Volkswagen Arteon Review 2026

March 2017

Volkswagen Arteon makes its debut

Positioned above the Passat, the Arteon is - according to Volkswagen - 'an ideal avant-garde alternative - a car for people who want a five-door fastback with an accomplished, elegant design and progressive technology.'

Luggage space is 563 to 1,557 litres. On the technical front, the new Volkswagen has diesel and petrol engines, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, plus digitalised displays and controls. Further features include an Active Info Display (fully digital and programmable instruments), a head-up display and the new Discover Pro infotainment system with a 9.2-inch glass screen and gesture control.

The latest generation of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) now takes into account data such as speed limits and route information and automatically adjusts driving speed accordingly. Thanks to the navigation system's GPS and road data, the new dynamic cornering lights with predictive beam control anticipate when a bend is approaching and illuminate it before the driver actively turns into the bend. T

The second generation of Emergency Assist offers more safety: if the driver becomes incapacitated for health reasons, the system not only slows the car down within system limits, but now also steers it into the slow lane, traffic behind permitting.

December 2018

272PS 2.0 TSI now on sale in Volkswagen Arteon

Volkswagen has announced that the 2.0-litre 272PS petrol engine already used in the Skoda Superb will join the Arteon range.

The new flagship engine replaces the old 280PS version and comes with four-wheel-drive and can accelerate to 62mph in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.

Buyers can choose from both Arteon trim levels – Elegance or R-Line – and the new model is fitted with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a DSG automatic gearbox as standard. The 272PS Arteon starts at £39,065 in luxurious Elegance specification and £39,850 in sportier R-Line form.

Officially, the 272PS fastback emits 160g/km CO2 and returns 40.4mpg on the combined cycle.

This engine is available to order now with deliveries from early in 2019.

June 2019

Volkswagen Arteon awarded the overall prize at the Practical Caravan Tow Car Awards, claiming the top trophy for its towing talents, in addition to winning its 1,550-1,699 kg weight class.

July 2019

New entry-level SE specification for Volkswagen Arteon

The Volkswagen Arteon is gaining a new entry-level SE specification, with prices starting at £33,085.

The Arteon SE adds a third level to the Arteon’s trim line-up. With the existing Elegance and R-Line specifications representing luxury and sportiness respectively, the SE now presents a more value-focused offering to the range as the new entry point into Arteon ownership. Initially, the SE will be offered with a single engine option – a 2.0-litre TSI 190 PS petrol unit fitted with a 7-speed DSG, priced at £33,085. A new diesel engine will be introduced later this year.

The SE’s specification includes 18-inch Almere alloy wheels, full LED lights, adaptive cruise control with Front Assist, a Discover Navigation system with 8.0-inch touchscreen display and three-zone climate control all fitted as standard, as well as two USB ports and front and rear parking sensors. Volkswagen’s Wireless App Connect system also brings the convenience of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without needing to plug in a device.

Three engine and gearbox configurations will come to make up the range on the Arteon SE in due course: the 2.0-litre 190 PS TSI petrol unit fitted with a 7-speed DSG is available now, while Volkswagen’s new 2.0-litre TDI 150 PS unit will be available in the coming months, with a choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG transmissions. The petrol-engined Arteon SE returns an official 44.1mpg with CO2 emissions of 144 g/km.

As part of the 2020 model year updates to the Arteon, Elegance and R-Line trim levels will now come with Discover Navigation Pro with 9.2” touchscreen, the system gaining the third generation Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB3) which made its debut recently on the new Passat. Meanwhile the new 2.0-litre TDI 150 PS engine joining the Arteon range features Active Cylinder technology, which can shut down two of the four cylinders under certain low-load conditions in order to save fuel.

In addition to these updates, the revised model-year Arteon brings small revisions in CO2 emissions for two variants. The 2.0-litre 272 PS TSI DSG 4MOTION is now rated at 161g/km with no change in VED. However, the 2.0-litre 190 PS TDI DSG 4MOTION variant has decreased to 130g/km CO2, the effect of which is a VED reduction of £320, dropping the car’s on-the-road price to £39,025 in Elegance specification, and £39,825 for the sportier R-Line.

October 2019

Updates for 2020 Volkswagen Arteon

The Arteon’s infotainment moves to the latest MIB Generation 3, as well as the second-generation Active Info Display and wireless App Connect. The Arteon has also been given a third, entry-level SE trim, offering an alternative to the existing luxurious Elegance and sportier R-Line setups. The latter two trim levels receive Discover Navigation Pro as standard equipment.

