Volkswagen Arteon R (2021)

Race driving profile can be activated from the steering wheel

The electronic adaptive chassis control (DCC), the electronic differential lock XDS, progressive steering, the new 4MOTION system and the agile four-cylinder turbocharged engine create incredible driving dynamics. Achieving the ultimate sporty driving style is a matter of mere seconds thanks to a small button with a blue light-up R activated from the multifunction steering wheel: with the Race driving profile. This profile switches features like the engine, running gear, steering system and gearbox to maximum dynamics, transforming both Arteon R models from a gran turismo into a sports car that is ready for the race track. To perfectly hone the driving dynamics when pushed to their limit, the chassis engineers worked with Pirelli to make sure even the tyres are tuned specifically to the Volkswagen Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake. To make sure this careful tuning is maintained when the original tyres have to be replaced later down the line, Volkswagen will offer these tyres for the flagship Arteon models over the long term.

Premium all-rounder as the ideal companion for long distances

All of Volkswagen's R models are not only extremely sporty, but also practical all-rounders ideal for use all year round. And this is particularly true of the new Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake: with their high standard of comfort, a generous vehicle interior that is larger than average (up to 1,016 mm of legroom in the rear, a best-in-class figure), and a digitalised environment of controls and communication, they are ideally suited to long-distance journeys. An extensive network of assist systems, including the standard ACC Adaptive Cruise Control or the optional Travel Assist (partly assisted driving up to 210 km/h), help to ensure the highest standard of safety.

Versatile and powerful

Two examples of their unlimited suitability for day-to-day driving are the size of their luggage compartments and their compatibility as towing vehicles. Both luggage compartments have a wide opening angle and are accessible via large boot lids. Behind the sharp-angled boot lid in the Arteon R Shooting Brake, the luggage compartment capacity reaches up to 565 litres if you load up to the rear seat backrest and the height of the luggage compartment cover. In the case of the fastback with its coupé-style boot lid, the capacity reaches 563 litres. Loaded up to the backrests for the front seats, the luggage compartment volume in the Shooting Brake reaches 1,632 litres, while the fastback version is 1,557 litres. Both Arteon R models are offered with an optional folding towing bracket, which is electrically unlocked and then folded out prior to use. Thanks to the powerful engine and standard 4MOTION system, the Volkswagen Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake can tow trailers weighing up to 2,200 kg (braked, on inclines up to 12%).

R-specific customised exterior

Volkswagen R has customised both the design and the equipment in the Arteon R models. Take the front section, for example: with a bonnet that appears to blend into the radiator grille, LED dual headlights and LED daytime running light wings (below the outer headlights), it is as striking as all other Arteon models. Equipped as standard in the Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake, the crossbar below the VW badge in the radiator grille forms part of the LED daytime running lights and enhances the models' unique appearance. Furthermore, the 320 PS versions come equipped with a unique front apron that helps them to stand out from all other models in the product line: instead of featuring the chrome-look finish, the crossbars come in a high-gloss black to highlight the athletic nature of the R models. At the sides, two air intake openings with a colour-keyed surround for the high-performance engine's extra radiator and brakes join forces with aerodynamically refined air flow elements in high-gloss black.

Rear section with four tailpipes and diffuser

The two R versions also stand out from the standard models at the rear: a four-piped exhaust system developed especially for the Arteon R with its four trapezoidal tailpipes is a visually dominant feature that has been embedded into the newly designed diffuser. The exhaust system generates a sporty sound, and its intensity can be varied using the driving profile selection function.

R-specific finish to the vehicle interior

The vehicle interior in the Arteon R models is shaped by features such as Black Carbon inserts, which adorn the top section of the dash panel and door panels. Other interior features created specifically for the new models include the blue stitching on the seats, multifunction sports steering wheel and DSG gear knob, a hallmark feature in any R model. The bottom steering wheel clip is also finished with a blue insert to complement the stitching. Furthermore, the models come with premium comfort seats as standard. The seats are covered in ArtVelours micro-fleece. A blue R badge is embroidered onto the top section of the front seat backrests. The optional sports seats in Nappa / Nappa Carbon Style are also specially tailored to the VW Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake - in this case, the head restraints are integrated completely into the backrests, which is why this type of seat is known as an integrated seat. Chic: the top side sections of the backrests come in blue leather. And of course, a blue R badge is also stitched into the top of the backrest in this model. The blue used in the interior is similar to the typical metallic Lapiz Blue paintwork used in Volkswagen R models. The Nappa Carbon Style leather (used on the seat cushion bolsters and head restraints in the interior) picks up the visual line of the inserts in the instruments and door trims.

