The 2019 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion is a unique offering in the mid-size sedan market, combining sportiness, luxury, and practicality. With its dynamic design, powerful engine, high-tech features, and comfortable cabin, it's an excellent choice for those who want something different from the usual sedan lineup. If you appreciate style and performance in equal measure, the Arteon offers a well-rounded and enjoyable experience.
Design and Exterior
The 2019 Arteon is undeniably sleek, with a coupe-like silhouette, long hood, and a wide stance that gives it an athletic look. The R-Line trim adds sportier styling cues, such as:
- R-Line Front Bumper and Grille: The distinctive front bumper features more aggressive lines and a wide grille with R-Line badging.
- 20-inch Wheels: These larger wheels contribute to the car's commanding presence while also improving handling.
- Quad Exhaust Outlets: The twin exhaust outlets on either side of the car's rear add a touch of performance flair.
- LED Headlights and Taillights: The Arteon comes with adaptive LED headlights that are not only energy-efficient but also enhance the car's modern appearance.
In terms of dimensions, the Arteon is slightly longer than the typical mid-size sedan, making it an imposing vehicle on the road, without feeling oversized.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Arteon boasts a modern and sophisticated cabin with an emphasis on comfort, technology, and quality materials. Some of the key interior features include:
- Premium Materials: Soft-touch materials, leather upholstery, and aluminum accents create an upscale environment.
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats: Both front seats are power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, ensuring comfort in all seasons.
- Digital Cockpit: A 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster is standard, offering various customizable displays for speed, navigation, and media.
- Infotainment System: The Arteon is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with available navigation. The R-Line trim also gets a premium Fender audio system that delivers clear sound.
- Spaciousness: The front seats offer ample space, and the rear seats provide good legroom for taller passengers. The car’s fastback design also means the trunk has a wide opening, offering a 27.2-cubic-foot cargo space, which is competitive for the segment.
Performance
The 2019 Arteon R-Line 4Motion is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, generating 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system ensures better traction in various driving conditions.
Performance highlights:
- Acceleration: The turbocharged engine provides brisk acceleration, with the Arteon R-Line reaching 0-60 mph in around 6.5 seconds. It offers plenty of power for both city driving and highway passing.
- Handling: With its sharp steering and adaptive suspension (on some trims), the Arteon feels nimble around corners, and the sportier R-Line tuning adds an extra layer of engagement without sacrificing comfort.
- Ride Comfort: Despite the performance-oriented R-Line trim, the Arteon maintains a smooth, composed ride on both rough roads and highways. It strikes a balance between sporty handling and comfort, which is ideal for daily driving and long trips.
Driving Experience
The Arteon R-Line 4Motion is well-suited for those who enjoy spirited driving but don’t want to compromise on comfort. The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system helps provide stability in wet or snowy conditions, while the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist offer a level of convenience that makes longer drives easier. It feels planted during spirited cornering and remains composed on highways.
The engine offers a nice balance of power and fuel efficiency. While not the fastest in its class, it’s definitely more than capable of handling any driving situation with confidence.
Technology and Safety Features
Volkswagen packs a lot of tech into the Arteon, including:
- Volkswagen Digital Cockpit: The customizable digital display for the instrument panel provides a modern, tech-forward feel.
- Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist: Standard features in the Arteon, providing semi-autonomous driving assistance for long-distance drives.
- Front Assist: With pedestrian detection, this system warns the driver of potential collisions and can apply the brakes automatically if necessary.
- Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Traffic Alert: These safety features help you avoid potential hazards when changing lanes or reversing.
- Park Assist: Standard on the R-Line trim, making parking a breeze.