Volkswagen Arteon (US-Spec)

Published: Feb 09, 2018Modified: May 02, 2019

Volkswagen Arteon (US-Spec)

Arteon is based off the MQB architecture, features dramatic coupe-like design
268 hp 2.0-liter TSI® engine is paired with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and optional 4Motion® all-wheel drive
Standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, full LED headlights, Front Assist, Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, and DCC® adaptive damping
Available premium features include: Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, massaging driver’s seat, and Dynaudio® premium audio

The all-new 2019 Volkswagen Arteon has arrived, sporting a sleek gran turismo design, upscale interior, innovative technology, and available 4Motion® all-wheel drive. Balancing efficient, yet powerful performance, the Arteon combines styling and technology in a manner rarely seen outside of high-end luxury sedans. As with models ranging from the Golf to the Atlas SUV, the 2019 Arteon is built on Volkswagen’s award-winning MQB platform, which allows for its distinct, dynamic proportions and spacious interior.

The 2019 Volkswagen Arteon will be available in SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trim levels and is anticipated to arrive at U.S. Volkswagen dealers in May. Every Arteon model will come with the People First Warranty, America’s Best Bumper-to-Bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty. The warranty provides coverage for six years or 72,000 miles (whichever occurs first), and the warranty can be transferred to subsequent owners throughout the remainder of its duration.

MSRP for the Arteon SE starts at $35,845, with standard driver-assistance systems and a host of upscale convenience features. The SEL trim starts at $39,995, adding features such as Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, Nappa leather seating surfaces, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go. The top-of-the-line SEL Premium starts at $44,945, and brings upscale luxury with ventilated front seats, a massaging driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, and a suite of driver-assistance systems including Park Assist and Overhead View Camera (Area View). R-Line® trims add either 19-inch wheels ($1,265) or 20-inch wheels ($1,765) and paddle shifters, along with unique design elements inside and out. 4Motion all-wheel-drive adds $1,800 to SE and SEL models and comes standard on SEL Premium models. Destination for all Arteon models is $995.

2019 Volkswagen Arteon (US-Spec)

Exterior

Three years ago, Volkswagen presented the exciting Arteon concept car at the Geneva International Motor Show. The statement at the time was clear: this Gran Turismo ushered in a new era of Volkswagen design. The concept car that garnered worldwide attention entered production nearly unchanged, combining the design elements of a traditional sports car with the elegance of a fastback.

From the front, Arteon has an aggressive stance—low and wide—that immediately sets it apart from the sedan segment. Borrowing a design feature from classic sports cars, the contoured hoodlines on the Arteon extend directly into its grille. The grille, in turn, emphasizes the width of the Arteon in chrome crossbars framed by standard LED lighting.

The side profile of the all-new Arteon is elegantly coupe-like, with a fast sloping rear roofline. A bold character line flows from the grille and runs uninterrupted through the side panels and into the rear of the car. The tail end of the Arteon again borrows from classic sports car styling with its high, broad shoulders, accented by standard LED taillights. Chrome details also flow from front to back, with lower-door and trunk accent pieces.

The ambitious design is made possible by the flexible MQB architecture, which also gives the Arteon a completely different look than its CC predecessor. The wheelbase on the Arteon is more than five inches longer than the CC—111.7 inches compared to 106.7 inches—and is paired with shorter overhangs for more dynamic proportions. Arteon is 191.4 inches long, 73.7 inches wide and 56.5 inches tall. Thanks to a sophisticated overall aerodynamic package, the 2019 Arteon has a low 0.30 coefficient of drag.

All Arteon models feature standard LED headlights, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), and taillights. SEL models upgrade to LED headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), which adjusts the headlight beams to help compensate for dynamic changes, like deceleration and cornering, and feature power-folding side mirrors with memory. SEL Premium models add puddle lights to the side-mirrors that illuminate when you unlock the doors.

Arteon SE and SEL models are shod with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while SEL Premium models ride on 19-inch wheels. R-Line trims offers either 19- or 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, in addition to a number of design elements to enhance the four-door coupe’s sportiness. Exterior styling details include R-Line badging, a unique front bumper that incorporates stylish air intakes in a gloss-black finish, R-Line air inlets, and a gloss-black rear spoiler.

