Volkswagen has launched the R versions of the Arteon and Arteon Shooting Brake in the United Kingdom, and they’re not exactly a bargain. For the 2021 Arteon R fastback, the automaker is asking a minimum of £ 51,615 (US$ 72,988). By comparison, one could get a BMW M440i (the regular faced one) from £ 49,440 (US$ 69,913) in the UK, or an Audi S4 TDI from £ 48,960 (US$ 69,234), both of which are a bit more powerful and have more desirable badges, if you’re into that thing. For the Arteon Shooting Brake R, you are looking at £ 52,435 (US$ 74,148).
The two sporty models use the brand’s
2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that develops 320 PS and 420 Nm of torque, and is connected to a seven-speed
DSG and 4Motion all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring. Up to 50 percent
of torque can be sent to the rear wheels, and in turn, entirely to the outside
wheel when cornering, thus improving traction. The 0-100 km/h mark is
passed in 4.9 seconds in both body styles, and top speed is electronically
limited to 250 km/h.
The 18-inch performance brakes provide the
stopping power, while both the Arteon R and Arteon Shooting Brake R are
equipped with 19-inch ‘Adelaide’ alloy wheels. Complementing the design are the
exclusive elements added to the front and rear, and the quad exhaust pipes.
Nappa leather upholstery with contrast
blue stitching decorates the interior that otherwise features electrically
adjustable front seats with massage function, heated steering wheel, extended
shift paddles, stainless steel pedals and footrest, exclusive carpet mats and
‘R’ button. These are offered alongside the 10.25-inch TFT dashboard display,
three-zone climate control, sunroof, 30-color ambient lighting, tinted rear
windows, LED headlights and Level 2 semi-autonomous driving.
Customers can further bump the price with
the optional 20-inch wheels, head-up display and Harman Kardon premium sound
system.
