New Volkswagen Arteon shows off design, tech improvements

MANILA: The Arteon, the grand tourer of Volkswagen, is merging the sleek configuration of a coupé with the space of a midsize sedan. For 2021, Volkswagen is launching a comprehensive product line update to this brand halo, which includes intelligent comfort systems and interior refinements.

The revitalized Arteon features a sophisticated front end with improved design elements. The long, broad hood extends across the full front profile towards the wheel arches for the formation of the shoulder area. At the front part, it reaches far down to the grille, highlighting the Arteon width along with its crossbars.

The Arteon has also been designed with an illuminated grille.

For midrange models, new LED daytime running lights (DRLs) connect to build a central light bar in the grille, which surrounds the new Volkswagen logo and utilizes light as the "new chrome." The Arteon has also been given a modern and distinctive nighttime and daytime lighting signature.

The character line, as it is drawn, goes around the whole vehicle. It vividly pushes the volume of the body down to the ground, allowing it to have a dynamic appeal. The character line begins in the radiator grille at the front and goes seamlessly across the silhouette until it reaches the tail light clusters. At the rear part, the Arteon lettering and VW emblem have been reconfigured.

Three new colors have also been included for the 2021 model year: the Lapiz Blue, Kings Red Metallic, and Oryx White.

A TSI 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection engine powers the Arteon, and the engine produces 350Nm of torque and 268hp. A conventional eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic shifting delivers the power to the front wheels.

Inside, the Arteon features a reconfigured cockpit that has been polished to complement the exclusive characteristic of the model.

The interior designers of Volkswagen have restyled the whole dash panel, which comprises of trims, air outlets, and surfaces, as well as the top areas of the door trims, air-conditioning control, and infotainment area. Upgrades have also been done for the leather and fabrics in the vehicle interior.

At the top-most level of the dash panel, the Arteon boasts of new leatherette surfaces that have been refined and appear to be prominent. It includes decorative seams to visually construct a bridge to the Touareg, the luxury-class SUV of Volkswagen.

In the second phase, new aluminum décor have graced base models, and midrange models provide translucent aluminum décor with 30-color ambient lighting. The air outlets, extending up to the third dash panel level, have been reconfigured and are entirely incorporated on this level.

The Arteon also features VW's latest multifunction steering wheel that has digital touch surfaces. In tandem with the Travel Assist system, the steering wheel rim also has new touch-sensitive surfaces that, upon activation of Travel Assist, determine if the driver has one hand or both on the steering wheel for safety purposes.

The temperature can also be set instinctively through a touchslider for the alternative three-zone Climatronic automatic climate control. Window defrosting, windscreen, and seat heating functions, along with other air-conditioning measures, are also regulated through the use of new touch-sensitive surfaces located in the center console.

The Arteon is also fitted with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, which enables the driver to customize the instrument display, which features quality graphics on the 10.25-inch screen. Through the use of a View button on the multi-function steering wheel, the driver can rapidly and effortlessly switch between three basic configurations.

Arteon embraces the all-new MIB3 infotainment system, which is incorporated above the new air-conditioning controls in a prominent and convenient-to-reach position. MIB3 provides wireless App-Connect, multi-phone pairing that can quickly shift between devices, and natural voice control. For 2021, wireless charging is also a novel feature for the Arteon.

For the first time, Volkswagen also provides a newly designed, high-end sound system that audio expert Harman/Kardon has made. It is geared particularly for the Arteon line. The system utilizes a 700-watt, 16-channel Ethernet amplifier to power 12 high-performance loudspeakers.

The virtual premiere of the Arteon and Arteon Shooting Brake, held today, can be viewed here (Part 1) and here (Part 2).

Photos from Volkswagen

Also read: Volkswagen Arteon and Arteon Shooting Brake virtual launch set for June 24