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# is running - a hashtag that doesn't always seem appropriate at Volkswagen. The Volkswagen Phaeton? A prestige object, a great car, but still a flop. Of the Volkswagen Passat CC or just "CC" - what was his name later? Not exactly what you would call a box office hit. We don't want to dig out the diesel issue now. And yet: Volkswagen is one of the most successful automotive groups in the world, but it had to do without a real flagship - until now! The new Volkswagen Arteon wants to take on this task and at the same time inherit the CC and the Volkswagen Phaeton.
Fahrbericht
Design - an eye-catcher
Perhaps the times when all Volkswagen united a family face are with the Arteon passé. After all, the new four-door coupe no longer wears the narrow grill, which connects the headlights with a maximum of three struts, but now a lavishly designed pendant that attracts the eye. Wide, horizontal chrome struts give the bug not only vehemence, but also self-confidence. In addition, the "face" of Wolfsburgers glances only draws attention. Who would have thought that you would not get away with a Volkswagen.
In fact, the Volkswagen Arteon turns pedestrians, cyclists and other road users' throats - in unobtrusive uranium gray. But not only the front of Lower Saxony stands out, but also the stately format. Sure, after all, the new model inherits the Phaeton as well as the CC - because the dimensions have to grow a bit. 4,87 m measures the four-door coupe and thus peers into the upper middle class. On the other hand, Wolfsburg's wheels have a high-end format: 20 inches can be ordered as an option in the sweeping wheel arches. Exciting in these is the inclusion of a style element, the one from A knows: The interruption of the lateral Tornadolinie by the front wheel house.
At the rear of the Volkswagen Arteon, however, is less courageous drawn, but still acts complacent. Cherry-red taillights, width emphasizing lines and tailpipes integrated into the rear apron - that looks chic and fits the rich flagship character. The boot compartment is also full: the 563 to 1.577 liters can be easily used behind the wide-opening tailgate. There's another saying that a four-door coupe is not practical.
Interior - recognizable family DNA in the Volkswagen Arteon
If the exterior of the Volkswagen Arteon is characterized by a strong sense of autonomy, you can not just say that about the interior - here was the cockpit of the VW Passat Feeder. This body would have wanted something more character in the interior. But enough of the black painting, after all, there is nothing else to suspend the Wolfsburg. The choice of materials also meets high standards - and they have to, the Volkswagen Arteon wants poaching in the upper middle class. In addition, there is enough room for unfolding at the front and in the back. That's right: even in the back! Even long-legged people can beat each other's legs in the back. As a sticking point, however, you could see the headroom, which could be limited by the coupe adhesive roofline. But Pustekuchen: even giant sitting find enough room for extravagant "in-time-nod".
And that turns on automatically when the driver turns up the Dynaudio system (... and has good taste in music ...). Rich basses, completely distortion-free heights and a satiety that is rare in this price range. Too bad that it is so cumbersome to regulate the volume: The new 9,2 inch large infotainment system convinces on the whole level, but is noticeable by the absence of an important turn-wheel for the volume setting. Yet this would be an important point, because you can operate it blind and do not have to turn your gaze from the street. Of course, there are also steering wheel buttons, but these would be faster to use if they were exchanged for wheels. The Infotainment itself there is nothing to complain about: The picture is crisp, the connectivity thanks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and MirrorLink well and the operation - except for .... Well, you know - exemplary. A real Volkswagen just.
Driving impressions - sovereignty on all paths
As a true Volkswagen, the Volkswagen Arteon also shows when driving. Sovereign, the four-door coupe can move on all surfaces and in any situation. In city traffic, the smooth steering is beneficial, while you learn to appreciate the low consumption of the 2.0 TDI on rural roads: During our trips over land, the Wolfsburg 5,2 liter approved on 100 km. And that is an outstanding value, since we are talking here about an 240 PS unit, which pushes 500 Nm onto the crankshaft and delivers considerable performance. At 100 km / h 6,3 seconds, while only at 245 km / h should be over with the drive. This is something you can hardly expose anything, so that the motorway capability would be ticked off.
In general, the Arteon wants to be "Everybody's Darling" while driving. Its DCC chassis can now be adjusted continuously and offers everything from springy to litter-like sliding everything the passenger's heart desires. It's amazing how smoothly the Volkswagen Arteon unrolls itself with the optional 20-inch rims and iron even rough dislocations smoothly. Comfortable it continues, if one orders the adaptive cruise control. In conjunction with the infotainment system "Discover Pro" this now includes navigation data. When driving, this is shown by the Arteon, for example, when reaching a locality automatically slows down to the permissible speed and accelerates at the end back to country road speed. The assistant takes the curves into account and brakes the Lower Saxony down to the appropriate speed. Depending on the chosen driving mode, this will be faster or slower. Thus, the Volkswagen Arteon passes through a roundabout quite dynamic, the sport mode is selected, while taking in the comfort position comfortable cornering. The system works impressively well and is very mature.
Conclusion - expectations met
The Volkswagen Arteon is convincing - on all levels. Its design stands out pleasantly from the crowd, the interior is generous and the trunk volume should satisfy even families of four. The technology is also convincing, such as the adaptive cruise control or the sophisticated infotainment. The former can not only determine the speed, but also illuminate curves before you have recognized them. Thanks to LED headlights, they shine as bright as day. But what can you really blame this Wolfsburg man on? Apart from the absence of the volume control wheel, there are few opportunities to criticize the Volkswagen Arteon. Sure, the prices start at around 40.000 euros, but you get a lot on offer. An extraordinary design, for example. A VW with a visual character - it works!