January 2020

Volkswagen Arteon eHybrid PHEV priced from £39,905

The system comprises a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine supported by an electric motor, together providing a peak power output of 218PS and torque of 400Nm. Prices start at £39,905 for the fastback in Elegance trim.

The new plug-in hybrid drivetrain is supported by a 13kWh battery which can provide an electric-only range of up to 39 miles, while the 115PS electric motor can power the Arteon along at speeds up to 80mph, where permitted. With the high-torque characteristics of the electric motor, both Arteon models can sprint from a standstill to 62mph in 7.8 seconds and, where allowed, onto a top speed of 138mph.

The enhanced Arteon range is now available to order in over 20 configurations, split equally between the fastback and Shooting Brake models, with the new hybrid option now available across both body styles. Two equipment lines remain available – Elegance and R-Line – with the latest hybrid drivetrain available on both. The Arteon R with 320 PS and 4MOTION will arrive in due course for both body types.

Across the entire range, the revised Arteon and new Arteon Shooting Brake feature Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), 3Zone climate control, Digital Cockpit, LED headlights and Wireless App Connect, with We Connect Plus adding live data services to the 8-inch Discover Navigation system.

Elegance-trim models are marked out by their 18-inch ‘Almere’ alloy wheels, and gain keyless entry across both body shapes, along with a rear-view camera and Travel Assist – Volkswagen’s adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping system.

The Arteon R-Line maintains its striking styling, with distinctive, 19-inch ‘Montevideo’ alloys fitted as standard. New dual trapezoidal exhaust tips on each side of the bumper are moulded into the redesigned R-Line body kit, for an assertive, sporting appearance. A sunroof is standard for all R-Line models, while the Shooting Brake gains a larger, standard-fit panoramic sunroof. Both cars also benefit from rear tinted-glass and interior ambient-lighting with 30 colour options.

The battery in the new eHybrid can be charged in five hours using a domestic 3-pin plug. This time reduces to 3hrs 33mins when using 3.6kW AC charger. Energy can also be recovered while driving, this function being programmable via the infotainment system. In this way battery power can be conserved if, for example, the last part of a journey is in a low-emission zone.

Lisa Hartley, Arteon Product Manager at Volkswagen UK, said: “We are really excited to be adding an electrified model to the Arteon range and these eHybrid models are ready to impress with their own distinctive styling and high levels of efficiency. With an electric-only range of up to 39 miles we expect many customers will be able to achieve zero-emissions driving for most day-to-day trips.”

February 2020

Volkswagen Arteon R-Line Edition priced from £36,850

Limited to 370 units in the UK, the R-Line Edition builds on the standard R-Line build. Standard equipment includes keyless entry and top-down camera system Area View, and driver assistance systems such as Side Assist Plus with rear traffic alert and Park Assist for added ease of use and safety.

Driver-focused extras also feature, including Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adding adaptive dampers with selectable and customisable driving modes. The model is instantly identifiable by its 20-inch ‘Rosario Black’ alloy wheels and is exclusively available in Moonstone Grey, with contrasting black roof and door mirror housings.

The R-Line Edition is priced £845 over the equivalent R-Line.

June 2020

Revealed: Volkswagen Arteon facelift, new Shooting Brake and R variants

The R variant for both models features a range-topping 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that offers 320PS and 420Nm of torque from 2000rpm, which drives all four wheels through a seven-speed DSG gearbox. Expect a top speed of 155mph and 0-62mph in around five seconds.

There’s also a plug-in hybrid (borrowed from the Passat GTE), which uses a 1.4-litre four-cylinder TSI engine (156PS) and an electric motor (115PS) - alongside a six-speed automatic gearbox. Combined, the PHEV produces 218PS and has a 33-mile EV range from its 13kWh battery. Volkswagen claims it can travel up to 34 miles in electric-only mode.

There are also three turbo petrol and two diesel engines in the Arteon line-up. Petrol models are offered in 1.5-litre 150PS and 2.0-litre 190PS, as before. There's also a 280PS version with optional all-wheel-drive.

The diesel engines have been fitted with an updated selective catalytic reduction (SCR) filter and a new AdBlue system, resulting in an apparent 80 per cent NOx reduction. There’s a choice of 150PS or 200PS, the latter is available with all-wheel-drive.

Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic DSG gearbox, with four-wheel drive offered across the range.

