2021 Volkswagen Arteon: First Look

© Volkswagen of America2021 Volkswagen Arteon
A few years ago, Volkswagen introduced the all-new Arteon as a brand-new flagship of the automaker’s sedan lineup. With sleek coupelike lines, an elegant interior and the latest high-tech features, the Arteon brought a new level of luxury to the VW line and confirmed that the future of the brand is not only about SUVs. Reconfirming that cars are still important to the brand, the German automaker updates the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon with exterior and interior enhancements as well as a range of new features.

© Volkswagen of AmericaTrim Levels
To simplify the ordering process, Volkswagen will offer three trims of the 2021 Arteon: SE, SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line. The SE and SEL R-Line will have front-wheel drive standard, while the SEL R-Line will have optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. The top-level SEL Premium R-Line gets 4Motion all-wheel drive as standard equipment.

© Volkswagen of AmericaFresh Styling
Even though it doesn’t receive a complete makeover, the 2021 Arteon stands out from the previous version thanks to new front bumpers, an updated grille, additional air intakes and an integrated chrome bar above the front spoiler. The R-Line gets further differentiation with a larger lower air intake and a continuous LED light strip that runs the width of the grille, connecting the signature LED running lights.

© Volkswagen of AmericaFrom the Rear
At the rear, the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon has the updated VW logo that is making its way through the brand’s entire lineup. In addition, the lettering of the car’s name has been updated, making ARTEON stand out. The R-Line variants continue with quad exhaust outlets. Volkswagen will also offer a range of new wheels designs ranging in size from 18 to 20 inches.

© Volkswagen of AmericaInner Space
Considerably restyled for the 2021 model year, the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon’s cabin has more premium materials and improved functionality. Seat trim — fabric and leather — has been updated and the air-conditioning controls, air vents and center console have all been redesigned. Also available is a new 700-watt 16-channel Harman Kardon premium audio system specially configured for the Arteon cabin. Ambient lighting illuminates the entire cabin with a choice of 30 colors — a nice touch.

© Volkswagen of AmericaInfotainment
The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon also gets VW’s new MIB3 infotainment system, which features an 8.0-inch display screen as well as natural voice control and multi-phone pairing. Wireless charging is available, as are wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The updated steering wheel now has digital touch surfaces for better functionality. Behind the new wheel sits a 10.25-inch display screen for the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit — a configurable instrument display.

© Volkswagen of AmericaUnder the Hood
The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon continues with the powertrain from previous year’s model — a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. All trim levels have an 8-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy numbers for Arteon are expected to remain unchanged at 22 mpg city / 31 mpg hwy for front-drive variants, and 20 mpg city / 27 mpg hwy for the ones equipped with 4Motion all-wheel drive.

© Volkswagen of AmericaTravel Assist
The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon comes well equipped with the latest safety assist systems including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. For 2021 Volkswagen also adds a Travel Assist system that uses the aforementioned systems to enable a partially automated driving system at speeds up to 130 mph. The core of this new Travel Assist is updated adaptive cruise control with predictive speed control. The system adjusts automatically to speed limits, towns and turns in the road while keeping in the center of the lane and pacing with the car in front.

© Volkswagen of AmericaArteon Shooting Brake
For those station wagon fans, the new Arteon Shooting Brake may be extremely attractive; however, it is simply a tease. Station wagons have been out of favor with American drivers for years, so we are sad to report this sexy version of the Arteon will not be coming to the U.S.

© Volkswagen of AmericaComing Soon
The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon should begin arriving in showrooms toward the end of this year. Even with its updated features and looks, the new Arteon pricing should be similar to the current MSRP, which starts around $36,000.

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