Most significant changes: Subtly revised exterior styling and updated interior styling; new digital gauge cluster and the latest MIB3 infotainment system; all-wheel-drive SE and non-R-Line SEL trims are gone
Price change: SE trims increase $1,175; SEL R-Line increases $25 for front-wheel drive and decreases $75 for AWD; SEL Premium R-Line decreases $525; destination fee increases $175 to $1,195
On sale: Fourth quarter of 2020
Which should you buy, 2020 or 2021? Unless you’re buying a base model, model-year 2021 is the way to go. (Real enthusiasts will say the correct answer is, “Wait to import an Arteon Shooting Brake,” the gorgeous wagon version of the Arteon that isn’t being sold in the U.S., but that isn’t “realistic” for most car shoppers.)
In only its third model year, Volkswagen is updating its premium Arteon sedan for 2021 with subtle tweaks to the exterior, as well as substantial updates inside to give it a more premium feel befitting its near $50,000 price. The German automaker also simplified the Arteon lineup slightly, making the base SE front-wheel drive only and eliminating the non-R-Line version of the mid-level SEL.
Related: Volkswagen Updates 2021 Arteon Sedan With New Interior, Mild Facelift