2020 Volkswagen Arteon: Brand halo boasts standout styling, technology and comfort
05/20/2020
Volkswagen
The 2020 Volkswagen Arteon sports a sleek gran turismo design, upscale interior, innovative technology, and available 4Motion(R) all-wheel drive. Balancing efficient, yet powerful performance, the Arteon combines styling and technology in a manner rarely seen outside of high-end luxury sedans. As with models ranging from the Golf to the Atlas SUV, the 2020 Arteon is built on Volkswagen's award-winning MQB platform, which allows for its distinct, dynamic proportions and spacious interior.
New for 2020
The 2020 Volkswagen Arteon is available in four trims: SE, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line. The Arteon family welcomes new upscale technology including the next-generation Car-Net(R) telematics system and have in-car Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan. SEL Premium models now feature standard Lane Assist and 20-inch wheels as well as standard R-Line(R) content.
MSRP for the 2020 Arteon SE with front-wheel drive starts at $35,995. The Arteon with 4Motion all-wheel drive starts at $37,895. Destination for all Arteon models is $1,020.
Exterior
From the front, Arteon has an aggressive stance-low and wide-that immediately sets it apart from the sedan segment. Taking inspiration from classic sports cars, the contoured hoodlines on the Arteon extend directly into its grille. The grille, in turn, emphasizes the width of the Arteon in chrome crossbars framed by standard LED lighting.
The side profile of the Arteon is elegantly coupe-like, with a fast sloping rear roofline. A bold character line flows from the grille and runs uninterrupted through the side panels and into the rear of the car. The tail end of the Arteon again borrows from classic sports car styling with its high, broad shoulders, accented by standard LED taillights. Chrome details also flow from front to back, with lower-door and trunk accent pieces.
The ambitious design is made possible by the flexible MQB architecture. The wheelbase on the Arteon is 111.7 inches and is paired with short overhangs for more dynamic proportions. Arteon is 191.4 inches long, 73.7 inches wide and 56.5 inches tall. Thanks to a sophisticated overall aerodynamic package, the 2020 Arteon has a low 0.30 coefficient of drag.
All Arteon models feature standard LED headlights, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), and taillights. SEL models upgrade to LED headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), which adjusts the headlight beams to help compensate for dynamic changes, like deceleration and cornering, and feature power-folding side mirrors with memory. SEL Premium R-Line models add puddle lights to the side-mirrors that illuminate when you unlock the doors.
The Arteon SE and SEL models are shod with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line trims have 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, in addition to a number of design elements to enhance the four-door coupe's sportiness. Exterior styling details include R-Line badging, a unique front bumper that incorporates stylish air intakes in a gloss-black finish, R-Line air inlets, and a gloss-black rear spoiler.
A panoramic power-tilt-and-slide sunroof is standard equipment on SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line models. Top-of-the-line SEL Premium R-Line models also feature a standard power trunk with Easy Open and Close function; drivers can simply walk up to the vehicle with their keys in a pocket or purse and kick a foot under the rear bumper to open the trunk lid, while closing the trunk only requires a touch of the button. KESSY(R) keyless access is standard on all Arteon models.
Interior
The exterior design of the Arteon translates into a spacious interior for everyday usability. The long wheelbase afforded by the MQB architecture gives Arteon generous rear legroom, at 40.2 inches, with substantial headroom as well-37.7 inches in front, and 37.0 in the rear. Arteon offers 19.9 cubic feet of trunk storage; with the standard 60:40 rear seats folded down, that number increases to 55 cubic feet.
The cabin experience is further refined with modern design and premium materials. The dashboard is organized along a clean, straight line, and features an innovative air vent that extends across the entire width of the interior. Dash panels flow directly into the front door trim panels, wrapping around front passengers like a cocoon.
Three-zone Climatronic(R) automatic climate control is standard across the Arteon range; SEL Premium R-Line models add a rear seat control panel. Heated, 12-way power front seats in leatherette are standard in the Arteon SE. SEL models add Nappa leather seating surfaces and a memory setting for the driver, while SEL Premium R-Line models have ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a massaging function for the driver. A leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel is standard across all models; SEL Premium R-Line models feature a heated version with paddle shifters.
