2019 Volkswagen Arteon in Wellesley, MA - $18,173

Introduced at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show recently, the all-new 2019 Volkswagen Arteon is the automaker’s new flagship, taking the mantle from the discontinued CC sedan. Based off the award-winning MQB platform, the newest Volkswagen flagship offers a sleek fastback design, an upscale interior, innovative technology, and available 4Motion® all-wheel drive. The automaker’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture allows for a more cab-backward design, giving the Arteon a completely different look than the outgoing CC. Arteon’s wheelbase is more than 5 inches longer than the CC and is paired with shorter overhangs for more dynamic proportions. The new Volkswagen flagship is longer and wider as well, translating into more interior space.

The exterior design immediately sets Arteon apart from its competitors. A true fastback, it harkens more to luxury models with its wide, planted stance and sloping rear roofline. Arteon’s sleek lines are accentuated by standard LED headlights and taillights, a wide chrome grille and frameless side windows. Dual trapezoidal exhaust tips, chrome window surrounds and a rear decklid spoiler all add to the premium feel. Arteon rides on standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, with available 19-inch wheels.

To be available in SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trim levels, power is generated by a 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® four-cylinder engine. Torque is communicated to the front wheels via a standard eight-speed automatic transmission; 4Motion® all-wheel drive is available on every trim level. The automaker’s DCC® adaptive damping system is standard, which manages the control hardware’s rebound and compression rates individually, helping to improve vehicle dynamics, and a standard Start-Stop system designed to help improve fuel efficiency.

Inside the passenger cabin, the refined interior combines high-tech features with everyday usability. Premium materials throughout and trapezoidal design elements give the vehicle an upscale, yet modern feel. The Arteon sports heated front seats with leatherette seating surfaces as standard, and offers available ventilated front seats, massaging driver’s seat, driver memory, Nappa leather seating surfaces, and heated rear seats.

Standard features include KESSY keyless access and push-button start, three-zone Climatronic® automatic climate control, and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Volkswagen Car-Net® App-Connect technology that offers compatible smartphone integration with the three major platforms—Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®.

The Volkswagen Digital Cockpit is available, offering drivers a reconfigurable display of key data and the ability to position navigation data front and center for easy viewing. Other available features include Volkswagen Car-Net connected vehicle services; Dynaudio® premium audio; a panoramic sunroof; and a power trunk with Easy Open and Close, which allows drivers to walk up to the vehicle with keys in a pocket or purse and simply kick a foot under the rear bumper to pop the trunklid—closing the trunk only requires a touch of the button.