Exclusive as standard

The Volkswagen Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake are not only offered with customised equipment, but also with a broadly expanded standard equipment package. In addition to the R-specific details, their extra features include 3D LED tail light clusters with a dynamic turn signal, exterior mirror caps with a chrome-look finish (mirror on the driver side with automatic dimming function), Light Assist (automatic lighting control), a headliner in Titanium Black, brushed stainless steel pedals, boot lids with sensor-controlled opening and closing (Easy Open & Close), DCC adaptive chassis control including driving profile selection, and a background lighting system with 30 different colours in the vehicle interior. All Arteon models are equipped with the Digital Cockpit Pro (digital instruments with a 10.25-inch TFT colour display and customised R graphics including R logo) and the Discover Media navigation system including Streaming & Internet as standard.

Orders for the new Arteon R models are already open. Both Volkswagens can also be configured online. Taking Germany as an example: the Volkswagen Arteon R is on sale for EUR 63,095.00 while the Volkswagen Arteon R Shooting Brake is available from EUR 63,980.00. The first vehicles are due to arrive with Volkswagen dealerships in April 2021.

The exterior

With their bodies, which are as charismatic as they are sporty, the Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake are now bringing avant-garde design to the premium end of the B-segment. The new flagship models' carefully honed exterior details include the front bumper and the lower section of the rear end including the diffuser and the new exhaust system with two trapezoidal twin tailpipes. Other new features include the (optional) 20-inch Estoril alloy wheels and the clearly visible blue brake calipers (with silver R logo in the front) for the high-performance brake system. High-gloss black body elements also add a chic touch to the front and rear ends. The splitter in the motorsports-style front spoiler comes in a matt black finish.

Powerful and charismatic front end

The design of the Arteon R's front profile is just as avant-garde as it is expressive - stylish business class elements on the one hand, a powerful sports car on the other. The interaction of a long and wide bonnet together with the dominant radiator panel and the (in this case) directly integrated LED headlights establishes a unique character from the front. These confident lines make sure the face of the vehicle stands out from the crowd, a face that only becomes more charismatic with the R-style makeover.

Illuminated radiator grille

The bonnet stretches across the entire front profile to the wheel arches. At the front it reaches far down into the radiator grille, which emphasises the ample width of the Volkswagen Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake

To be more specific, the two upper radiator grille crossbars surround the VW badge in the middle and the low LED headlights on the outside. The lower of the two crossbars features LED fibre optic cables on the outside. They form the daytime running lights and side marker light, as well as the turn signal in the case of the optional IQ.LIGHT- LED headlights. The LED lighting elements, radiator grille and bonnet merge to a form a single unit. And this is even more applicable in the case of the Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake, as the additional standard LED fibre optic cables light up the entire second crossbar in the radiator grille.

New R front apron

The new Arteon flagship models also stand out from the other models in the product line with their full front apron. While the non-R models predominantly feature chrome elements, the Volkswagen Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake come with high-gloss black crossbars, which enhance the sporty style. At the sides, two air intake openings with a colour-keyed surround for the charge air cooler join forces with additional air flow elements in high-gloss black.

One product line, two silhouettes and two rear ends

In general, the side and rear sections of the Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake can be separated into the area above and below the character line. The character line starts as the lower edge of the bonnet, before transforming into an undercut above the door handles and ending in the tail light clusters. Below this line, the fastback and Shooting Brake are identical. Above the character line on the other hand, the design is separated by the B-pillars, forming the roof and rear end of the fastback and Shooting Brake respectively. The character line also visually pushes the volume of the bodies towards the ground, helping to boost their elegance and dynamics. Thanks to its clear athleticism, their powerful and elegant design ideally reflects the nature of the R models.

