steering wheel paddle shifters, contrast stitching, stainless steel R-Line door sills, and a black headliner.

Volkswagen Arteon review overall impressions

A solid jump up from the Passat or older CC, the Arteon is very ‘Audi-esque’ but with a better front-end design and without out the price tag. It’s comfortable to drive, but can also handle some twisty mountain roads. The interior design in the Arteon is clean and simple like it’s straight out of a technical drawing exam, yet still has all the latest technology placed accordingly. Lines flow seamlessly and nothing is obtrusive or offensively placed. If fingerprints on the touch screen bother you, keep a microfibre cloth handy!

Read more about 12 fancy features on the Arteon.

Find an Arteon for sale.

All opinions are my own.