2021 VOLKSWAGEN ARTEON SHOOTING BRAKE R VS EHYBRID PHEV FACELIFT FOR ARTEON GRAN TURISMO

EV Channels Review

The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon receives a significant facelift, introducing the new Shooting Brake body style alongside the Gran Turismo (GT). The reviewer highlights the R-Line and the top-tier R models, noting the R's exclusive styling cues like the lapis blue color and aggressive bumpers. The Arteon R boasts a 320 horsepower engine, all-wheel drive, and a new torque-vectoring system for enhanced agility, achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 5 seconds. The eHybrid plug-in variant offers a combined 218 horsepower and an estimated 50 km of electric range. Interior updates include a standard 11.7-inch digital cockpit and an optional 9.2-inch infotainment screen, with capacitive controls that, while improved, still draw some criticism. The Shooting Brake offers increased practicality with more headroom and cargo space (580-1613 liters) compared to the GT, though the GT still accommodates tall passengers. The reviewer praises the Arteon's overall design, especially the Shooting Brake's blend of style and utility, and notes that Volkswagen is internally discussing feedback on the capacitive climate controls.