2019 Volkswagen Arteon Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
The 2019 Volkswagen Arteon is an all-new model that replaces the CC in the automaker's lineup.
Trim Levels (Interior and Exterior Options)
The 2019 Volkswagen Arteon is a midsize four-door hatch with a coupe-like roofline. It slots above the Passat as Volkswagen's new flagship sedan. Front-wheel drive comes standard and all-wheel drive is optional. Three trim levels will be available: SE, SEL, and SEL Premium.
Standard features on the base Arteon SE include full LED headlights, adaptive dampers, keyless entry and start, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, three-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Higher trim levels get navigation, a Dynaudio audio system, a panoramic sunroof, a power trunk release, 19-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, a massaging driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats.
The 2019 Arteon is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 268 hp and 258 lb-ft, and uses an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
A full suite of active safety features is available and includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
What We Think
In a First Drive review, we were impressed with the high-quality materials in the Arteon's cabin and the fact that the hard plastics inside were out of reach. Space for passengers is excellent, even in the rear, which can accommodate tall passengers with ease. At highway speeds, the cabin stays mostly quiet but the larger alloy wheels contribute to more road noise. Each of the Arteon's driver modes were distinct and the differences between them were noticeable especially between Comfort and Sport with the latter stiffening the suspension up for better handling. The 2.0-liter turbo-four offers plenty of power on tap.
Cool Fact
In Europe, the Arteon equipped with the 268-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic instead of the eight-speed conventional automatic gearbox in the U.S.-spec model.
