2021 VW Arteon: Full Pricing and Trim Level Review

The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon is here, and it looks like Volkswagen is really into it with this big sedan. You'd think they'd learned a lesson from other upscale (ish) luxury sedans of the recent past (Phaeton), but they're taking another shot, this time with the Arteon. Prices aren't that bad, but only time will tell if this is another quixotic twist on sedan-shaped windmills.

Look, I have nothing against it as such. It's not that I don't like big luxury sedans, it's that I don't like them. car buyers . Sales of sedans plummeted a few years ago. Even in Europe, the last bastion of sedans, everyone is moving towards SUVs and crossovers. So, VW has already chosen the hard way. Add to that our dismal test drive experience earlier this year with the 2020 Arteon, and it's hard to see how that would work out for VW.

Which is sad, because the Arteon is pretty sweet. To get down to business, the 2021 VW Arteon will start at $36,995 (excluding destination fees). Not exactly cheap, but given that the Arteon is filled with tech, safety, comfort, and convenience, it's actually kind of a bargain.

2021 VW Arteon: engine and transmission

The Arteon is powered by a 2.0 liter TSI turbocharged direct injection engine. Yes, you can cut corners with four fireworks, but they have to be cut somewhere, right? Also, in this case, it's literally a small engine that can put out 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. torque. Not bad, right?

All that power and growl is sent to the front wheels via a standard eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic shifting. If you like, 4Motion all-wheel drive is available mid-range and comes standard on the SEL Premium R-Line at the top of the range. The DCC adaptive damping system is standard, as is an XDS transverse differential lock front and rear for improved handling.

VW Arteon 2021. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Appearance and color options

The 2021 VW Arteon is still big and wide. There's also a new light bar in the grille and new LED daytime running lights. Three new colors will also be available for 2021: Kings Red Metallic, Oryx White Pearl and Lapiz Blue Metallic.

2021 VW Arteon: interior trim

The Arteon's interior is updated with new decorative trim and an available 30-color ambient lighting system to complement the new instrument panel design. There are new digital touch surfaces with haptic feedback on the multifunction steering wheel and a new Climatronic Touch interface.

The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit is standard, and all models feature the MIB3 Discover Media infotainment system, which offers an eight-inch display, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio with 360L, as well as the App-Connect wireless app and wireless charging. All trim levels come standard with VW Car-Net telematics and in-car Wi-Fi. Top models get an all-new 12-speaker Harman Kardon 700W audio system.

Appearance of VW Arteon 2021. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Safety and security

Little driver assistants abound and are ready to help you in the 2021 Arteon. Standard features include Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic Alert. Mid-range and up trims include automatic cruise control with Stop and Go, lane keeping assist, lane assist, emergency assistance, high beam control, and park distance control. Top-exclusive features include a parking assist system and an overhead camera.

2021 VW Arteon trim levels

The new Arteon will be available in three trim levels, which are distributed roughly as follows. The MSRP figures below include a $1,195 destination fee.

SE

Standard interior elements: auto-dimming rear view mirror; touch multifunction steering wheel with leather trim; chrome window switches; door sills and pedals made of stainless steel; Power front seats, 12-way leatherette seating surfaces; heated front seats; and three-zone automatic climate control.

Standard Specifications: Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and Discover Media infotainment system with navigation; App-Connect and Bluetooth wireless connection for compatible devices; two USB-C ports; Car-Net with Wi-Fi capability; SiriusXM with 360 l; and a rear view camera.

Starting Suggested Price : $38,190

SEL R Line

Standard external elements: 19 inch wheels; light strip in the front grille; LED headlights with adaptive front lighting system and dynamic cornering lights; and side mirrors with electric folding.

Standard interior elements: Panoramic sunroof; remote start; wireless charger; memory of the driver's seat and side mirrors; translucent decor with multi-color diffused lighting; and leather seats.

R-Line special care products: glossy black spoiler; black headlining and paddle shifters; contrast stitching on the steering wheel and gear knob; and an R-Line badge.

Starting Suggested Price : $42,790

SEL Premium R-Line

Standard external elements: 20" aluminum alloy wheels and power trunk with Easy Open & Close function.

Standard interior elements: Harman Kardon audio system; heated steering wheel with paddle shifters; driver's massage seat; ventilated front seats; heated rear seats; rear seat climate control; and a USB-C port (charge only).

Starting Suggested Price : $48,190

2021 VW Arteon: Availability and Warranty

The 2021 Arteon will be available from Volkswagen dealers by the end of 2020. Volkswagen's factory warranty has been reduced from 2020 to four years or 50,000 miles. To help you determine if you need additional coverage, see our detailed VW Warranty Guide.

Tony Borroz has been racing vintage and sports cars all his life. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of the Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

Photo and source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.