An athletic rear end

Looking at the vehicle from the rear clearly demonstrates the distinct and powerful design of both body versions' shoulder section. This shoulder section visibly demonstrates just how athletic both Arteon models are. In the lower half of the rear section, the new exhaust system designed especially for the 320 PS versions stands out with its four trapezoidal tailpipes; the new exhaust system is integrated into the sporty diffuser for a striking effect. The four-piped system generates a superior sound, and its intensity can be varied using a driving profile selection. The standard equipment package also includes 3D LED tail light clusters with dynamic turn signals that "swipe".

Sporty exterior colours

The Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake can be configured in seven different colours. The standard paintwork option is Urano Grey. What's more, the Pure White paintwork is available as an option. Other options include metallic Pyrite Silver, metallic Manganese Grey, metallic Lapiz Blue, pearl-effect Deep Black, and mother-of-pearl-effect Oryx White.

The interior

Volkswagen R has also added a number of customised features to the vehicle interior. Features such as Black Carbon inserts, which adorn the top section of the dash panel and door panels, immediately catch the eye. Other interior features created specifically for the new models include the blue stitching on the seats, multifunction sports steering wheel and DSG gear knob, a hallmark feature in any R model. The bottom steering wheel clip is also finished with a blue insert to complement the stitching. The blue R button on the sports steering wheel is also distinctive: with one firm push, drivers can use this button to directly switch to Race mode - the sportiest of all available driving profiles. Giving this button a gentle tap takes the driver to the Infotainment system's driving profile menu instead. Furthermore, the models come with premium comfort seats as standard. The seats are covered in ArtVelours micro-fleece. A blue R badge is embroidered onto the top section of the front seat backrests. The optional sports seats in Nappa / Nappa Carbon Style are also specially tailored to the Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake - in this case, the head restraints are integrated completely into the backrests, which is why this type of seat is known as an integrated seat. Chic: the top side sections of the backrests come in blue leather. And of course, a blue R badge is also stitched into the top of the backrest in this model. The blue used in the interior is similar to the typical metallic Lapiz Blue paintwork used in Volkswagen R models. The Nappa Carbon Style leather (used on the seat cushion bolsters and head restraints in the interior) picks up the visual line of the inserts in the dash panels and door trims.

New dash panel

In autumn 2020, Volkswagen's interior designers redesigned the entire dash panel - consisting of cockpit, surfaces, air outlets, trims -, the centre console (including Infotainment section and air-conditioning controls) as well as the top areas of the door trims. This design and material upgrade has also been brought into the new VW Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake. The uppermost section of the dash panel and door trim feature leatherette surfaces finished with special stitching. In the new R models, the second level is adorned with metallic inserts in Black Carbon that add a unique touch to the interior. The air outlets, stretching up to the third dash panel level, have been redesigned and also fully integrated here. Fine strips of LED are integrated underneath. Thanks to the background lighting function, users can change the colour of the LED light. The inserts in the door panels are also elegantly illuminated in the same shade by the background lighting system. Door handles and the leatherette inserts in the doors have also been redesigned.

New, digitalised controls

The Arteon R models are equipped with a new generation of multifunction steering wheels with digital touch panels as standard. In combination with the Travel Assist system, the steering wheel rim additionally features touch-sensitive surfaces which, once Travel Assist has been activated, detect whether the driver has at least one hand on the steering wheel for safety reasons. The digital controls for the air conditioning system also underwent an upgrade in autumn 2020. The temperatures of the optional 3-zone Air Care Climatronic system can now be set intuitively via a touchslider. In this case, the same also applies for the seat heating, window and windscreen defrost function, and other air conditioner regulation features. All Arteon models are equipped with fully digital instruments as standard, namely the Digital Cockpit Pro. The graphics of the 10.25-inch display are clear and of a high quality. The driver can quickly and easily switch between three basic layouts using a View button on the multifunction steering wheel.

