The refreshed 2021 Volkswagen Arteon adds elements of driver assistance, connectivity, and refinement. As a result, Arteon continues its this/closeness to luxury sibling brand Audi. But the midsize flagship sedan does so while maintaining the Volkswagen pricing creating an attractive value proposition.
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2021 VW Arteon Top-3:
- Design
- Interior
- Technology
Because at under $37k starting price it’s hard to beat the overall package Volkswagen Arteon offers.
268 hp & 258 lb-ft of torque
2021 Volkswagen Arteon Review
Because no other European luxury brand has a non-luxury sibling VW is special. And thanks go to Audi for sure. But Porsche and other brands owned by Volkswagen Group too. So, when you consider the available technology and innovation easily accessible to Volkswagen. It’s easy to understand how the carmakers packs so much into it’s flagship sedan.
First, it’s exceptional design – inside and out. Plus Volkswagen’s reknown attention to fit and finish details. And class leading technology. Arteon looks great. It’s fun to drive, quick and offers superior handling. And it includes Volkswagen’s Digital cockpit which is a direct carryover from Audi.
Trims And Prices
For ’21 Arteon is offered in three trim configurations. Starting with the base-model SE. Next is the SEL R-Line. And the top trim for 2021 is the SEL Premium R-Line.
2021 Volkswagen Arteon Trims & MSRPS:
- Base-model SE $36,995
- SEL R-Line $41,595
- SEL Premium R-Line $46,995
As an reference I provide manufacturers suggested retail pricing. But go see my friends at Ontario VW for not only your best price and selection but also your best buying experience.
Engines, Transmissions, And MPG
No matter which trim configuration, Arteon comes with the same engine and transmission. But the factor you do have to weigh into the equation is front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. And VW’s AWD system is referred to as 4Motion.
So the engine is an inline 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that’s turbocharged. And it puts out 268 horsepower with 258 pound-feet of torque. That engine is paried with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
EPA rated up to 32 mpg
Leaving the FWD or 4Motion decision. But, FWD is the only option on the SE trim. The SEL R-Line offers both FWD and 4Motion. And the SEL Premium R-Line only comes with the 4Motion.
Fuel economy varies only a little. Because AWD gives you 20 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. Whereas FWD will deliver 22 in the city and 32 on the highway.
Finally, Arteon’s curbweight also varies slightly due to FWD or AWD. With FWD it’s 3,686 and with AWD it’s 3,955.
What Does 2021 VW Arteon Look Like?
Arteon’s styling is undeniably attractive. But it’s also undeniably a Volkswagen. And, you could say, it’s undeniably the Volkswagen flagship sedan. Because there’s no bad angle when viewing the vehicle.
Exterior Dimensions:
- Wheelbase 111.9
- Track:
- Front 62.5
- Rear 62.1
- Length 191.6
- Width 73.7
- Height 56.9
*All inches
Plus, depending on your trim configuration. You can have your option of stylish 18″, 19″, or 20″ wheels and R-Line sporty accents. It’s European for sure with a contemporary forward-leaning vibe.
Inside ’21 Arteon
Inside the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon is where the fit and finish details really hit home. Because even a non-car-guy/gal are able to appreciate the little things. Like how the doors close with a solid feel. Or how all the surfaces fit together snug and seamlessly.
41.2/40.2-inches front/back legroom
Plus the interior mechanical parts of the vehicle work. Like the center console storage cubbies function. Or how the backseats fold down.
’21 VW Arteon Interior Dimensions:
- Headroom 37.9/37.1
- Shoulder room 56.6/54.7
- Legroom 41.2/40.2
*All inches
Even how the glove box opens and shuts. It’s attention-to-detail German engineered. Quality.
96.5 cu-ft of passenger volume
And it’s all of that fine German engineering at a non-luxury pricepoint. While it’s essentially a luxury vehicle. Heck, you can even get the 2021 VW Arteon with a massaging drivers seat!
Up to 56.2 cu-ft cargo space
So Arteon is a fastback – aka sportback. And that allows for a great amout of cargo space. And with the backseats up it offers 27.2 cubic-feet of cargo space. But then drop the backseats down and you have up to 56.2 cu-ft of space for your stuff.
Infotainment And Safety Tech
From an available Harman Kardon premium sound system to Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit being standard. If Arteon doesn’t come with it, then you can get it.
Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit is a favorite of mine. Because it replaces in-dash analog instrumentation with a digital display monitor. And you can custom configure it however you like. Including putting your navigation map right in your dash. Additionally, you can program and save multiple profiles for easy access.
And that includes updated safety technology. Plus new for this year available wirelss app connect and 30-color ambient lighting.
2021 Volkswagen Arteon Top-3
So coming back to my Top-3 for the 2021 VW Arteon midsize fastback sedan.
- Design – This is a great looking vehicle from every angle – inside and out. VW for sure, but European and attractive.
- Interior – Legendary fit and finish from Volkswagen is what makes brand-lovers and keeps them. And Arteon delivers hands-down.
- Technology – Digital Cockpit for certain. But even an optional massaging drivers seat – that’s impressive for a vehicle in this price range.
Starting under $37k – VW Arteon
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