Flagship Fastback: 2019 Volkswagen Arteon Makes US Debut in Chicago [Video]

the 2018 Detroit Auto show brought us a whirlwind of new vehicles, but auto show season isn’t over yet. The 2018 Chicago Auto Show is taking place this week and Volkswagen have taken the opportunity to make a US debut. In this case it is the 2019 Volkswagen Arteon, which is replacing the outgoing Volkswagen CC.

Platform & Powertrain

The 2019 Volkswagen Arteon is based off of the same MQB chassis architecture as almost all of the VW lineup. Under the hood is VW’s bread and butter motor, a 2.0-liter four cylinder turbo that makes 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels, unless you select the available 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Regardless of how many wheels you are spinning, power is being sent through an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Styling

Styling is always subjective, but Volkswagen have gone for a sort of evolutionary look compared to the CC. It still features the same fastback design with a low, wide stance. The Arteon is significantly larger than its outgoing counterpart. The Arteon’s wheelbase is more than 5 inches longer than the CC—111.9 inches compared to 106.7 inches. 18″ alloy rims come standard, although 19″ rims are available.

Technology

As with most new vehicles in the market today, standard technology features remain a focus on this new sedan. Standard technology features include full LED headlights, Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, and DCC adaptive damping shocks.

However, many technology features will be available as options. For example, you can spec Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, a massaging driver’s seat, and Dynaudio premium audio. Plus many driver assistance technologies are available, as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Assist, Light Assist, Park Distance Control, Park Assist, and Area View.

[Photo: VW]
Keyless access and push button start also come standard, as well as an 8-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple Car Play.

Pricing for the 2019 Volkswagen Arteon has not yet been announced, but the vehicle should arrive in dealerships around the third quarter 2018. For more news on the upcoming VW fastback sedan, be sure to stay tuned to TFLcar and TFLnow.

While you wait, why not see what we think of the redesigned 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, which debuted in Detroit: