2021 Volkswagen Arteon Review

Interior Legroom & Space

The Volkswagen Arteon showcases a sophisticated cabin that blends executive-level refinement with modern technology integration. The dashboard layout features an elegant, driver-focused design with VW’s Digital Cockpit Pro, positioning all controls within intuitive reach while maximizing forward visibility. High-quality materials including available Nappa leather seating surfaces, premium soft-touch plastics, real wood or carbon fiber inlays, and brushed aluminum trim emphasize the Arteon’s flagship positioning within Volkswagen’s lineup.

Customizable ambient lighting with multiple color zones creates an upscale atmosphere throughout the cabin that rivals German luxury sedans. The Arteon accommodates up to five passengers across two spacious rows, delivering generous dimensions with 41.2 inches of legroom up front and 35.7 inches of legroom in the rear. Front passengers enjoy 38.4 inches of headroom and 57.2 inches of shoulder room, while rear occupants benefit from 37.1 inches of headroom and 55.5 inches of shoulder room. The fastback roofline does compromise rear headroom compared to traditional sedans, but remains comfortable for most adults.

Cabin Storage

The Arteon provides comprehensive interior storage solutions that belie its coupe-like styling. Up front, occupants benefit from a large center console with available wireless charging pad, spacious door panel storage areas, dual cupholders, and multiple small-item compartments. The rear seats include seat-back pockets, door storage compartments, and a fold-down center armrest with integrated cupholders, ensuring all passengers have convenient storage access despite the fastback design constraints.

Boot Space

The Volkswagen Arteon provides 27.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity with all seats in place, which expands to 54.7 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded flat. The well-proportioned cargo area features a large hatchback opening and relatively low lift-over height that maximizes accessibility despite the coupe-like roofline. The squared-off cargo floor design optimizes usable space for executive travel and weekend getaways. The Shooting Brake variant offers 31.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 59.2 cubic feet with seats folded, providing significantly more cargo versatility for buyers prioritizing maximum practicality.

Exterior

The Volkswagen Arteon commands attention with its dramatic fastback silhouette, combining four-door practicality with coupe-like elegance that distinguishes it from conventional executive sedans. The front end features VW’s evolved grille design with chrome accents and Arteon badging, flanked by standard LED headlights with available IQ.Light matrix LED technology on higher trims. Enhanced bumper designs with integrated fog lights and R-Line specific styling cues underscore its premium positioning within the VW lineup.

The side profile showcases the Arteon’s defining characteristic: a sweeping fastback roofline that flows seamlessly into the rear deck, creating one of the most distinctive silhouettes in the executive sedan segment. Clean body panels with subtle character lines and available 18-20 inch wheels emphasize the model’s sophisticated proportions. Chrome window surrounds and available R-Line exterior accents provide visual refinement while maintaining the vehicle’s elegant appearance.

The rear design features distinctive LED taillights that span the width of the vehicle with dynamic turn signals, creating a premium lighting signature. The integrated rear spoiler and sculpted bumper with dual exhaust outlets reinforce the Arteon’s sporty character. The overall design achieves a compelling balance of executive sophistication and coupe-like drama that defines the Arteon’s unique character within Volkswagen’s sedan portfolio.

2021 Volkswagen Arteon Safety Features

The Volkswagen Arteon includes an extensive array of advanced safety technologies as part of VW’s IQ.DRIVE suite, featuring Front Assist automatic emergency braking, Lane Keeping System, Blind Spot Monitor, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, rear traffic alert, parking sensors with rearview camera, and tire pressure monitoring. Higher trims offer additional features including Travel Assist semi-autonomous driving, Area View 360-degree camera system, and Park Assist automated parking, providing comprehensive driver assistance capabilities that rival luxury sedans costing significantly more.