Models equipped with the optional R-Line package welcome drivers with the R-Line logo on the touchscreen and feature a number of interior design enhancements including: contrast stitching on the steering wheel and shift knob; steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters; metallic decor pieces; black headliner; stainless-steel sport pedal covers; and stainless-steel door sills with the R-Line logo.
Dynaudio(R). Arteon SEL Premium R-Line models feature a 700-watt Dynaudio sound system with 13 channels and 12 speakers.
Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. Arteon SEL models and above feature Volkswagen Digital Cockpit as standard equipment. The 10.25-inch screen replaces the traditional instrument panel, and the customizable digital display's 1,440x540 pixel resolution renders details with extreme precision. There are five different information display profiles the driver can select. In the Navigation profile, the speedometer and rev counter are relocated to the sides to make room for the navigation map in the middle. Information on driving, navigation and assistance functions can also be integrated into the speedometer and rev counter graphics as necessary. Data such as telephone contact images and CD covers can also be displayed in the Digital Cockpit display.
MIB II Infotainment. All 2020 Arteon models feature the innovative Volkswagen MIB II touchscreen infotainment system. The display utilizes a capacitive-touch sensor (as in smartphone and tablet technology) rather than the more common resistive touchscreens that require pressure, enabling gesture controls like swiping and even pinch-zooming.
All Arteon models are equipped with a glass-covered 8.0-inch capacitive touchscreen display-SE models with the Composition Media unit; SEL models and above with the Discover Media system with navigation. App-Connect smartphone integration for compatible devices is standard, and offers users the ability to run select smartphone apps directly on the vehicle's display through services such as Apple CarPlay(R), Android Auto(TM) and MirrorLink(R). The infotainment systems also offer SD card and USB-A (two ports for Composition Media units, three for Discover Media units) multimedia interfaces, as well as Bluetooth(R) technology for compatible devices, SiriusXM(R) radio for a three-month trial period, and HD Radio. Both units have the ability to send and receive SMS text messages via Bluetooth with compatible phones and can pair two phones simultaneously. The Discover Media unit offers 2.5D navigation, featuring one-shot voice destination entry, typed destination entry with search and auto-complete, and predicts possible destinations based on frequently used routes.
Volkswagen Car-Net
Since its debut for the 2014 model year, Volkswagen Car-Net has allowed Volkswagen owners to get connected to their vehicles. For model year 2020, Car-Net moves into the next generation of integration, with an updated mobile app, a long list of no-charge services for five years, and new subscription options. Car-Net Services will be offered in four areas: Remote Access, Safe & Secure, Hotspot, and Guide & Inform.
Car-Net Remote Access gives owners the ability to interact with their vehicle from miles away via the mobile app. It is offered at no additional charge for five years from the date of vehicle purchase. Features include remote start and stop (if equipped), remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash of lights, last parked location, and remote vehicle status display, which provides information on fuel level, mileage, and door and window status.
Available later this year, VW Car-Net app for smartwatch (supports select Apple Watch(R) and AndroidTM Wear operating systems) allows VW customers to control a host of functions, available through the iPhone(R) and AndroidTM apps, directly from their wrist. Smartwatch wearers can keep tabs on their vehicle from afar, remotely locking and unlocking doors, remotely starting their vehicle, and viewing the status of doors, windows and sunroof (open or closed). These consumers can also find a parked vehicle more quickly and receive alerts with a compatible smartwatch.
Volkswagen owners with factory-installed navigation can send destinations or points of interest directly to their car from the app, helping to save time. Coming later this year, owners will also be able to connect their VW Car-Net account to compatible smart home devices to send voice commands to their vehicle to check the fuel level or remote start the engine.
Powered by Parkopedia, the Parking Information feature can help make owners' lives easier by locating off-street parking information. Through the Navigate tab on the app, users can click the "P" icon to show available parking locations, either in the immediate vicinity or near a Point of Interest. Clicking on a specific location will display the address, hours of operation and pricing. Users can also send the location to their car's navigation system, if so equipped, by clicking the "Send to My VW" button.
Vehicle Health Reports can provide owners easy access to diagnostic information. Reports generate automatically each month after enrollment and are sent directly to the email address in the owner's profile; owners can also request updated reports anytime through the mobile app. When it's time for scheduled service, Car-Net can not only notify the customer, but also provides a simple way to schedule a dealer visit.
