Flash Drive

2019 Volkswagen Arteon

October 1, 2019 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2019 Volkswagen Arteon 2.0T SEL R-Line w/4Motion

The all-new 2019 VW Arteon luxury sedan has a sleek profile with the added bonus of a highly useful rear hatch.

Engine:2.0-L turbocharged I-4, 268 horsepower 258 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 20-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined

Base Price: $43,560

As Tested: $44,555

Performance:

Smooth highway ride with adaptive dampers

Viewed from the front the Arteon appears to be a handsome sport/luxury sedan. Its looks hide its practicality.
Front seat accommodations are spacious and luxurious.

Excellent 4Motion for all weather confidence

Very good fuel economy—our best was 32.6-mpg highway

Adaptive front lighting system

Rain sensing wipers

Blind spot monitor

Rear traffic alert

20-inch alloy wheels

Paddle shifters

Torque vectoring

Comfort:

Stretch-out driver and front passenger legroom

Comfy, supportive seats

Great adjustable (up/down, forward/back) headrests

Power lumbar both front seats

Heated seats (3 temps)

Excellent rear seat room, very comfy

Adult can fit in middle position but have to straddle big floor hump

Rear doors open wide

Medium thick, flat bottom leather steering wheel

Rear seat space and comfort are adult friendly except for the tall floor tunnel.

Lots of good auxiliary controls

Large tilt/telescopic range

Panoramic sunroof 

Utility:

Large hatchback with ample clearance for tall people

Wide opening, but substantial lift-over

Noticeable rise to split folding rear seats

Folded seats have significant slope

Small console bin

Medium size locking glovebox

Medium front door bins

The sharply sloped roof line does limit large item cargo, but there is still lots of room for traveling or local errands.

Oversize blind spot monitor indicators

Very easy access child seat anchors

Two seat back pouches

WOW Factors:

Crisp, handsome styling, sleek roofline

Power lumbar for front passenger

Hatchback flexibility

All weather confidence

Whines:

Cargo area isn’t totally flat

No grab handle for front passenger

The 2019 Arteon SEL R-Line package includes aggressive 20-inch alloy wheels.

Bottom Line:

The 2019 VW Arteon is all-new and represents the top VW sedan model. It’s the successor to the slick VW CC sedan. It’s loaded with high quality, premium features plus lots of passenger space front and rear. The hatchback design provides the functionality of a small wagon in a handsome luxury sedan. With 4Motion AWD the Arteon handles all but the worst road/weather situations. Versatility is an Arteon hallmark.