A panoramic power-tilt-and-slide sunroof is standard equipment on SEL and SEL Premium models. Top-of-the-line SEL Premium models also feature a standard power trunk with Easy Open and Close function; drivers can simply walk up to the vehicle with their keys in a pocket or purse and kick a foot under the rear bumper to pop the trunk lid, while closing the trunk only requires a touch of the button. KESSY® keyless access is standard on all Arteon models.

Interior

The exterior design of the Arteon translates into a spacious interior for everyday usability. The long wheelbase afforded by the MQB architecture gives Arteon generous rear legroom, at 40.2 inches, with substantial headroom as well—37.7 inches in front, and 37.0 in the rear. Thanks to its fastback shaping, Arteon offers an SUV-like 27.2 cubic feet of trunk storage; with the standard 60:40 rear seats folded down, that number increases to 55 cubic feet.

The cabin experience is further refined with modern design and premium materials. The dashboard is organized along a clean, straight line, and features an innovative air vent that extends across the entire width of the interior. Dash panels flow directly into the front door trim panels, wrapping around front passengers like a cocoon.

Three-zone Climatronic® automatic climate control is standard across the Arteon range; SEL Premium models add a rear seat control panel. Heated, 12-way power seats in leatherette are standard in the Arteon SE. SEL models add Nappa leather seating surfaces and a memory setting for the driver, while SEL Premium models have ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a massaging function for the driver. A leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel is standard across all models; SEL Premium models feature a heated version with paddle shifters.

Models equipped with the optional R-Line package welcome drivers with the R-Line logo on the touchscreen and feature a number of interior design enhancements including: contrast stitching on the steering wheel and shift knob; steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters; metallic décor pieces; black headliner; stainless-steel sport pedal covers; and stainless-steel door sills with the R-Line logo.

Dynaudio®. Arteon SEL Premium models feature a 700-watt Dynaudio sound system with 13 channels and 12 speakers.

Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. Arteon SEL and SEL Premium feature Volkswagen Digital Cockpit as standard equipment. The 12.3-inch screen replaces the traditional instrument panel, and the customizable digital display’s 1,440x540 pixel resolution renders details with extreme precision. There are five different information display profiles the driver can select: “Classic”, “Consumption & Range”, “Efficiency”, “Performance & Driver Assistance”, or “Navigation.” In the Navigation profile, the speedometer and rev counter are relocated to the sides to make room for the navigation map in the middle. Information on driving, navigation and assistance functions can also be integrated into the speedometer and rev counter graphics as necessary. Data such as telephone contact images and CD covers can also be displayed in the Digital Cockpit display.

MIB II Infotainment. All 2019 Arteon models feature the innovative Volkswagen MIB II touchscreen infotainment system. The display utilizes a capacitive-touch sensor (as in smartphone and tablet technology) rather than the more common resistive touchscreens that require pressure, enabling gesture controls like swiping and even pinch-zooming.

All Arteon models are equipped with a glass-covered 8.0-inch capacitive touchscreen display—SE models with the Composition Media unit; SEL Premium models with the Discover Media system with navigation. The infotainment systems offer SD card and USB (two ports for Composition Media units, three for Discover Media units) multimedia interfaces, as well as Bluetooth® technology for compatible devices, SiriusXM® radio for a three-month trial period, and HD Radio. Both units have the ability to send and receive SMS text messages with Bluetooth with compatible phones and pair two phones simultaneously. The Discover Media unit offers 2.5D navigation, featuring one-shot voice destination entry, destination entry with search and auto-complete, and predicts possible destinations based on often used routes.

Volkswagen Car-Net®. Volkswagen is committed to driving the development of connected and intelligent vehicles, and the Car-Net connectivity system is a major element in achieving that goal. Features available through Car-Net are divided into three key areas: “App-Connect,” “Security & Service,” and “Guide & Inform.”

Car-Net App-Connect smartphone integration for compatible devices is standard on all Arteon models. App-Connect offers users the ability to run select smartphone apps directly on the vehicle’s display through services such as Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®.

Equipped on SEL Premium models, Car-Net Security & Service offers a suite of elements that provides service features and also allows owners to access their VW remotely through vw.com/carnet as well as a smartphone app.

