2018 Chicago Auto Show: 2019 Volkswagen Arteon

At the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, Volkswagen officially took the wraps off the North-American-market version of the successor to its stylish CC midsize sedan. The 2019 Arteon is fastback-styled 4-door hatchback sedan that will slot above the Passat sedan in VW’s lineup.

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The Arteon is based on Volkswagen’s “MQB” vehicle architecture, which also underpins the Golf compact hatchback, the redesigned-for-2019 Jetta compact sedan, and the Atlas and Tiguan SUVs. Compared to the CC, the Arteon is a bit longer and wider, and has a 5-inch-longer wheelbase for improved cabin space.

Arteon trim levels stick to VW’s SE, SEL, and SEL Premium hierarchy. The sole powertrain at this point is Volkswagen’s turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, which puts out 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and 4Motion all-wheel drive is available on all trim levels.

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Upscale standard features include full LED headlights, heated front seats, adaptive suspension damping, and 18-inch alloy wheels (19s are optional). Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit virtual gauge cluster, a panoramic sunroof, hands-free rear hatch, ambient interior lighting, Nappa leather upholstery, a massaging driver seat, and Dynaudio premium audio system are among the available features.

The Arteon is slated to go on sale in the third quarter of 2018.

CG Says:

The recently departed Volkswagen CC always impressed us as a vehicle that was much more than the sum of its parts—it offered style and a premium feel that compared favorably to “true” luxury brands at a price of a decked-out mainstream midsize sedan. Volkswagen hasn’t yet released pricing on the Arteon, but if it comes in the ballpark of the CC, this car should be a sure-fire winner. The Arteon’s styling looks fantastic, and Volkswagen’s excellent MQB architecture has impressed us on the Atlases and Tiguans we’ve tested.

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