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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Money & Work • 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.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

The Volkswagen Arteon is a mid-size liftback produced from 2017 to 2025. It served as Volkswagen's more upmarket successor to the CC, with a focus on styling and space.

What it is

The Arteon is a five-door liftback built on the Volkswagen MQB platform. It was available in some markets as an estate called the Shooting Brake. Positioned as a flagship model, it emphasized design and equipment over the standard Passat.

Key details

Powertrains varied by market and included turbocharged petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (4Motion) were offered. The Arteon was known for its low, coupé-like roofline and roomy cabin.

Canadian relevance

The Arteon was sold in Canada during its North American market run. It was positioned above the Passat in styling and price, offering a more premium midsize liftback option for Canadian buyers. All-wheel drive was available on certain trims.

In short

  • Successor to the Volkswagen CC, introduced in 2017.
  • Built on the MQB platform with liftback and estate body styles.
  • Offered with petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
  • Sold in Canada as a stylish, semi-premium option above the Passat.
Canadian angle

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.

Quick questions

What is the Volkswagen Arteon?
It is a mid-size 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, with production starting that year and continuing through 2025.
Was the Arteon available with all-wheel drive?
Yes. Depending on the market and trim, the Arteon offered all-wheel drive via Volkswagen's 4Motion system.

Sources

  1. Car and Driver — https://www.caranddriver.com/volkswagen/arteon
    Supports: Confirms body style, powertrain, drivetrain, and North American model details.
  2. Carwow — https://www.carwow.co.uk/volkswagen/arteon
    Supports: Confirms engine range, all-wheel-drive availability, and safety information.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Arteon
    Supports: Confirms introduction year, predecessor, platform, and general model overview.
  4. RAC Drive — https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/volkswagen/arteon/arteon/
    Supports: Confirms launch timing, body styles, and market positioning.
  5. 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.