Customers purchasing new Volkswagen models equipped with VW Car-Net Security & Service will receive a six-month trial subscription from Verizon Telematics that starts on the date of your Volkswagen purchase for no additional charge. To extend the benefits of this system after the trial, customers can choose from a number of payment options: One year for $199 and two years for $378, or month-to-month for $17.99, plus applicable taxes and fees. App-Connect can be used at no additional charge and is not included as part of the subscription-based services.

Available Car-Net Security & Service features include Automatic Crash Notification, which can help automatically notify an operator who can quickly contact first responders in the event of a collision; Manual Emergency Call, a feature that allows for quick access to customer specialists at the touch of a button; Roadside Assistance, for added peace-of-mind in the event of trouble on the road; and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, which uses Car-Net Security & Service to assist law enforcement with locating your vehicle in the event that it is stolen.

In addition, Car-Net Security & Service offers remote vehicle access, remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash of lights, last parked location information, and remote status check (doors and windows). Consumers will also be able to send a location from their connected smart device to the factory-installed compatible navigation system on select models. For consumers who prefer a more personal touch, Information Assistance by pressing the i-Button in the vehicle overhead console is also available.

Car-Net Security & Service also includes Family Guardian, which offers features such as: speed alert, which notifies you when the pre-determined maximum speed limit is exceeded; boundary alert, which lets you know when the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary; curfew alert, which notifies you if your vehicle is driven while curfew alert is on; and valet alert, which lets you know if your vehicle is driven more than 0.2 miles from the valet drop-off location.

Diagnostics and maintenance information is also available through Car-Net Security & Service. In addition to the vehicle’s warning and indicator lights, a Vehicle Health Report provides customers easy access to diagnostic information. When it’s time for scheduled service, Car-Net Security & Service not only notifies the customer, but provides a simple way to schedule a dealer visit.

The available VW Car-Net app for smartwatch (supports select Apple Watch® and AndroidTM Wear operating systems) allows VW customers to control a host of Security & Service features and functions available through the iPhone® and Android® apps and Customer Web Portal, directly from their wrist. Smartwatch wearers can help keep tabs on their vehicle from afar, remotely locking and unlocking doors and viewing the status of doors, windows and sunroof (open or closed). These consumers can also find a parked vehicle more quickly, with a map of the current vehicle location, and can get walking or driving directions to the vehicle. Drivers can check their estimated fuel level and receive alerts with a compatible smartwatch.

Equipped on SEL Premium models, Car-Net Guide & Inform offers an enhanced navigation and infotainment experience for VW consumers. Volkswagen has incorporated technologies that enhance existing navigation offerings while adding an additional level of information that empowers consumers. The in-vehicle navigation system features fuel prices, sports scores, movie information and weather data as part of the three-month SiriusXM Travel Link trial. VW customers can also enjoy real-time traffic information and a complimentary three-month SiriusXM Traffic trial.

Powertrain

The all-new Arteon is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine, making 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The power is taken to the front wheels via a standard eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® shifting; 4Motion all-wheel drive is available on SE and SEL models and standard on SEL Premium models.

The TSI engine features innovative solutions such as water-cooled exhaust gas routing through the cylinder head to the turbocharger (to help reduce full-load fuel consumption) and a dual injection system with direct and multi-port injection. Thanks to its fully electronic coolant control system, the four-cylinder engine also offers efficient thermal management with a short warm-up phase; this helps reduce friction and helps to decrease fuel consumption.

A Start/Stop System is standard on all Arteon models. This technology stops the engine during idle when the brake pedal is held (such as when waiting at a red light). When the brake pedal is released, the engine restarts seamlessly.

Front-wheel-drive Arteon models have an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 22 mpg in city driving, 31 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. Models equipped with 4Motion all-wheel drive are rated at 20 mpg in city driving, 27 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined.

Chassis

The chassis and running gear of the new Arteon has been specifically enhanced compared to other Volkswagen MQB models, accentuating the Gran Turismo spirit of the car. A strut-type front suspension is mated with a four-link independent rear suspension with gas-filled dampers. Both axles are equipped with anti-roll bars. In addition to the suspension layout, the long wheelbase also provides added comfort.

