Business & Money • Automobiles

Volkswagen Arteon

The Volkswagen Arteon is a mid-size liftback automobile produced by Volkswagen and introduced in 2017 as a more upmarket successor to the Volkswagen CC.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Volkswagen Arteon is a mid-size liftback automobile produced by Volkswagen and introduced in 2017 as a more upmarket successor to the Volkswagen CC. It was offered in several markets in hatchback/liftback and estate body styles, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on trim and market. Volkswagen positioned it as a flagship-style model with a focus on styling, space, and technology.

Overview

The Arteon is a Volkswagen passenger car designed as a stylish, semi-premium alternative within the brand’s range. It is known for its fastback-inspired shape, roomy cabin, and high equipment levels.

History

Volkswagen revealed the Arteon in 2017, with market introductions following in the same year. It replaced the CC as Volkswagen’s more upscale four-door model and remained in production through the mid-2020s.

Design and body styles

The Arteon’s design centers on a low, coupé-like roofline and liftback rear hatch. Later updates added an estate variant in some markets, marketed as the Shooting Brake.

Engines and drivetrains

Depending on market and model year, the Arteon was offered with turbocharged petrol engines, diesel engines, and a plug-in hybrid option. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations were available.

Key facts

The Arteon was unveiled in 2017 and launched as Volkswagen’s more premium-looking successor to the CC.
It used Volkswagen’s MQB platform.
Body styles included a five-door liftback and, in some markets, an estate/Shooting Brake.
Powertrains varied by market, including petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid versions.
The model was marketed as a flagship or near-flagship Volkswagen with an emphasis on design and equipment.

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Canadian context

The Arteon was sold in Canada during its North American market run and is relevant to Canadian readers as a Volkswagen midsize liftback positioned above the Passat in styling and price.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Volkswagen Arteon?

The Volkswagen Arteon is a mid-size, stylish liftback car from Volkswagen, positioned above mainstream family cars and below luxury-brand rivals.

When was the Arteon introduced?

Volkswagen unveiled the Arteon in 2017, and it entered production and sales in the following model years.

What replaced the Volkswagen Arteon?

The Arteon was a successor to the Volkswagen CC rather than a direct replacement for the Passat.

What body styles did the Arteon have?

It was sold mainly as a five-door liftback, and in some markets as an estate called the Shooting Brake.

Was the Arteon available with all-wheel drive?

Yes. Depending on the market and trim, the Arteon was offered with all-wheel drive, including Volkswagen’s 4Motion system.

Did the Arteon have a plug-in hybrid version?

Yes. Some markets offered a plug-in hybrid Arteon variant with electric-only driving capability.

References

Car and Driver — https://www.caranddriver.com/volkswagen/arteon
Supports: Confirms body style, powertrain, drivetrain, and North American model details.
Carwow — https://www.carwow.co.uk/volkswagen/arteon
Supports: Confirms engine range, all-wheel-drive availability, and safety information.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Arteon
Supports: Confirms introduction year, predecessor, platform, and general model overview.
RAC Drive — https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/volkswagen/arteon/arteon/
Supports: Confirms launch timing, body styles, and market positioning.
Volkswagen Media — https://media.vw.com/models/arteon
Supports: Confirms Volkswagen's positioning of the Arteon as a flagship sedan with available 4Motion all-wheel drive.