Volkswagen facelifted the Arteon earlier this year and now the flagship model has reached U.S. shores. For the 2021 model year, the base Arteon SE has a starting MSRP of US$ 36,995 (US$ 1,195 destination and handling fee). That’s a US$ 1,000 increase over the 2020 model and is justified by the styling and content updates VW has made. The 2021 Arteon brings a revised front end with a reshaped grille featuring an illuminated light bar for the first time, new taillights, and three new colors (Kings Red Metallic, Oryx White Pearl and Lapiz Blue Metallic).

Inside, the facelifted Arteon features a revised cockpit with new decor trim, an available 30-color ambient lighting system and new digital touch surfaces with haptic feedback for the new Climatronic Touch interface. The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit is standard, as is the new MIB3 Discover Media infotainment system. The latter comes with an 8.0-inch display, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio with 360L (three-month trial) and wireless App-Connect, while wireless charging is available. In addition, all models come standard with the next generation Car-Net telematics system and offer in-car Wi-Fi capability when subscribed to a data plan.

 

The engine remains the same 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged four-cylinder making 268 HP and 350 Nm of torque. In the U.S., the Arteon continues with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic shifting and front-wheel drive as standard. The 4Motion AWD system is available on the midlevel trim and standard on the top grade. Also standard are the DCC adaptive damping system and XDS cross-differential lock at the front and rear.

The 2021 Arteon will be available in three trim levels: SE, SEL R-Line (US$ 41,595) and SEL Premium R-Line (US$ 46,995). Standard features on all models include 18-inch alloys, full LED lighting, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, MIB3 infotainment with wireless App-Connect, navigation, Car-Net with Wi-Fi capability, Front Assist, and Side Assist.

 

Depending on the trim level, notable available features include 19- and 20-inch wheels, massaging driver’s seat, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, leather seating surfaces, Adaptive Front-lighting System, and a harman/kardon premium audio. Available driving assistance technologies include ACC, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, Emergency Assist, Dynamic Road Sign Display, Park Distance Control, Park Assist, Light Assist, and Area View. The 2021 VW Arteon will arrive at U.S. dealers in the fourth quarter of 2020 – and no, the range will not include the Arteon R or the Arteon Shooting Brake that are available in Europe.