From a structural standpoint, the MQB platform provides extremely high body rigidity, resulting from a combination of ultra-high-strength and hot-stamped steels. Despite the large rear hatch of the Arteon, body rigidity has been increased by 10 percent as measured against a comparable notchback model. This allows for very precise steering, high vehicle responsiveness and optimal ride comfort. Ultra-high-strength steel is used in areas of the vehicle such as the side sills, as well as the side members and cross members of the body. Hot-formed steel is used for the B-pillars, center tunnel, bulkhead, rear side members, and roof side members.

DCC®. The standard DCC adaptive damping system contributes to the balance between excellent handling and premium ride comfort by managing the suspension’s rebound and compression rates individually, helping to improve vehicle dynamics.

In addition, the Arteon is equipped with the XDS® cross-differential lock at the front and rear. The latest XDS+ version applies this functionality to a larger range of dynamic performance, helping make the vehicle more agile. When the car is being driven at highway speeds, brake pressure is applied to the inside wheel to help restore optimal traction as soon as the electronics detect excessively light loads. The XDS+ system operates like a limited-slip differential and can help compensate for understeer during cornering.

Driving Mode Selection. For the first time in a Volkswagen DCC system, in addition to the familiar Driving Mode Selection featured programs (Comfort, Normal, Sport), the dampers on the Arteon can be adjusted across an expanded range through the individual settings submenu (Comfort+ to Sport+). Beyond the familiar Comfort setting, the driver can increase ride comfort of the Arteon even further by moving the control slider to the left into Comfort+, while a setting that is sportier than the familiar Sport setting can be set by moving the slider to the right, into Sport+. The driver can make adjustments between the Comfort, Normal and Sport profile, creating truly personalized settings.

4Motion All-wheel-drive System

Arteon can be equipped with the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The latest-generation 4Motion system is activated before wheelspin occurs, helping eliminate traction losses. The system achieves this by using an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions. When operating under a relatively low load or when coasting, the front wheels are driven and the rear wheels are decoupled, helping to save fuel. However, the rear wheels can be engaged in fractions of a second whenever necessary via the center differential, which is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump.

A control unit continually calculates the ideal drive torque for the rear wheels and controls how much the multi-plate clutch should be closed by activating the oil pump. The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates in proportion to the torque desired at the rear axle. So, the amount of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to continuously vary the amount of torque going between the front and rear wheels, up to a maximum of 50 percent at the rear axle.

In addition to the center differential that acts longitudinally, electronic differential locks that are a function of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system act laterally. The system can briefly brake a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Systems

To help protect occupants, the Arteon provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It features eight airbags as standard (front, side, and knee airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions), along with a number of electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

A standard feature on the 2019 Arteon models is Volkswagen’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact—the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps address this by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus helping reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.

The Arteon also features a standard rearview camera, and includes the Volkswagen Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.

In the event of a collision with a pedestrian at speeds between 15-34 mph, the reactive hood on the Arteon is raised via its hinges using pyrotechnic technology, helping to reduce the severity of injuries. Triggering of the reactive hood is targeted toward helping to reduce head trauma by increasing the gap between the engine and the more flexible hood.

Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), standard across the Arteon range, is intended to help warn drivers of potential frontal collisions (Forward Collision Warning) with vehicles and pedestrians, and in some cases provide automatic braking assistance (Autonomous Emergency Braking).

Within physical system limits, Forward Collision Warning can warn the driver of potential critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a warning symbol in the instrument cluster if the car is traveling above 18 mph. Furthermore, an automatic jolt of the brakes can warn the driver of the danger. If the driver fails to brake, or if the car is traveling below 18 mph, Autonomous Emergency Braking is activated to help slow the vehicle. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure is increased by the system (Braking Support).

Side Assist is standard on every Arteon. Side Assist uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and is intended to warn drivers of potential danger in adjacent lanes. If the driver uses the turn signal to indicate a lane change while a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, the system utilizes a flashing LED symbol in the mirror housing. Even if the driver does not use a turn signal, the LED symbol in the mirror will illuminate if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. The system is designed to help alert drivers in specific situations; stationary objects or oncoming vehicles do not trigger warnings, nor do vehicles more than one lane across away from the vehicle.

