[13] Volkswagen delayed the launch in the United States of the Arteon due to unspecified issues with the emissions testing.

A new shooting brake body style[20] and plug-in hybrid and performance Volkswagen R variants[21] were launched.

In 2020, a five-door station wagon variant, known as the Arteon Shooting Brake, was launched.

[22] The Arteon R performance variant, launched in 2020, features Volkswagen's 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 316 bhp (236 kW; 320 PS) and 420 N⋅m (310 lb⋅ft).

Available with only the 1.4L petrol engine, it offers an electric-only range of 34 miles, and a combined output of 215 bhp.

[27] In the United States, it was available in three trims—SE, SEL, and Premium—with one engine: all Arteons of 2019 will have Volkswagen's workhorse 2.0-litre turbo four, tuned to produce 268 hp and 258 lb⋅ft of torque.

If that does not work, Emergency Assist 2.0 takes over: the car's hazard lights switch on and it steers itself to a safe nearside lane.

Radar detection via Adaptive Cruise Control and Side Assist helps ensure the Arteon will not hit any other vehicles.