POWER FINALLY CATCHES UP W/ PRESTIGE VDUB: In 2019, German automaker Volkswagen sent the stylish new Arteon executive sportback car in a renewed stab at an ultra competitive and snobbish American entry prestige vehicle venue. Appreciably more substantial, useful and flashes of Audi distinctive than its predecessor VW Passat CC ever was, Arteon arrived partly hamstrung. Last year may have brought enhanced exterior baubles, but in a fight to survive the 2022 VW Arteon SEL R-Line 4Motion comes to Roadblazing.com for a Re- Drive with a revised powertrain it deserved all along.
2022 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line 4Motion Driving Hits: (vs. 2021 VW Arteon 4Motion in parentheses)
- New for ’22: 300 horsepower (+32 hp vs. VW EA 888 Gen.3 TFSI Mk. 7 Golf R CXJE)
- New for ’22: 295 58 pound-feet torque (+41 lb-ft vs. VW EA 888 Gen.3 TFSI Mk. 7 Golf R CXJE)
- On demand viscous clutch differential all-wheel drive
- New for ’22: 7-speed automated DSG dual clutch helical transaxle (vs. 8- speed torque converter automatic planetary transaxle)
- Notably smoother gear hand-offs holding higher engine speeds vs. the preceding Aisin torque converter automatic
- New for ’22: Markedly improved hustle (-1.0 second off previous 0-60 mph acceleration)
- XDS electronic front limited slip differential standard
- Drive modes x 3, include customization of throttle & transmission mapping, suspension damping
- 26 combined miles per gallon, 550 miles highway range on 91 AKI premium unleaded fuel
- Fully independent suspension w/ DCC variable electronic damping for a taut but isolated Audi type ride
- Exemplary rigid MQB platform
- Hand hammered fenders and rear quarter panels
- Prestige level of cabin sound isolation
2022 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line 4Motion Driving Misses:
- Some mass and body float felt in any less than Sport DCC setting
- Steering wheel feedback numbed
- Sounds garbled compared to VW’s VR-6 engine
- Premium unleaded gasoline recommended
- Fuel economy is reduced by 7%
What the 2022 VW Arteon SE R-Line Has Got:
- Pricing: from $42,045 (incl. destination) for a 7-speed automated DCT 2022 Volkwagen Arteon SE R-Line front-wheel drive. As tested mid-trim 2022 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line 4Motion all-wheel drive trim priced at $47,440 (= +5% vs. 2021 MY)
- Sleek, low slung clamshell hood, rising belt-line, muscular fastback adaptation of executive sedan with utility of a 5-door sportback
- Attractive straked demi-grille mates with thinner LED headlights reminiscent of an Audi R8
- New for ’22: STD. R-Line emblems, gloss black front corner “C” fangs and lower air dam
- Accommodates 4.75 grown adults in much better comfort than the preceding Passat CC
- Deeply low cargo bay holds 27.2 cubic feet worth of belongings
- 60/40% split folding 2nd Row seatbacks w/ center pass-through can swallow a couple of bicycles.
- Turned metal dash & door accents, tightly pebbled soft plastics, tight webbed headliner, felt lined door pockets and glove-box, minimized premium acting switches while retaining traditional rotary dual flanking rotary infotainment knobs.
- Comprehensive standard feature set
-
- √ Keyless approach entry, push button ignition; √ 3-zone automatic climate control w/ haptics controls
- √ LED headlights & taillights, √ Rain sensing windshield wipers
- √ Auto dimming rear view mirror, √ Power folding side mirrors; √ Full express power windows x 4
- √ Two-tone leatherette 12-way heated power front seats; √ Leather steering wheel w/ haptics swipe motion controls; √ Stainless steel pedals
- New for ’22: STD. √ R-Line sport steering wheel, contrast stitched leather wrapped, w/ haptic slide soft touch spoke switches, dorsal transmission shift paddles
- √ 12.3″ TFT variable Digital Cockpit w/ map projection
-
- √ 8.0″ MIB 3 gesture, swipe and touch LCD media display w/ wireless voice control / alert navigation; √ wireless App-Connect; √ USB-C x 2; √ Bluetooth and smart phone messaging
- +1 Excellent 8-speaker, 320 W streaming audio with HD-radio
- √ wireless Android Auto, AppleCar Play, MirrorLink phone projection; √ Qi Wireless charging tray
- By Subscription: √ Car-Net concierge w/ Amazon Alexa by subscription with Verizon or T-Mobile; √ Sirius XM satellite radio (90 days trial)
- Excellent safety features & ratings
- +1 IIHS Top Safety Pick
- Driver Assist Technology
-
- STD: Pedestrian & vehicle collision avoidance braking; Blind spot & rear cross traffic warning; Post collision brake lock; Park distance warning, fore and aft
- OPT: Adaptive cruise control; Lane Keep Assist w Travel Assist; Auto high beam lights; Road-sign display, (incl. on test vehicle)
- 4 year / 50,000 miles bumper to bumper warranty includes 2 years maintenance
What the 2022 VW Arteon R-Line Has Not (or Not Preferred):
- Adaptive cruise control, Lane Keep Assist not included on SE trim
- Liftgate is heavy, with power assist only on top SEL Premium trim
- Tilting front center armrest = distant from console shift lever
- No heated steering wheel, No USB-A port
- Lack of front occupant knee padding on doors or center console not befitting prestige car
- MIB 3 infotainment display remains laggy, glare prone & finger print showcase
- TravelLink satellite travel information apps NOT OFFERED
Standout Feature(s) on 2022 VOLKSWAGEN ARTEON SEL R-LINE 4MOTION :
- 30 color customizable variable night cabin accent illumination, corresponding upper door panel segmented ambient lighting
- ♦ Nappa leather seating; ♦ 3-position driver’s seat & mirror memory, w driver’s seat comfort exit
- ♦ Illuminated white LED light bar links headlight DRLs across grille; ♦ Adaptive swivel headlamps
Roadblazing.com Says: Welcome aboard to the power & drivetrain this prestige VDub sportback deserved all along.
Contributing Editor: P. Stamatis
SEE ROADBLAZING.COM’s COMPLETE BOTTOM LINE REVIEW AND PHOTO GALLERY OF THE 2019 VOLKSWAGEN ARTEON SEL 4MOTION BELOW