If combined with Lane Assist (SEL Premium models, see below) the system not only warns the driver with the flashing LED symbol if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, but within system limits, it can also countersteer to help keep the car in the lane even if the turn signal is on. If the driver still tries to steer out of the lane, the system will warn with an additional vibration of the steering wheel.

The Rear Traffic Alert system, standard across the Arteon range, is intended to help detect vehicles approaching from the side that may be difficult for the driver to see while reversing. It offers a sizable range of about 65 feet on either side of the vehicle, and will present a visual and an acoustic warning, if a potential collision with a crossing vehicle is detected. If the driver does not react, the system can apply the brakes to help mitigate and, in the best case, can prevent a collision. The system is activated by putting the car in reverse.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, standard on SEL and SEL Premium models, uses a forward facing radar to maintain a set speed while helping maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. The driver sets the speed and the desired spacing via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and can further use those buttons to adjust and cancel the ACC function while the accelerator can be used to override the ACC function. Pressing the brakes cancels the ACC function. All ACC-related system messages appear in the central multifunction display.

When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is clear, the system maintains the set speed. Arteon models fitted with ACC can match a vehicle in front and come to a stop if the vehicle in front does. If the car in front moves within three seconds, ACC will resume automatically to the set speed. If the car stands longer than three seconds, the driver can resume ACC control by pressing the accelerator pedal or the “resume” button on the steering wheel.

Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist) is standard on SEL Premium models. When driving above 40 mph, if there is an indication that the vehicle is unintentionally straying from its lane without using a turn signal, Lane Assist actively countersteers to help keep the vehicle in the lane. The system’s camera can recognize visible lane markings and, using a special algorithm, calculates the risk of the car leaving the lane. If the driver takes his or her hands off the wheel for a defined period of time, the system provides an audible warning and a visual signal in the instrument cluster, asking the driver to take over.

The system can work in the dark and/or in fog, but it will not engage if it cannot properly detect lane markings. If the turn signal has been set before crossing a lane marking, the Lane Assist system will not engage or give a warning. The driver can “override” the system at any time by applying minimal force to the steering wheel.

Park Assist is standard on SEL Premium models. This system can automatically steer the car into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces (the latter both forward and in reverse). While driving below 12 mph, pressing the Park Assist button will preselect the likeliest parking maneuver based on the size of the parking spot but it will also show other available maneuvers in the instrument cluster. The driver only needs to activate the accelerator pedal and brake once a gear is selected, as Park Assist can automatically help steer the vehicle into the parking space.

The driver can override or deactivate the steering assistance at any time by turning the steering wheel, disengaging reverse gear or pressing the button. Below 12 mph, the system scans both the left-hand and right-hand sides of the road—for example, in a one-way street—for any parking spaces as it drives past. By activating the turn signal, the driver stipulates which side of the road they wish to park on.

Included with Park Assist is front and rear Park Distance Control, which uses ultrasonic sensors located in the front and rear bumpers to monitor a range of up to approximately five feet in front or behind the vehicle. The system is activated when reverse gear is engaged or below a speed of 9 mph and helps provide guidance when parking or in tight spaces. The system has audible and visual warnings when the car starts to approach parked cars or static objects from the front or rear.

Maneuver Braking, a part of the Park Distance Control system, is intended to mitigate or help prevent collisions with static obstacles to the front and rear while the vehicle is maneuvered. The system is active when reverse gear is selected. If the system detects a stationary object while the vehicle is in reverse and moving between 1-6 mph, it can apply the brakes automatically to help prevent or mitigate a collision. The system can be deactivated at any time using the touch display or permanently in the setup menu.

Two final driver assistance features, standard on SEL Premium models, help provide drivers with better visibility. High Beam Control (Light Assist) automatically raises the headlamp high beams above 40 mph on dark or poorly lit roads, if there is no oncoming traffic detected. The Overhead View Camera (Area View) uses the car’s four cameras to help give you a better view of what is around your vehicle.

Warranty

Every Arteon comes with the People First Warranty, America’s Best Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty. The warranty provides coverage for six-years or 72,000-miles (whichever occurs first), and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration.