272 PS VW Arteon Flagship Joins UK Range From £39,065

VW is expanding its UK range by adding a range-topping Arteon model, powered by a 2.0-liter TSI petrol unit producing 272 PS (268 HP) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.

When fitted with this engine, the Arteon can accelerate from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 5.6 seconds, which means that it’s quicker than the Golf GTI Performance by 0.8 seconds. In fact, the only VW brand product to out-accelerate the 272 PS Arteon is the Golf R.

Pricing for the flagship Arteon TSI kicks off at £39,065 OTR ($49,542) in Elegance trim, whereas the sportier R-Line costs £39,850 OTR ($50,537).

“The addition of a 272 PS engine to the Arteon range further expands customer choice, with efficient, lower-powered engines at one end of the line-up, and performance-oriented petrol and diesel units at the other,” stated VW UK Arteon product manager, Joe Laurence. “Every Arteon of course offers great equipment and competitive running costs, but the new 272 PS version incorporates power and grip advantages – thanks in part to its 4MOTION all-wheel drive – that really underline the car’s premium appeal.”

Speaking of 4MOTION all-wheel drive, the system is standard on this top spec version, and works to distribute the power to all four wheels through an all-wheel drive coupling, working alongside the car’s ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) and EDS (Electronic Differential Lock) systems.

Now, if you don’t necessarily want this flagship model but still want an Arteon, buying one in the UK means spending at least £32,745 OTR ($41,527).