Arteon

Make
Volkswagen
Segment
Sedan

The sleek and stylish Volkswagen Arteon fastback has only been on sale since 2018, but spy shots of prototypes undergoing testing have shown that Volkswagen has been preparing to unleash an updated version for the 2021 model year. Now, Volkswagen has confirmed the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon will make its world debut in just a few weeks on June 24.

Joining the Arteon sedan will be a new stylish Shooting Brake variant, which was spied testing earlier this year. Sorry wagon enthusiasts, but VW has confirmed the Arteon Shooting Brake will only be sold in Europe and China meaning it will be forbidden fruit in the US, which isn't too surprising.

A render image released by VW depicting a near-production concept of the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon previews some subtle styling changes. Being a concept render, some of the design details are exaggerated such as the oversized wheels, but the slimmer headlights connected with a slim light bar matches the look of the new eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf.

We weren't expecting any major exterior design changes, but the Arteon is still one of the best-looking sedans on the market so it arguably doesn't need any. As for the interior, Volkswagen has confirmed the 2021 Arteon will have a redesigned cockpit and an upgraded infotainment system with enhanced connectivity features. For the first time, the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon will be equipped with VW's "Travel Assist" autonomous tech that will take over steering, acceleration and braking up to speeds of 130 mph under the driver's control.

Volkswagen is keeping technical details under wraps for now. In the US, engine options for the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon will most likely carry over from the current model. Under the hood, the current Arteon is powered by an efficient turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Spy shots have also shown that Volkswagen is cooking up a hot R version of the Arteon, which is rumored to pack a new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 400 hp on tap. Sadly, the Arteon R is expected to suffer the same fate as the Shooting Brake and not be sold in America. Hopefully, we'll get confirmation when the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon debuts later this month, although we're expecting the range-topping Arteon R to be unveiled at a later date.