VW Pushes US Launch Of Arteon To Early 2019 Due To Emission Regulations

The VW Arteon was originally going to be launched in the US market late this year but the car maker had to re-schedule for early 2019, due to delays in the certification process.

First signs of the delay came when VW cancelled a drive event of their new flagship sedan –four-door coupe if you insist– scheduled for next month in California.

A VW spokesman confirmed the change in schedule to Automotive News, saying that the delay “is because of delays in the certification process caused by a backlog in meeting WLTP worldwide emissions testing.”

The VW Arteon has been on sale in Germany since 2017 and when it arrives in the US market, it’ll be powered by a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 268hp and 258lb-ft of torque, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive will be optional.

Compared to its predecessor, the VW CC, the MQB-based Arteon offers a longer by over five inches wheelbase, meaning more room inside.

Standard equipment will be generous, including features such as keyless access, three-zone climate control, full LED headlights, adaptive DCC dampers, rear-view camera, Forward Collision Warning, heated front seats and an eight-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.