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 2027
Tow Car of the Year 2027 - header

Best tow cars to buy in 2027

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
18 Sep 2026

Most Popular

New Dodge Charger 2026 review: real US muscle makes some UK sense
Dodge Charger Sixpack - front cornering

New Dodge Charger 2026 review: real US muscle makes some UK sense

The Dodge Charger is both characterful and practical, but it's likely to be a rare sight on UK roads.
Road tests
17 Sep 2026
New Mercedes C-Class Electric gets a bittersweet range boost
Alastair Crooks with the Mercedes C-Class Electric

New Mercedes C-Class Electric gets a bittersweet range boost

New model has launched in Germany but won’t be coming to the UK
News
17 Sep 2026
Car Deal of the Day: A fully-loaded Range Rover Evoque is now just £455 a month
Range Rover Evoque P300e Autobiography - full width front

Car Deal of the Day: A fully-loaded Range Rover Evoque is now just £455 a month

Not often do we feature a Range Rover, but today is an exception. The top-spec Evoque is our Deal of the Day for 18 September.
News
18 Sep 2026

Find a car with the experts