High-end infotainment

The Infotainment system has been integrated in a clearly visible and easy-to-reach position above the new air-conditioning controls. The Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake are equipped with the Discover Media system (8.0-inch screen with navigation, Streaming & Internet) as standard. The Discover Pro system (9.2-inch screen with navigation) is also available as an option. Specific data, such as charge pressure, performance and a G-meter (G forces), can be displayed as additional information in the Infotainment system of the Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake. Furthermore, a lap timer is also integrated into the G-meter for use on the race track.

Sound by Harman Kardon

A high-end sound system made by audio specialists Harman Kardon is available as an option. The system uses a 700-watt, 16-channel Ethernet amplifier to power a total of twelve high-performance loudspeakers. One loudspeaker acts as the centre speaker in the newly designed dash panel while another operates as a subwoofer in the luggage compartment. The remaining treble, mid-range and bass loudspeakers have been arranged in the doors. The Infotainment system coordinates the individual sound control of the Harman Kardon sound system, which also provides pre-configured settings, such as Pure, Chill out, Live and Energy.

Plenty of space for driver, occupants and luggage

Both the driver and front passenger as well as passengers in the rear of the Volkswagen Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake benefit from the excellent package provided by the modular transverse matrix (MQB). One example: maximum legroom in the rear of 1,016 mm, a figure that is best-in-class. Due to its unique roof design, the Shooting Brake provides added headroom at the front and rear of 1,008 to 1,019 mm (+11 mm) at the front and 883 to 835 mm (+48 mm) at the rear. The interior width is the same: 1,500 mm at the front and 1,481 mm at the rear. As standard, the rear seat backrest can be folded asymmetrically in both models. Behind the Arteon R Shooting Brake's rear bench seat is a luggage compartment capacity of up to 565 litres if you load up to the rear seat backrest and luggage compartment cover (fastback: 563 litres). Loading the vehicle up to the roof and to the front seat backrests will increase the loading capacity to 1,632 litres (fastback: 1,557 litres). The maximum loading area length is 2,092 mm (up to the front seats).

The engine

The 1,984 cm3 four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection engine (TSI) in the new Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake is the most powerful model in the EA888 engine family. It is the upgraded version of the fourth generation, which is why it is followed by the label evo4. The engine develops its maximum output (235 kW / 320 hp) between 5,350 and 6,500 rpm. The maximum torque is 420 Nm. This impressive figure is available in a rev speed range of 2,000 and 5,350 rpm. The direct injection engine is characterised by innovative solutions such as water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation to the turbocharger, which is integrated into the cylinder head. Thanks to a fully electronic coolant regulator unit, the TSI also features very efficient thermal management with a short warm-up phase. The resultant reduction in friction losses contributes to reducing fuel consumption. The most powerful Arteon engine also features variable valve timing with double camshaft control. In addition, the valve lift can be switched in two stages on the exhaust side. This solution permits optimum control of gas exchange with respect to performance, consumption and exhaust emissions. The power from the TSI is transferred to the all-wheel drive via a standard 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG), which is designed for extra high torques. Volkswagen refers to this gearbox as the DQ500. The advantage of the DQ500 is that the full torque can be transmitted already from 1st gear without a limiter.

The all-wheel drive system

The Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake come equipped with a new all-wheel drive system with the designation 4MOTION with R-Performance torque vectoring, an exclusive feature for this product line. A newly developed rear axle differential distributes the drive power variably between the front and rear axles - and as a new feature, also variably between the left and right rear wheels. Here's how it works: the differential from the 4MOTION drive system familiar from other Volkswagen MQB models (MQB: modular transverse matrix) distributes the force on a variable basis between the front and rear axle via a multi-plate clutch, while the rear differential lock is open. Depending on the situation, 50 to 100 percent of the drive force flows to the front axle and between 0 and 50 percent to the rear axle. The new 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with R-Performance torque vectoring function, however, can also distribute the torque to the rear axle variably between both rear wheels via two additional electrically operated multi-plate clutches. Thanks to the wheel-selective power at the wheels, up to 100 percent of the possible torque can be directed to the wheel on the outside of the bend. This reduces the cornering radius and understeer is eliminated. This leads to noticeably more agile vehicle handling. The standard progressive steering is a perfect match for this agility. The intensity of the power distribution is determined by the current steering angle, accelerator pedal position, lateral acceleration, yaw rate and speed. The driver can also influence the way in which the new all-wheel drive and the stabilising vehicle dynamics systems work via the driving profile selection (Comfort, Sport, Race and Individual). Using the blue light-up R button in the new multifunction steering wheel, drivers of the Volkswagen Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake can switch directly to the driving profile selection (gentle tap) or straight to the Race mode (firm press).

