Volkswagen has officially taken the wraps off of its new luxury gran turismo (grand tourer). Meet the Volkswagen Arteon, which is positioned above the Passat and replaces the outgoing CC model.

The Volkswagen Arteon comes to market as a 5-door fastback, brimming with the latest technology and premium design. Built on the MQB platform thatunderpins a host of Audi and Volkswagen products, the Arteon features a long wheelbase and is fairly wide, which presupposes excellent interior space. At4 862 mm long and 1 871 mm wide, the Arteon is sizeable. Boot space is claimed to sit at563 litres and can be expanded to 1 557 litres.

Its front-end design is arguably the newcomer's biggest talking point. With a long bonnet, striking daytime running lights and LED headlights, there'll be no mistaking the Arteon for anything else. The flared wheel arches can accommodate wheels of up to 20-inch alloys.

The Volkswagen Arteonsits above the Passat and will be manufactured at Volkswagen's plantin Emden, Germany. The vehicle launches in mid-June in the German market and has been confirmed for theSouth African market introduction. There are 6engines, front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations, plus digital displays and controls. Options includeActive Info Display (fully digital and programmable instruments), a head-up display and the new Discover Pro infotainment system with a 9.2-inch glass screen and gesture control.

Overview of petrol engines for the Arteon:

1.5 TSI Evo, 110 kW6-speed/optional 7-speed DSG (DSG for 1.5 TSI Evo not Germany)2.0 TSI, 140 kW 7-speed DSG2.0 TSI, 206 kW 7-speed DSG plus 4MOTION

Overview of turbodiesel engines for the Volkswagen Arteon:

2.0 TDI, 110 kW6-speed/optional 7-speed DSG2.0 TDI, 140 kW6-speed/optional 7-speed DSG / optional 4MOTION2.0 TDI, 176 kW7-speed DSG plus 4MOTION

Two Trim Levels

The Volkswagen Arteongran turismo will be available in two exclusive equipment lines: the 'Elegance' and 'R-Line'.Every Volkswagen Arteon model has the following features as standard:

ExteriorChrome strips on side windowsLED tail lightsLED headlights with LED daytime running lightsAlloy wheels (from 17-inch)Keyless Go locking systemInteriorStainless steel door tread plates, front and rearComposition Media infotainment system, including eight loudspeakers, auxiliary and USB inputs (Apple-compatible)Electronically controlled air conditioning systemMultifunction steering wheel in leather (with shift paddles on DSG models)Semi-electric (6-way) adjustable front comfort seatsDriver assistance and handling systemsDriver Alert SystemProgressive steering

The Volkswagen Arteon Elegance includes the following custom details:

ExteriorChrome wing mirror capsLED tail lights with dynamic indicator light function18-inch "Muscat" alloy wheelsContinuous chrome trim strip on lower bodyworkHeated windscreen washer jetsInteriorAluminium pedalsInstruments, dashboard and door panels with individualised look and trimContrast stitching on seat covers and floor matsSeat covers in alcantara/leather ('Vienna')Front seat heating

The Volkswagen Arteon R-Line includes the following custom details:

ExteriorC-signature of the front air intakes in high-gloss blackLeather sports multifunction steering wheel in R-Line design18-inch 'Sebring' alloy wheelsHeated windscreen washer jetsUnique R-Line bumpersContinuous chrome trim strip on lower bodyworkChrome-plated exhaust system tailpipesInteriorAluminium pedalsRoof liner in "Titan Black"Stainless steel door tread plates front and rear with R-Line logo on front platesAlcantara/leather ("Vienna") seat covers with R-Line logoUnique R-Line steering wheelFront seat heating

View a video of the Volkswagen Arteonbelow:

Further Reading

Read a first drive of the Volkswagen Passat here

See what we thought of the new Volkswagen Golf

Check out the Volkswagen Passat economy champion

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