Family Guardian services and Roadside Call Assist can provide added peace-of-mind no matter who is driving. Speed alert notifies the owner when the pre-determined maximum speed limit is exceeded. Boundary alert lets the owner know when the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary. Curfew alert notifies the owner if the vehicle is driven while curfew alert is on. Valet alert alerts if the vehicle is driven more than 0.2 miles from the valet drop-off location. The Car-Net app allows users to control who receives notifications by designating primary and secondary users, with varying levels of control and functionality for each. Notifications can come in the form of text messages, emails, or push notifications from the mobile app itself. If the vehicle is disabled, Roadside Call Assist is available at the touch of the wrench button.
The DriveView(TM) program is new for 2020. By enrolling in this program, Car-Net users may be eligible for discounted rates from some of the top automotive insurance companies in the country. This program can also help Car-Net users monitor their driving by tracking activities like night driving, hard braking, idle time, and excess speed. These factors all contribute to an overall driving score, which is visible within the mobile app.
Car-Net Safe & Secure is a paid subscription service that includes Information Assistance, Emergency Assistance, Automatic Crash Notification, Anti-Theft Alert, and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance. The subscription is $99 per year before taxes and fees, and automatically renews annually at the end of the subscription term, unless cancelled. Information Assistance-accessed through the i-call button within the vehicle-allows the driver to speak to a Car-Net agent for support needs, such as points of interest and account services. Emergency Assistance can be accessed through the SOS button in the vehicle, and, if a cellular connection can be established, puts the driver in contact with the Car-Net service center, who can direct emergency responders to the vehicle's location and notify the user's Emergency Contact. Provided a cellular connection can be established, Automatic Crash Notification can help automatically notify an operator who can quickly contact first responders in the event of a collision. Anti-Theft Alert sends a push notification to the user if the vehicle's anti-theft alarm is triggered, and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance uses Car-Net to assist law enforcement with locating the vehicle in the event that it is stolen.
Car-Net Hotspot allows passengers to access the internet with up to four connected devices simultaneously, including tablets, smartphones, laptops, gaming devices, and more- at 4G LTE-enabled speed. Existing Verizon Wireless customers with an unlimited mobile data plan can simply add their Volkswagen vehicle as a new line item to their existing plan, non-Verizon customers can set up a prepaid plan for $20/month before taxes and fees.
Car-Net Guide & Inform offers an enhanced navigation and infotainment experience for VW owners with a factory-installed navigation system. Drivers can access traffic reports, fuel prices, sports scores, movie times, and weather data as part of the three-month SiriusXM Travel Link trial. Car-Net enrollment and subscription is not required.
Powertrain
The Arteon is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI(R) engine, making 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The power is taken to the front wheels via a standard eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic(R) shifting; 4Motion all-wheel drive is available on SE and SEL models and standard on SEL Premium R-Line models.
The TSI engine features innovative solutions such as water-cooled exhaust gas routing through the cylinder head to the turbocharger (to help reduce full-load fuel consumption) and a dual injection system with direct and multi-port injection. Thanks to its fully electronic coolant control system, the four-cylinder engine also offers efficient thermal management with a short warm-up phase; this helps reduce friction and helps to decrease fuel consumption.
A Start/Stop system is standard on all Arteon models. This technology stops the engine during idle when the brake pedal is held (such as when waiting at a red light). When the brake pedal is released, the engine restarts.
Front-wheel-drive Arteon models have an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 22 mpg in city driving, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined. Models equipped with 4Motion all-wheel drive are rated at 20 mpg in city driving, 29 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined.
Chassis
The chassis and running gear of the new Arteon has been specifically enhanced compared to other Volkswagen MQB models, accentuating the Gran Turismo spirit of the car. A strut-type front suspension is mated with a four-link independent rear suspension with gas-filled dampers. Both axles are equipped with anti-roll bars. In addition to the suspension layout, the long wheelbase also provides added comfort.