Sports running gear plus DCC

The Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake are equipped with a sports running gear and adaptive chassis control DCC as standard. Due to the sports running gear, the bodies of the two R models are lowered by 20 mm. The wheels on the front axle are guided by suspension struts (coil springs with telescopic shock absorbers) and lower wishbones (track-stabilising scrub radius). At the rear, there is a four-link axle with individual wheel suspension, gas-filled shock absorber and separate springs. Both axles are equipped with stabilisers.

Adaptive chassis control

The adaptive chassis control (DCC) continuously reacts to the road surface and driving situation while taking into account steering, braking and acceleration manoeuvres, for example. By means of the set driving profile, the driver can influence the reduction in body motion as desired. The required damping is calculated for each wheel and adjusted at the four shock absorbers within fractions of a second. This ensures that DCC always provides the highest level of driving comfort and ideal driving dynamics in conjunction with the Vehicle Dynamics Manager. The basic settings for the adaptive chassis control can also be adjusted using the driving profile - Comfort, Sport, Race and Individual - and a continuously variable DCC slider (from Comfort+ to Sport+) in the Infotainment system. As explained above, a firm press of the R button on the steering wheel can also directly activate the Race profile.

Comfort, Sport, Race and Individual

In the Race profile implemented especially by Volkswagen R for the Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake, the coasting function (freewheeling without drive power) is deactivated, the engine sound is increased via the exhaust flaps, and the DSG, the DCC, progressive steering and the all-wheel drive system are adjusted to a sportier setup. The Sport profile is the dynamic and ideal basic mode for the R models. The Comfort profile is tailored more for a high level of comfort, while still offering a high degree of steering precision. In the Individual profile, the driver can precisely adjust and save their own driving profile using a digital slider in the Infotainment system. Below Comfort (Comfort+), this results in maximum decoupling of the body for even greater comfort. Above Sport (Sport+), the tuning becomes even more dynamic and very direct; in this case, minimum body movement is combined with maximum agility. Using the ESC button, the driver is also able to deactivate ESC separately while on the race track.

Individual ESC control

When the two 320 PS Arteon models are started, ESC is always active as a full system. However, drivers can adapt the ESC in two stages. In ESC Sport mode, the ESC thresholds and ASR slip thresholds are increased to reduce the intensity of interventions. In ESC Off mode, experienced drivers can additionally deactivate ESC altogether for all driving situations. However, Front Assist and Swerve Assist reactivate the full ESC system in emergencies.

Progressive steering

The Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake are equipped with progressive steering as standard. To be more specific, the ratio in the progressive steering system is more direct than in "normal" electromechanical steering; what's more, the R models come equipped with a specific software application. How progressive steering works: conventional steering systems operate on the basis of a fixed gear ratio. However, the progressive steering applies a progressive gear ratio. This significantly reduces the effort required to steer when manoeuvring and parking. On winding country roads and when turning off, the driver will notice a greater dynamic response thanks to the more direct setup. It also means that the driver does not have to change their hand position as frequently. In terms of technology, progressive steering is essentially differentiated from the basic steering system by variable steering rack and pinion gearing as well as a more powerful electric motor. In functional terms, this means the following: unlike in systems with a fixed steering ratio, which are always forced to compromise between driving dynamics and comfort, the teeth of the steering rack vary significantly over the range of the steering movement. As a result, the transition between a comfortable steering response in the centre range (driving straight ahead) and direct steering response for larger steering wheel turn angles has been set up progressively to enable a more agile steering response in driving dynamics situations.

