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

Diesel cars aren’t dead, in fact they’re even starting to make a comeback
Opinion - Vauxhall Grandland

Diesel cars aren’t dead, in fact they’re even starting to make a comeback

If you're looking for the most cost-effective cars to run, Mike Rutherford thinks you shouldn't discount diesel
Opinion
1 Mar 2026
Most efficient electric cars 2026
Most efficient electric cars - header image

Most efficient electric cars 2026

These are the top electric cars if efficiency rather than range is key to you...
Best cars & vans
1 Mar 2026
Used Range Rover (Mk5, 2021-date) buyer’s guide: top of the luxury SUV list
Used Range Rover Mk5 - front static

Used Range Rover (Mk5, 2021-date) buyer’s guide: top of the luxury SUV list

A full used buyer's guide on the Range Rover Mk5 that's been on sale in the UK since 2021
Used car tests
1 Mar 2026

Find a car with the experts