Skip advert
Advertisement

New sporty Volkswagen Arteon R-Line Edition uncovered

The Volkswagen Arteon R-Line Edition, which is limited to just 1,000 examples, features extra standard kit and a unique colour scheme

Volkswagen has revealed the Arteon R-Line Edition. Orders are open now, with production for the sporty trim level of the Passat’s coupe-like relation limited to just 1,000 units, with prices starting from £36,850.

As with other VW models dressed in the R-Line trim, the Arteon gets a range of cosmetic upgrades to separate it from the lesser models. Most notably is the colour scheme: the Arteon’s body is finished in Moonstone grey complemented by a contrasting black finish for the roof, door mirrors, and the 20-inch alloy wheels. Privacy glass is standard, while to the rear there’s a small black lip spoiler on the boot lid and a pair of chrome-effect tailpipe-like trims.

Inside, the Arteon R Line Edition gets full nappa leather trim and the winter package as standard, which includes seat heating for the outer rear passengers. Adjustable ambient lighting also features, as does a 12.3-inch ‘Digital Cockpit’ - VW’s customisable instrument panel.

Buyers get a choice of one petrol and two diesel engines. The diesel range starts with a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit with 187bhp; above it sits a twin-turbo variant with 237bhp and 500Nm of torque. The petrol option is the most potent: the 2.0-litre turbo petrol is essentially a detuned version of the engine used by the Golf R. Here, it makes 268bhp and is matched to a four-wheel drive system. Every version is paired with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The two most powerful R-Line Editions come with adaptive dampers, which adjust the susension’s rate of response based on the selected driving mode. As with Volkswagen’s full-blown R models, it’s also possible to fully deactivate the ESC system.

Do you like the look of the new Volkswagen Arteon R-Line Edition? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Chief reviewer

Alex joined Auto Express as staff writer in early 2018, helping out with news, drives, features, and the occasional sports report. His current role of Chief reviewer sees him head up our road test team, which gives readers the full lowdown on our comparison tests.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best tow cars to buy in 2026
Towcar of the Year 2026 - header

Best tow cars to buy in 2026

Hitching up a caravan for a holiday or break is becoming increasingly popular. But which towcars are best suited to the task? We find out...
Best cars & vans
24 Sep 2025

Most Popular

Jaguar Land Rover recalls 170,000 SUVs with UK cars experiencing similar problems
Land Rover Defender 110 Trophy Edition - front action

Jaguar Land Rover recalls 170,000 SUVs with UK cars experiencing similar problems

JLR has recalled models from across the Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover ranges over a faulty DC-DC converter module
News
30 Apr 2026
New BYD Ti7 will be China's latest potshot at the Land Rover Defender
BYD Ti7 teaser

New BYD Ti7 will be China's latest potshot at the Land Rover Defender

A new BYD teaser image shows a boxy SUV with clear off-road intentions 
News
1 May 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Omoda 7 offers space and super-low running costs for just £229 a month
Omoda 7 - front tracking

Car Deal of the Day: Omoda 7 offers space and super-low running costs for just £229 a month

The Omoda 7 is the latest Chinese SUV to arrive in Britain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 30 April.
News
30 Apr 2026

Find a car with the experts