18-inch brake system

To make sure the Arteon R models can be braked confidently from their top speed of 270 km/h, the models have been equipped with a new front-axle brake system with 18-inch brake discs. To be more specific, the 18-inch disc brakes in the front measure 357 x 34 mm, while on the rear axle, both gran turismos are decelerated by 17-inch disc brakes (disc dimension: 310 x 22 mm). The brakes themselves are built with pin discs and a brake pot made of aluminium, which reduces the weight by 600 grams on each side. A speed-dependent map in the electromechanical brake servo ensures precise brake control. The brakes respond particularly sensitively when manoeuvring, for example, but bite instantaneously and powerfully at high speeds. Thanks to precise optimisation in the high brake pressure range, the brakes still permit very exact control even just before ABS intervention. A larger brake master cylinder ensures crisp, precise response in combination with sporty and short brake pedal travel. The specific tuning of the brake pedal characteristic also supports this sportier and more direct brake pedal feeling subjectively in the driver's perception. The new brake system is visually characterised by its blue brake calipers (adorned with a silver R logo in the front).

The standard equipment

The Volkswagen Arteon R and Arteon R Shooting Brake are not only offered with customised equipment, but also with a broadly expanded standard equipment package. The full equipment package in the two R models at a glance (excerpt):

• Exterior
  • AirStop® tyres in size 245/45 R 18
  • Exterior mirror caps with chrome-look finish
  • Chrome strips on the side windows
  • LED headlights with LED daytime running lights
  • 3D LED tail light clusters
  • Sebring alloy wheels 8J x 18
  • Wheel locks with enhanced anti-theft protection
  • R badge on the wing
  • Keyless Go keyless locking system
  • Side trim strips at the bottom, in the same colour as the vehicle body
  • Green thermal insulation glazing, side and rear
• Interior
  • Chrome trim on the door handles, rotary light switches and front vents
  • Headliner in Titanium Black
  • Black Carbon decorative trim for the dash panel and door trim
  • Piano Black decorative trim for centre console
  • Front and rear sill panel trim in stainless steel
  • Front and rear floor mats with R logo
  • Luggage compartment cover
  • Interior light with switch-off delay and dimming function, two LED reading lights in the front and rear
  • LED lights in the front footwell
  • Centre armrest with stowage area
  • Multifunction sports steering wheel in leather, heated, with touch controls and paddles
  • Net partition (for Shooting Brake)
  • Pedals in brushed stainless steel
  • Backrests, asymmetrically split and folding, with centre armrest and load-through hatch
  • Gear knob in leather
  • Centre seat panels on the front seats and outer rear seats in ArtVelours micro-fleece
  • Premium comfort seats in the front, height-adjustable, ergoComfort seat on the driver side, with electrical backrest adjustment
• Function
  • DCC adaptive chassis control including driving profile selection
  • Active bonnet (pedestrian protection system)
  • Background lighting, 30 colour options
  • App-Connect, including App-Connect Wireless for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Exterior mirrors with surround lighting and front passenger exterior mirror lowering function, folding and heated, dimming on the driver side
  • ACC Adaptive Cruise Control with "stop & go" and speed limiter
  • Hill Start Assist
  • Digital Cockpit Pro
  • DAB+ digital radio
  • Easy Open & Close - sensor-controlled luggage compartment opening and closing, with remote control
  • Park Distance Control (warning signals in the front and rear)
  • Electronic differential lock XDS
  • Automatic driving lights, with daytime running lights, Leaving Home and Coming Home function
  • Light Assist main-beam control
  • Automatically dimming interior mirror
  • Air conditioning system with enhanced air filter with activated carbon
  • Lumbar support in the front, electrically adjustable on the driver side
  • Dynamic headlight range control
  • Driver Alert System
  • Discover Media navigation system inc. Streaming & Internet
  • Front Assist Autonomous Emergency Braking including Pedestrian Monitoring
  • Emergency Call Service
  • Progressive steering
  • Rain sensor
  • Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
  • Washer jets in the front with automatic heating
  • Key with R design
  • Keyless locking and starting system Keyless Access
  • Start/stop system with brake energy recuperation
  • Mobile phone interface
  • USB-C port
  • Dynamic Road Sign Display
  • Heated front seats
  • We Connect & We Connect Plus