Volkswagen Arteon Trims: SE, SEL & SEL Premium

Last updated August 4, 2026

Volkswagen Arteon

Across 2019–2023, the Volkswagen Arteon lineup starts with SE, the value-focused entry point with the model’s sleek hatchback-style body, roomy cargo access, and adaptive suspension. SEL is the comfort step-up, adding leather, a panoramic sunroof, driver-seat memory, and a richer technology package. SEL Premium sits at the top with premium audio, upgraded seat comfort, a 360-degree camera, and parking assistance. R-Line versions add sportier-looking trim, while 4Motion means all-wheel drive.

What each trim is known for

Volkswagen Arteon Base Model

Base Model

SESE 4MotionSE R-LineSE R-Line 4Motion

The Base Model trim level — SE, SE 4Motion, SE R-Line, and SE R-Line 4Motion — is the value-focused Arteon, pairing its sleek shape and practical rear hatch with a generous core comfort and technology package.

Best for: Shoppers who want the Arteon’s style, space, and composed ride without making leather or top-level luxury equipment a priority.

Highlights

  • Adaptive suspension that adjusts the car’s ride firmness
  • Heated power front seats with synthetic leather upholstery
  • Hands-free power rear hatch for easier cargo access
  • R-Line versions add sportier trim, while 4Motion versions add all-wheel drive
6 in stock
Volkswagen Arteon Mid-Level

Mid-Level

SELSEL 4MotionSEL R-LineSEL R-Line 4Motion

The Mid-Level trim level — SEL, SEL 4Motion, SEL R-Line, and SEL R-Line 4Motion — is the comfort-and-tech sweet spot, known for leather, a panoramic sunroof, and a more upscale cabin.

Best for: Drivers who want a richer interior and more convenience while stopping short of the top trim’s premium audio and advanced parking hardware.

Highlights

  • Leather seating with heated power front seats and driver-seat memory
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Adaptive cruise control and a broader driver-assistance package, with exact content varying by year
  • R-Line versions bring sportier styling, while 4Motion versions provide all-wheel drive

Adds leather seating, driver-seat memory, a panoramic sunroof, and a richer comfort-and-assistance package over the Base Model; the level increasingly centers on 4Motion all-wheel drive in later years.

8 in stock
Volkswagen Arteon Fully Loaded

Fully Loaded

SEL Premium 4MotionSEL Premium R-Line 4Motion

The Fully Loaded trim level — SEL Premium 4Motion and SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion — is the luxury-focused Arteon, combining standard all-wheel drive with premium sound and the lineup’s most advanced parking help.

Best for: Shoppers who want the most comfort and convenience in an Arteon, especially upgraded audio, easier parking, and additional seat amenities.

Highlights

  • 4Motion all-wheel drive and adaptive suspension
  • Perforated Nappa leather seating
  • Premium audio from Dynaudio or Harman Kardon, depending on year
  • 360-degree camera and Park Assist parking steering aid

Adds perforated Nappa leather, premium audio, a 360-degree camera, and Park Assist over the Mid-Level. Ventilated front seats, a driver massage function, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel also distinguish some years.

5 in stock

Trim comparison

FeatureMid-LevelBase ModelFully Loaded
Includes
SEL, SEL 4Motion, SEL R-Line, SEL R-Line 4Motion8 in stock
SE, SE 4Motion, SE R-Line, SE R-Line 4Motion6 in stock
SEL Premium 4Motion, SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion5 in stock
Drivetrain across 2019–2023FWD or 4Motion AWD, depending on version and yearFWD on SE versions; AWD on 4Motion versions4Motion AWD
Seat upholsteryLeather or Nappa leatherSynthetic leatherPerforated Nappa leather
Panoramic sunroofIncludedNot a core level featureIncluded
Front-seat comfortHeated power seats + driver memoryHeated power seatsVentilation and massage features, depending on year
Premium audio——Dynaudio or Harman Kardon, depending on year
Top parking package——360-degree camera + Park Assist
2023 city/highway fuel economy22/31 mpg25/33 mpg22/31 mpg

Frequently asked questions

What do R-Line and 4Motion mean on an Arteon?

R-Line identifies sportier exterior and interior styling. 4Motion means all-wheel drive for added traction. They describe different things, so an Arteon may have R-Line styling, 4Motion, or both depending on its model year and trim.

What is the difference between the SE and SE R-Line?

The SE has the cleaner standard appearance, while the SE R-Line adds sportier bumpers, grille details, badges, interior trim, and related appearance touches. On newer Arteons, R-Line styling became standard across the range, so the plain SE disappeared.

What does the SEL add over the SE?

On earlier Arteons, the SEL adds the main comfort-and-tech upgrades: leather seating, driver-seat memory, a panoramic sunroof, navigation, adaptive cruise control, remote start, and power-folding mirrors.

What does the SEL R-Line add over the SE R-Line?

In recent lineups, the SEL R-Line adds all-wheel drive, leather seating, driver-seat memory, a panoramic sunroof, remote start, richer cabin trim, and additional driver assistance. It is the step up for comfort as well as traction.

What does the SEL Premium R-Line add over the SEL R-Line?

The SEL Premium R-Line adds the top cabin and parking features, including perforated Nappa leather, premium audio, a 360-degree camera, and a system that steers during parking. Both trims retain all-wheel drive and adaptive suspension in recent lineups.

What is the difference between SEL and SEL 4Motion?

The main difference is traction. SEL 4Motion adds all-wheel drive and selectable driving modes while keeping the SEL’s leather seats, panoramic sunroof, navigation, digital gauges, and adaptive cruise control.

Which Arteon trim is the sensible pick for snowy weather?

Look for a trim carrying the 4Motion name, which means all-wheel drive. SE 4Motion and SEL 4Motion offer it on earlier cars, while newer SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line models include it as standard equipment.

Which Arteon trim is the best fit if I want leather seats?

Start with an SEL or higher trim. Depending on the era, SEL, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium versions use leather seating, while SE-based trims generally use synthetic leather.

Which Arteon trim balances comfort, features, and all-wheel drive?

The SEL R-Line 4Motion is the balanced choice in later lineups. It combines all-wheel drive, leather, a panoramic sunroof, driver-seat memory, adaptive cruise control, ambient lighting, and remote start without the top trim’s extra audio and parking hardware.

Which Arteon trim has the most luxury features?

The SEL Premium is the top trim. Earlier cars used SEL Premium 4Motion, while later versions were called SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion. These models add premium audio, advanced parking aids, richer leather, and extra seat-comfort features depending on the era.

Which Arteon trims have a panoramic sunroof?

The panoramic sunroof is generally found on SEL and SEL Premium models, including their R-Line and 4Motion versions. SE-based trims are the ones to avoid if a large glass roof is important.

Which Arteon trim has premium audio and a 360-degree camera?

Look for an SEL Premium model. Earlier versions use Dynaudio premium audio, while later SEL Premium R-Line models use Harman Kardon. The top trim also includes a 360-degree camera and parking assistance.

Do base Arteon trims still have adaptive suspension?

Yes. Adaptive suspension is part of the Arteon’s core equipment, including SE and SE R-Line versions. It lets the car adjust how firm or soft the ride feels rather than reserving that feature for the top trim.

Is an SE R-Line too basic inside?

Not necessarily. On newer models, the SE R-Line includes heated power front seats, a heated steering wheel, digital gauges, navigation, wireless smartphone connectivity and charging, driver assistance, and a hands-free power hatch. Its main tradeoffs are synthetic leather and front-wheel drive.