From a structural standpoint, the MQB platform provides extremely high body rigidity, resulting from a combination of ultra-high-strength and ultra-high-strength hot-formed steels. Despite the large rear hatch of the Arteon, body rigidity has been increased by 10 percent as measured against a comparable notchback model. This allows for very precise steering, high vehicle responsiveness and optimal ride comfort. Ultra-high-strength steel is used in areas of the vehicle such as the side sills, as well as the side members and cross members of the body. Ultra-high-strength hot-formed steel is used for the B-pillars, center tunnel, lower bulkhead, rear side members, and roof side members.
DCC(R). The standard DCC adaptive damping system contributes to the balance between excellent handling and premium ride comfort by managing the suspension's rebound and compression rates individually, helping to improve vehicle dynamics.
In addition, the Arteon is equipped with the XDS(R) cross-differential lock at the front and rear. The latest XDS+ version applies this functionality to a larger range of dynamic performance, helping make the vehicle more agile. When the car is being driven at highway speeds, brake pressure is applied to the inside wheel to help restore optimal traction as soon as the electronics detect excessively light loads. The XDS+ system operates like a limited-slip differential and can help compensate for understeer during cornering.
Driving Mode Selection. In addition to the familiar Driving Mode Selection featured programs (Comfort, Normal, Sport), the dampers on the Arteon can be adjusted across an expanded range through the individual settings submenu (Comfort+ to Sport+). Beyond the familiar Comfort setting, the driver can increase ride comfort of the Arteon even further by moving the control slider to the left into Comfort+, while a setting that is sportier than the familiar Sport setting can be set by moving the slider to the right, into Sport+. The driver can make adjustments between the Comfort, Normal and Sport profile, creating truly personalized settings.
4Motion All-wheel-drive System
Arteon can be equipped with the available 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The latest-generation 4Motion system is activated before wheelspin occurs, helping reduce traction losses. The system is designed to achieve this by using an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions. When operating under a relatively low load or when coasting, the front wheels are driven and the rear wheels are decoupled, helping to save fuel. However, the rear wheels can be engaged in fractions of a second whenever necessary via the center differential, which is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump.
A control unit continually calculates the ideal drive torque for the rear wheels and controls how much the multi-plate clutch should be closed by activating the oil pump. The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates in proportion to the torque desired at the rear axle. So, the amount of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to continuously vary the amount of torque going between the front and rear wheels, up to a maximum of 50 percent at the rear axle.
In addition to the center differential that acts longitudinally, electronic differential locks that are a function of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system act laterally. The system can briefly brake a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side.
Safety & Driver-Assistance Technology
To help protect occupants, the Arteon provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It features eight airbags as standard (front, side, and knee airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions), along with a number of electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
A standard feature on the 2020 Arteon is Volkswagen's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact-the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps address this, in certain crash scenarios, by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus potentially reducing residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.
The Arteon also includes Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.
All Arteon models feature a standard rearview camera.
In the event of a collision with a pedestrian at speeds between 15-34 mph, the reactive hood on the Arteon is raised via its hinges using pyrotechnic technology, helping to reduce the severity of injuries. Triggering of the reactive hood is targeted toward helping to reduce head trauma by increasing the gap between the engine and the more flexible hood.
Front Assist, standard on all models, is intended to warn drivers of potential frontal collisions (Forward Collision Warning) with vehicles and pedestrians, and in some cases provide automatic braking assistance (Autonomous Emergency Braking).
Within physical system limits, Forward Collision Warning warns the driver of potential critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a warning symbol in the instrument cluster if the car is traveling above 18 mph. Furthermore, an automatic jolt of the brakes can warn the driver of the danger. If the driver fails to brake, or if the car is traveling below 18 mph, Autonomous Emergency Braking is activated to help slow the vehicle. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure is increased by the system (Braking Support).
Blind Spot Monitor (Side Assist) is standard on all Arteon models. Side Assist uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and is intended to warn drivers of the presence of other vehicles in adjacent lanes. If the driver uses the turn signal to indicate a lane change while a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, the system utilizes a flashing LED symbol in the mirror housing. Even if the driver does not use a turn signal, the LED symbol in the mirror housing will illuminate if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. The system is designed to help alert drivers in specific situations; stationary objects or oncoming vehicles do not trigger warnings, nor do vehicles more than one lane across away from the vehicle.
If combined with Lane Assist (SEL and SEL Premium models, see below) the system not only warns the driver with the flashing LED symbol if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, but within system limits, it can also countersteer to help keep the car in the lane even if the turn signal is on. If the driver still tries to steer out of the lane, the system will warn with an additional vibration of the steering wheel.
