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2019 Volkswagen Arteon: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big news for 2019 is the Volkswagen Arteon’s all-new U.S. launch. It replaces the CC with a larger, more upscale fastback body and a wide-opening rear hatch.
About the 2019 Volkswagen Arteon
1st generation Arteon; first U.S. model year.
Volkswagen positions the Arteon as a style-led flagship car: a sleek fastback sedan with the cargo access of a hatchback and the space of a larger car. The pitch is less about raw performance and more about standout design, long-distance comfort, upscale technology, and everyday usefulness. Compared with ordinary midsize sedans, the Arteon’s big differentiators are its dramatic shape, roomy interior, wide rear opening, and near-luxury feature set.
The 2019 Arteon is a roomy, premium-leaning fastback offered in value-focused SE, upscale SEL, luxury-oriented SEL Premium, and sport-look R-Line forms. Every version has a 268-hp turbo four-cylinder, an eight-speed automatic, adaptive suspension, LED lighting, and an 8-inch touchscreen; upper trims bring features such as leather, digital gauges, navigation, massaging front seats, and premium audio.
What changed, by category
Structural
The Arteon begins its first U.S. model year as Volkswagen’s replacement for the CC. Its larger fastback body uses a wide-opening rear hatch instead of a conventional sedan trunk.
Powertrain
The 2019 U.S. lineup uses a 268-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive and 4Motion all-wheel drive are represented in the lineup.
Styling
The Arteon introduces a longer, more upscale shape than the CC it replaces. R-Line versions pair that body with a more aggressive grille and front bumper, unique trim and badging, and a rear lip spoiler.
Safety
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear traffic alert are standard across the 2019 lineup. Upper trims build on that foundation with features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and an Area View camera.
Tech
Adaptive suspension damping, LED exterior lighting, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are standard throughout the debut lineup. SEL and SEL Premium trims add equipment such as digital gauges, navigation, premium audio, and automated parking assistance.
2019 Volkswagen Arteon specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic | Automatic, 8-Spd & Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 27 mpg | 31 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp | 268 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 27.2 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 40.2 in | 40.2 in | 40.2 in | 40.2 in | 40.2 in | 40.2 in | 40.2 in | 40.2 in | 40.2 in | 40.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||||
| Massage Front Seat | ||||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is 2019 the first U.S. model year for the Volkswagen Arteon?
Yes. The 2019 Arteon is the model’s first U.S. version, replacing the Volkswagen CC with a larger fastback body and a rear hatch.
What engine is in the 2019 Volkswagen Arteon?
Every 2019 Volkswagen Arteon has a 268-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Does the 2019 Volkswagen Arteon have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive is fitted to several 2019 Arteon versions, including SE, SEL, SEL Premium, and R-Line configurations bearing the 4Motion name. Other SE and SEL versions use front-wheel drive.
Does the 2019 Arteon R-Line have more power?
No. The 2019 Arteon R-Line uses the same 268-hp turbo engine as the rest of the range. R-Line models stand apart through their sportier grille, bumpers, trim, badging, rear spoiler, steering wheel, and shift paddles.
Which 2019 Volkswagen Arteon trims have the most luxury features?
The SEL Premium 4Motion trims have the richest comfort and convenience equipment. Highlights include ventilated front seats, a massaging driver’s seat, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, premium audio, automated parking assistance, and a surround-view camera.
2019 Volkswagen Arteon Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Volkswagen Arteon.
4.3
2019 Volkswagen Arteon
(136 reviews)
“Buy it! This car has the best of everything that Volkswagen has to offer and stands for. It is a perfect vehicle for a VW newcomer or an enthusiast.”
“Mediocre drivers need not apply - would do the vehicle an injustice - handles best for experienced drivers!”