2021 VOLKSWAGEN ARTEON | WVWTR7AN6ME003015

Body Styles

The Arteon is a five-door fastback sedan, blending executive sedan proportions with shooting brake cues. It features a sweeping roofline that flows seamlessly into a frameless hatch, creating a sleek profile without compromising rear practicality. The long wheelbase and low height give it a planted, coupe-like stance, while the wide track and flared rear shoulders contribute to its muscular aesthetic. Up front, the wide grille blends into slim LED headlights, visually expanding the car's width. Sharp character lines run uninterrupted along the flanks, emphasizing length and refinement. At the rear, the full-width light bar and integrated spoiler complete the premium GT silhouette. Its fastback architecture allows for over 1,000 liters of cargo capacity with the seats down — proof that beauty and utility can coexist.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

The name "Arteon" combines the Latin root "art," referencing design and aesthetics, with the suffix "-eon," which aligns it with other premium Volkswagen models such as the Phaeton. The intent is to evoke a sense of elegance, creative form, and elevated positioning above the Passat. It is meant to position the car as the brand’s design halo — a rolling sculpture as much as a means of transport.

Model Name Meaning (Languages)

While "Arteon" does not have a direct dictionary meaning, its phonetic composition feels international and premium. The "Arte" prefix hints at artistry across Latin-based languages, while the "on" suffix evokes technology and forward motion. The name is easily pronounced across markets and carries a neutral tone — neither too aggressive nor too soft — aligning with the car’s refined performance.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The Arteon’s exterior colors are understated yet rich, with options like Pyrite Silver, Deep Black Pearl, Manganese Grey, Lapiz Blue, and Oryx White Pearl. R-Line and R trims add visual flair through gloss-black mirror caps, grille blades, and body-color diffusers. Metallic finishes enhance surface curvature, and special matte packages were introduced in select markets for added exclusivity. The fastback design looks particularly striking in deep colors under strong lighting, where the shoulder lines cast dramatic shadows.

Inside, the Arteon blends German precision with horizontal simplicity. The dashboard spans the entire width, accented by real aluminum or open-pore wood depending on trim. Nappa leather upholstery is available in Black, Stone Gray, or two-tone configurations, with contrast stitching and R-specific embroidery in sportier variants. Ambient lighting in up to 30 colors, digital instruments, and a wide touchscreen complete the tech-focused cockpit. The center console is elevated, cockpit-like, and driver-oriented. Fit and finish are typically Volkswagen — solid, clean, and slightly conservative.

Wheel options range from 18-inch turbine designs to 20-inch multi-spoke alloys with machined edges and dark inner barrels. The R variant includes model-specific alloys with gloss-black accents and optional performance tires. All wheels are carefully proportioned to fill the arches without exaggerating ride height or comfort.

Top Expensive Options

• 20-Inch Rosario Dark Graphite Wheels: $1,200
• Harman Kardon Premium Audio with Subwoofer: $1,100
• DCC Adaptive Chassis Control with 15 Levels: $1,300
• Nappa Leather Package with Heated/Ventilated Seats: $1,500
• Digital Cockpit Pro with Navigation: $900
• Panoramic Sunroof with Electric Shade: $1,000
• IQ.DRIVE Pack with Lane Centering & Travel Assist: $1,400
• Head-Up Display with Traffic Sign Recognition: $800
• Hands-Free Easy Open Hatch with Virtual Pedal: $600
• R-Line Package with Sport Steering and Interior Trim: $1,100

vs Competitors

The Arteon competes in a narrow niche where few mainstream brands offer large, stylish fastbacks. It challenges the likes of the Kia Stinger, Acura TLX, and entry-level German sedans like the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and Audi A5 Sportback. Compared to the Stinger, the Arteon offers more refined cabin design and a broader comfort focus, albeit with slightly less emotional power delivery in base trims. Against the Audi A5 Sportback, the Arteon undercuts in price while matching closely in technology and spaciousness. Compared to the BMW 4 Series, it trades badge prestige for easier everyday usability and a more forgiving ride. The Arteon succeeds in being a thinking-person’s gran turismo — elegant, roomy, fast enough, and discreet. It doesn’t shout performance but whispers class.

Fun Fact

The Arteon is one of the few fastbacks in its class to offer a full-size hatch opening with over 1,000 liters of cargo space — more than many compact SUVs. This makes it one of the only vehicles on the market that can carry a bicycle and a tailored suit with equal ease — a rare combination of form and function dressed in a designer suit.