The Rear Traffic Alert system, standard on all models is intended to detect vehicles approaching from the side that may be difficult for the driver to see while reversing. The system offers a 180-degree view of the back of the car with a range of 65 feet, and will present a visual and an acoustic warning, if a potential collision with a crossing vehicle is detected. If the driver does not react, the system can apply the brakes to help mitigate and, in the best case, can prevent a collision. The system is activated by putting the car in reverse.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), standard on SEL and SEL Premium models, uses a forward facing radar to maintain a set speed while helping maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. The driver sets the speed and the desired spacing via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and can further use those buttons to adjust and cancel the ACC function while the accelerator can be used to override the ACC function. Pressing the brakes always cancels the ACC function. All ACC-related system messages appear in the central multifunction display.
When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is clear, the system maintains the set speed. Arteon models fitted with ACC can match a vehicle in front and come to a stop if the vehicle in front does. If the car in front moves within three seconds, ACC will resume automatically to the set speed. If the car stands longer than three seconds, the driver can resume ACC control by pressing the accelerator pedal or the "resume" button on the steering wheel.
Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist) is standard on and SEL Premium R-Line models. When driving above 40 mph, if the system's camera recognizes visible lane markings and, using a special algorithm, calculates that the vehicle is unintentionally straying from its lane without using a turn signal, Lane Assist actively countersteers to help keep the vehicle in the lane If the driver takes his or her hands off the wheel for a defined period of time, the system provides an audible warning and a visual signal in the instrument cluster, asking the driver to take over.
The system will not engage if it cannot properly detect lane markings. If the turn signal has been set before crossing a lane marking, the Lane Assist system will not engage or give a warning. The driver can override the system at any time by applying minimal force to the steering wheel.
Park Distance Control, equipped on Arteon SEL Premium models, uses ultrasonic sensors located in the front and rear bumpers to monitor a range of up to approximately five feet in front or behind the vehicle. The system may activate below 9 mph and helps provide guidance when parking or in tight spaces. The system has audible and visual warnings when the car starts to approach parked cars or static objects of sufficient size from the front or rear.
Maneuver Braking, a part of the Park Distance Control system, is intended to mitigate or help prevent collisions with recognized static obstacles to the front and rear while the vehicle is maneuvered. The system is active between 1-6 mph. If the system detects a stationary object, it can apply the brakes automatically to help prevent or mitigate a collision. The system can be deactivated at any time using the touch display or permanently in the setup menu.
Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist) is included on Arteon SEL Premium models. This system can automatically steer the car into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces (the latter both forward and in reverse). While driving below 25 mph, pressing the Park Assist button in the center console will activate the system to scan the left and right sides of the vehicle for parking spots. By using the turn signal indicator, the driver can indicate which side of the road they would like to park. When the system detects a space, "Parking Space Found" will appear in the multifunction display. The driver only needs to activate the accelerator pedal and brake once a gear is selected, as Park Assist can automatically help steer the vehicle into the parking space. The driver can override or deactivate the steering assistance at any time by turning the steering wheel, or pressing the button.
Two final driver assistance features, standard on SEL Premium models, help provide drivers with better visibility. High Beam Control (Light Assist) automatically switches on the headlamp high beams above 37 mph on dark or poorly lit roads, if there is no oncoming traffic detected. Below 18 mph, the high beams automatically switch off. The Overhead View Camera (Area View) uses the car's four cameras to supplement the driver's view of what is around the vehicle.
Warranty & Maintenance
Every 2020 Atlas comes with a Bumper-to-Bumper Limited Warranty and Carefree Maintenance Program. The warranty provides coverage for four years or 50,000-miles (whichever occurs first), and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration. The Carefree Maintenance Program provides scheduled maintenance services for 2 years or 20,000 miles (whichever occurs first) at no additional charge, and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration.
Competitors
Acura TLX
Infiniti Q50
Kia Stinger
Nissan Maxima
About Volkswagen
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America and a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, with headquarters in Herndon, Virginia. Volkswagen's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Arteon, Atlas, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, e-Golf, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI, Golf R, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, Passat, and Tiguan vehicles through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.