2022 Volkswagen Arteon [US]

For the 2022 model year, the Volkswagen Arteon is available in three trims-SE R-Line, SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line-with R-Line® content now standard inside and out. The Arteon also features a new 2.0-liter TSI® engine that produces 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, up from 268 hp and 258 lb-ft in previous models. A seven-speed DSG® transmission with Tiptronic® replaces the eight-speed automatic. The SE R-Line features a new 18-inch wheel design, adds front and rear Park Distance Control, and includes wireless charging. For the SEL R-Line, 4Motion® all-wheel drive is now standard, and 20-inch dark graphite wheels are available. The SEL Premium R-Line retains the same level of premium content as carryover from the 2021 model year. MSRP for the Arteon starts at $40,750 for the SE R-Line with front-wheel drive and $45,550 for the SEL R-Line with 4Motion all-wheel drive. Destination is $1,195.

Exterior

The 2022 Volkswagen Arteon retains its characteristic aggressive stance-low and wide-that immediately sets it apart from the sedan segment at large. Taking inspiration from classic sports cars, the contoured hood lines extend directly into the grille, while the long and wide hood stretches across the entire front profile into the wheelarches to form the shoulder section. The design is sophisticated and modern, but also effective, resulting in a drag coefficient of a mere 0.30 for front-wheel-drive models and 0.29 for 4Motion all-wheel-drive models. The Arteon can be optioned with an unmistakable lighting signature. The Arteon SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line feature an illuminated light bar in the grille to complement the LED headlights that are standard across the line. The light bar connects with the daytime running lights (DRLs) and surround the Volkswagen logo, using light as the new chrome to set off the modern front end design. Below the light bar, three striking chrome bars emphasize the width of the VW Arteon. All models feature R-Line front bumpers with one large air intake below the grille that is flanked by gloss black C-shaped sections positioned ahead of the front wheels. An R-Line logo graces the front of all cars.

Interior

The spacious interior of the Arteon received significant updates last year that further accentuate its upscale nature. The entire dash panel-consisting of surfaces, air outlets, and trims-center console, and the top sections of the door trims were redesigned. Decorative seams at the top of the dash trim flow into the top sections of the door trims, wrapping around front passengers like a cocoon. Aluminum trim adorns the dashboard and doors; SEL and SEL Premium R-Line models incorporate translucent elements with ambient lighting. Drivers can choose from 30 colors to both illuminate the door panels and dashboard trim décor, and apply the color to the Digital Cockpit Pro and MIB3 infotainment displays. The center console hosts Volkswagen's latest MIB3 infotainment and a touch-sensitive climate control system. The three-zone Climatronic® Touch automatic climate control is standard across the Arteon range. In all trims, the temperature can be set intuitively via touch slider, as can the blower function in the manual mode. Seat heating, windshield and window defrosting functions as well as other climate functions are also controlled using touch-sensitive surfaces in the center console. SEL Premium R-Line models feature a rear control panel for rear seat passengers to adjust temperature up and down. The multifunction steering wheel also features haptic touch surfaces. This leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with contrast stitching is standard across all models, and is heated in SEL Premium R-Line models.

Powertrain

The Arteon is now powered by the EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine from the Golf R. The fourth generation EA888 engine family is now built in Volkswagen's state-of-the-art factory in Wolfsburg, Germany. The EA888 engine line is a masterpiece of modern engine design that balances performance, efficiency, and drivability in a lightweight and compact package. The powerful four-cylinder engine uses an aluminum-alloy crossflow cylinder head that houses dual overhead camshafts. Volkswagen's latest variable cam phasing system, which controls both intake and exhaust valves, as well as a variable lift system for the exhaust valves themselves, help allow the traditionally opposing goals of performance and efficiency to be met simultaneously. In Arteon specification, the EA888 evo4 engine displaces 1984cc, producing 300 horsepower (achieved using premium fuel) at 5,350 rpm, and 295 lb-ft of torque at just 2,000 rpm. The evo4 engine is paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission with Tiptronic and auto hold - the most advanced such unit Volkswagen offers. Front-wheel-drive Arteon models have an 17.4 gallon fuel tank and offer an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 24 mpg in city driving, 34 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined. Models equipped with 4Motion all-wheel drive have an 17.4 gallon fuel tank and are rated at 22 mpg in city driving, 30 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined.