2021 VW Arteon Debuts With New Shooting Brake Variant And Plug-In Hybrid

Volkswagen has officially unveiled the facelifted Arteon and the all-new Arteon Shooting Brake.

Looking instantly recognizable, the updated Arteon has a lightly modified fascia that features a new light strip that visually connects the headlights.

Additional changes are limited, but the model has more prominent chrome bars and sportier air intakes.  There are also new taillights, additional chrome trim and a sportier exhaust system which is flanked by a new diffuser.

The biggest change is the addition of the new Arteon Shooting Brake. It’s a sporty and practical wagon that can haul up to 57.6 cubic feet (1,632 liters) of luggage when the rear seats are folded down.  That’s 2.6 cubic feet more than (75 liters) more than the standard model.

Moving into the cabin, there’s a revised cockpit for an “even greater feeling of exclusivity.”  The changes are modest, but include a new steering wheel and an updated center stack featuring “touch sliders” for the automatic climate control system.

Elsewhere, there are revised air vents and a new MIB3 infotainment system that features support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.  Other highlights include a 30 color ambient lighting system, a wireless smartphone charger and a 700 watt harman/kardon premium audio system.

Speaking of technology, the 2021 Arteon gains an optional Travel Assist system.  It allows for “partly automated driving” at speeds between 0-130 mph (0-210 km/h).

Furthermore, the rearview camera gains a new corner view function which expands the camera image on the infotainment display from 90 degrees to 170 degrees.

Under the hood, there’s an all-new plug-in hybrid powertrain which promises a “long purely electric range.”  Volkswagen was coy on specifics, but confirmed will have an output of 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS).

Buyers looking for more power can opt for the 316 hp (235 kW / 320 PS) Arteon R which features more aggressive styling as well as an all-wheel drive system with R-Performance Torque Vectoring technology.  Volkswagen says the latter variably distributes torque “between the axles and also between the rear wheels depending on the driving situation.”

Of course, Americans miss out of both powertrains as well as the Shooting Brake.  Instead, they get a “simplified trim lineup” – which now consists of SE, SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line variants – that are powered exclusively by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque.

Front-wheel drive comes standard and the engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.  However, all-wheel drive is optional on the SEL R-Line and standard on the range-topping SEL Premium R-Line.