The 2021 VW Arteon is here, and it looks like Volkswagen is really going through with this big sedan thing. You’d think they would have learned their lesson with other high-end(ish) luxo-sedans from the recent past (the Phaeton), but they’re taking another run at it, this time with the Arteon. The pricing isn’t too bad, but only time will tell if this will end up being another Quixotic tilting at sedan-shaped windmills.

Look, I have nothing against this, per se. It’s not that I don’t like big-ish luxo-sedans, it’s that the auto buying public does not like them. Sedan sales cratered a few years back. Even in Europe, sort of the last bastion of sedans, everyone is moving towards SUV and crossovers. So VW has already chosen a tough path to follow. Add to that our dismal test drive experience earlier this year with the 2020 Arteon, and it’s hard to see how this will work for VW.
Which is sad, because the Arteon hits a rather sweet price point. To cut to the chase, the 2021 VW Arteon will start at $36,995 (without the destination charge). Not exactly cheap, but given that the Arteon is loaded with tech, safety, comfort, and convenience stuff, it’s actually kind of a bargain.

2021 VW Arteon: Engine & Powertrain

The Arteon is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine with direct injection. Yes, a four-banger is kinda cutting corners, but they gotta be cut somewhere, right" Besides, in this case, it’s...