If you live in the U.S. and are already a fan of fastback-styled 4-door models with wide stances and short overhangs, then the all-new 2019 VW Arteon might be the car for you. The entry-level SE FWD version is priced from US$ 35,845 MSRP, while the all-wheel driven SE 4Motion model costs upwards of US$ 37,645. As it stands now, the Arteon is the second-most expensive VW model in the States, trailing only the US$ 40,395 Golf R. However, the top-spec Arteon SEL Premium costs north of US$ 44,945.

Power in the Arteon will come from a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI petrol engine, good for 268 HP and 350 Nm of torque. The engine will be mated to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, while the automaker’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system is available on every trim level. In terms of tech, there’s the DCC adaptive damping system as standard, a Start-Stop system, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, a reactive hood, plus a total of eight airbags.


Arteon SE

This is the entry-level version, for which you pay the previously-mentioned US$ 35,845 if you opt for the FWD model, or US$ 37,645 if you go 4Motion. Standard features for the exterior include 18-inch alloys, LED headlights (with LED DRLs) and taillights, chrome grille, frameless side windows with chrome surrounds and dual trapezoidal exhaust tips. Inside, it sports standard leatherette seats, heated front seats, and 12-way power front seats including 4-way lumbar support. Meanwhile, keyless access with push-button start, the three-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rearview camera, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rearview mirror, brushed metallic decor and stainless-steel door sills and pedal caps also come at no extra cost.

As for what you get in terms of safety and connectivity: 8.0-inch infotainment display with SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, two USB ports, eight speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus MirrorLink. Standard driver assist systems include Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Side Assist and Rear Traffic Alert.

Arteon SEL

This spec kicks off at US$ 39,995 with FWD and US$ 41,795 with AWD. It adds LED headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), a panoramic sunroof, power folding mirrors with memory, remote start, Nappa leather seats, driver seat memory, wood-look decor, ambient lighting, 8-inch infotainment display, 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit display and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go.


Arteon SEL Premium

The SEL Premium builds off the SEL trim and is priced from US$ 44,945. Standard are the 4Motion AWD system, 19-inch alloys, heated steering wheel, paddle shifters, ventilated front seats, massaging driver’s seat, heated rear seats, brushed aluminum decor, tri-color ambient lighting, rear-seat controls for the Climatronic system, VW Car-Net connected vehicle services, power trunk and a 700-watt Dynaudio premium sound system with 12 speakers. Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Control, Parking Steering Assistant with Park Distance Control and the Overhead View Camera are also standard.

R-Line Package

Buyers can add a performance-inspired R-Line package on any trim level for US$SS1,265 if you opt for the 19-inch wheels, or US$ 1,765 if you get 20-inch wheels. The 2019 VW Arteon is expected to arrive in U.S. dealerships this April, boasting a six-year or 115,872 km warranty.