The updated Arteon range will go on sale in the autumn, although some variants will arrive later. Prices have yet to be revealed but we expect a slight premium over the current model - which starts at £33,535, while the top of the range R-Line Edition spec starts at £37,510.

October 2020

Updated engine line-up for Arteon range

Arteon Fastback and Arteon Shooting Brake now available to order with a 200PS 2.0-litre TDI engine and a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine.

In fastback form, and when mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 1.5 TSI-equipped Arteon covers the 0-62mph sprint in 8.9 seconds, and will reach a top speed of 137mph. Depending on the trim chosen, the car is capable of up to 44.8mpg (combined, WLTP).

In new Shooting Brake guise, the 1.5 TSI will hustle its occupants from rest to 62 mph in as little as 8.9 seconds, with a top speed of 135mph. Depending on trim selected, the car will record up to 44.1mpg (WLTP, combined).

Also joining the Arteon line-up in this second wave of powertrains is the most potent unit yet available to order: the 2.0-litre 200 PS TDI which is offered with the seven-speed DSG gearbox and in front-wheel drive or 4Motion all-wheel drive.

So-equipped, the Arteon fastback will cover 0 to 62 mph in as little as 7.4 seconds (4Motion) and is capable of 145mph. In two-wheel drive form, and depending on trim selected, the car records up to 54.3mpg (WLTP, combined).

As a Shooting Brake, this turbodiesel driven Arteon races from rest to 62mph in 7.4 seconds (4Motion) and will also top out at 145mph. It is capable of up to 53.3mpg (WLTP, combined).

Two Arteon specifications are carried over from the previous model: luxury and comfort-focused Elegance trim and sportily-styled R-Line, while the SE Nav equipment line serves as an enhancement of the previous, entry-level Arteon SE specification.

With the arrival of the new waves of drivetrain options, the SE Nav is now available to Arteon fastback buyers with either the 1.5-litre 150 PS TSI six-speed manual, or the 2.0-litre 150 PS TDI diesel engine with seven-speed DSG or five-speed manual.

Elegance and R-Line models are from today available to order equipped with either the newly offered 1.5-litre 150PS TSI 6-speed manual; a 2.0-litre 190PS TSI petrol unit with 7-speed DSG transmission; a 2.0-litre 150PS TDI with 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG; or the powerful 2.0-litre 200PS TDI with 7-speed DSG. R-Line buyers can also opt for that most potent turbodiesel in a 4Motion all-wheel drive configuration.

Areton Shooting Brake customers, meanwhile, now have access to the same drivetrain options, with the SE Nav specification opening for order in this bodystyle from today, too.

Although an entry level offering, standard specification on the SE Nav trim includes Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, while the Shooting Brake is equipped with keyless entry. SE Nav cars all gain 3Zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, and an 8-inch Discover Navigation system with the MIB3 infotainment platform, bringing wireless App-Connect among its attractions.

Externally the SE Nav is distinguished by 17-inch ‘Cardiff’ alloy wheels; LED headlights and tail lights, with an 8-speaker sound system, and driver’s seat with 6-way electric adjustment contributing to a sumptuously-appointed interior.

Elegance-trim models are marked out by their 18-inch ‘Almere’ alloy wheels, and gain keyless entry across both body styles, a rear-view camera and Travel Assist – Volkswagen’s adaptive cruise control and lane keeping system.

The Arteon R-Line maintains its striking styling, with distinctive, 19-inch ‘Montevideo’ alloys as standard. New dual trapezoidal exhaust tips on each side of the bumper are moulded into the newly redesigned R-Line body kit, for an assertive, sporting appearance. A sunroof is standard on all R-Line cars, while the Shooting Brake gains a standard-fit panoramic sunroof. Both cars also receive rear tinted glass and interior ambient lighting with 30 colour options.

Across the entire range, the revised Arteon and new Arteon Shooting Brake feature Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), 3Zone climate control, Digital Cockpit, LED headlights Wireless App Connect, and We Connect Plus adding live data services to the 8-inch Discover Navigation system.

May 2021

Volkswagen Arteon R priced from £51,615

The Volkswagen Arteon R and Arteon Shooting Brake R are available to order for UK customers today, with prices starting from £51,615 and £52,435 OTR respectively. Both are powered by Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, providing 320PS and 420Nm of torque, and feature the latest 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, with R-Performance torque vectoring providing next-level handling and dynamics.

The Arteon R joins the growing stable of potent R models, with performance befitting the badge – for both bodystyles the 0-62 mph sprint passes in just 4.9 seconds, before topping out at an electronically limited 155mph (where permitted).