Arteon

Make
Volkswagen
Segment
Sedan

Intending to lead the electric vehicle segment, Volkswagen is pulling no punches when it comes to overhauling its lineup. Things may be slow in the USA, where the ID.4 remains the company's sole EV offering but, soon, the ID.Buzz is expected to make its local debut.

To make space for new electric offerings, VW will have to cull some ICE models, and it seems the first model to go will be the handsome Arteon. First seen in 2019, the svelte four-door coupe replaced the CC as a more rakish alternative to the conservative Passat, itself a victim of the sedan culling but one we aren't exactly upset about.

According to Automotive News, the Arteon will be discontinued from 2024 and replaced by the ID.Aero, a concept version of which was unveiled in June.

The report states the Arteon will only be abandoned in the United States. This means there's a good chance it will live on for a few more years in other markets. However, we're guessing it doesn't have much time in other regions. Earlier this year, Volkswagen announced the Euro-market Passat would also be axed due to slowed sales.

This comes as no surprise, as SUVs remain the apple of the consumer's eye. The ID.4 will soon be joined by a larger sibling; a three-row crossover is scheduled to arrive in 2026. As per the report, this newcomer may be built in Chattanooga and will arrive at the same time as the refreshed Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models.

The ID.Aero will arrive right on time, plugging the gap left by the Arteon and Passat when it arrives in 2024. According to Volkswagen, the USDM variant will be revealed in 2023, so we can expect the first examples to hit dealerships in 2024. The sleek EV will reach the Chinese market as early as next year.

While sad, news of the Arteon's imminent departure comes as no surprise. In the second quarter of 2022, Volkswagen managed to sell a mere 123 units. Compared to the same period last year, that represents a decline of 92.7%. Of course, this sheer drop in numbers can be attributed to production problems and supply chain issues but, the writing is on the wall - people don't want sedans anymore.

Electric sedans, however, are another story. Tesla's Model 3 continues to surge in popularity, despite it being a regular fixture on local roads. If Volkswagen can get a slice of this pie, it may be able to improve its dwindling sedan sales numbers and provide a genuine alternative to the ubiquitous Model 3.

The loss of the Arteon will be felt across the Volkswagen community, and among those who dare to stand out from the crowd. However, the ID.Aero gives us plenty to look forward to. VW claims a travel range of 385 miles (on the WLTP cycle) and, while the concept utilizes a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery, things may change for the production variant.

Aside from that, not much is known but the automaker is promising a plush cabin and "dynamic driving behavior."