VW Arteon to Replace Phaeton at Top of Lineup in 2017

Volkswagen releases the first official renderings of its new premium sedan, the Arteon, set to make its world debut at next spring’s Geneva auto show.

This car will sit above the Passat, replacing the Phaeton, and is targeted at the executive-class offerings from BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

The Arteon also introduces a new design language featuring radiator-grille bars extending into the 3-dimensional LED headlights, emphasizing a layout trying to achieve a visual roadside dominance.

The 4-door sedan claims high levels of practicality with frameless windows echoing styling elements of a grand tourer and a top-hinged tailgate providing optimum access to a large trunk.

“At first sight, the Arteon arouses enthusiasm through its expressive design,” says Tobias Sühlmann, VW exterior designer. “It then surprises through its practical virtues. This combination is unique.”

VW says the car’s name is made up of “art” alluding to its “harmonious lines and emotionality” and “eon” to infer a premium status along the lines of the brand’s top model for the Chinese market, the Phideon.

Production is set to begin in summer 2017.