In the world of saloon cars, where each millimeter of ground clearance can be the difference between scraping the underbelly of your beloved vehicle on a speed bump and gliding over it with the grace of a gazelle, the VW Arteon stands as a testament to careful balance. It’s not every car that manages to look as sleek as a panther while boasting a ground clearance that is, frankly, right in the middle of the playground. With the Arteon, Volkswagen has managed to straddle the line between a low-slung sports sedan and a practical daily driver that won’t have you wincing at the sight of uneven terrain.
VW Arteon - How has the ground clearance changed over the generations?
Since its introduction, the VW Arteon’s ground clearance hasn't seen the kind of fluctuation you might expect from a market that's constantly chasing either sportier vibes or off-road capabilities. Standing steadfast with 138 mm of clearance from the get-go, this machine hasn’t felt the need to lower its stance to pretend it's something it's not or to raise itself, mimicking the stance of an SUV without the actual utility. From the first generation in 2017 to the facelift that’s rolling on our streets now, the Arteon knows that consistency is key, especially when you’ve hit the goldilocks zone of not-too-low and not-too-high ground clearance.
VW Arteon generations
(Ground clearance)
VW Arteon generationsGeneration year | Ground clearance |
---|
Arteon, Model year 2017 (1.Generation) | 138 mm |
Arteon, Model year 2020 (Arteon 1.Generation (1. Facelift)) | 138 mm |
The difference in Ground clearance between first generation (1.Generation) from 2017 and last generation (Arteon 1.Generation (1. Facelift)) from 2020 is 0cm mm.
The ground clearance of the current generation of Arteon is 138 mm.
Variants
VW Arteon variants: Arteon vs. Arteon R vs. Arteon R Shooting Brake vs. Arteon Shooting Brake
(Ground clearance)
Ground clearance: VW Arteon variantsVariant name | Ground clearance |
---|
Arteon | 138 mm |
Arteon R | 138 mm |
Arteon R Shooting Brake | 138 mm |
Arteon Shooting Brake | 138 mm |
The ground clearance compared to other VW models
In the broader Volkswagen family, the Arteon flaunts its 138 mm with a kind of silent pride. It knows it doesn’t tower over the tarmac as the SUVs, like the towering VW Tiguan with its lofty 191 mm, or the go-anywhere VW Tiguan R and its sibling Allspace both perched proudly at 201 mm, do. Yet, it holds its head high, not stooping to the level of the diminutive VW up! with its 135 mm, nor scraping the ground like the urbanite fox that is the VW Fox at 111 mm. It's comfortably nestled in its niche, away from the rough and tumble of the off-road squad but still practical enough to handle the real world outside of the showroom floor.
VW Arteon vs other current cars by VW
(Ground clearance)
Ground clearance: Arteon vs. other models by VWVariant name | Ground clearance |
---|
up! e-up! | 135 mm |
Arteon | 138 mm |
Arteon R | 138 mm |
Arteon R Shooting Brake | 138 mm |
Arteon Shooting Brake | 138 mm |
up! | 144 mm |
Passat GTE Limousine | 145 mm |
Passat GTE Variant | 145 mm |
Passat Limousine | 145 mm |
Touran | 156 mm |
T-Roc R | 158 mm |
T-Roc | 161 mm |
T-Roc Cabriolet | 161 mm |
ID.5 | 163 mm |
ID.5 GTX | 163 mm |
ID.4 | 163 mm |
ID.4 GTX | 163 mm |
Passat Alltrack | 174 mm |
T-Cross | 190 mm |
Tiguan | 191 mm |
Tiguan Allspace | 201 mm |
Tiguan R | 201 mm |
How does the ground clearance of the VW Arteon compare to it's nearest competitors?
Comparing the Arteon to its nearest rivals takes us on a journey across continents and car cultures. From the elegance of the Genesis G80, with its 140 mm ground clearance - a mere hop, skip, and a jump above the Arteon, to the adventurous Citroen C-Crosser standing tall at 174 mm, and further afield to the Volvo XC60 which seems to be on stilts with a clearance of 230 mm. Each competes in an aspect of versatility and style, yet the Arteon’s ground clearance serves as a reminder of its commitment to being a sedan that delivers agility and practicality, without the need for mountain-goat capabilities. The Arteon sneers at the thought of needing any more or any less ground clearance - distinguishing itself not just in numbers but in the poise and assurance with which it presents itself on any road it travels.
VW Arteon vs. similar cars
(Ground clearance)
Ground clearance: VW Arteon vs. similar carsCar model | Ground clearance |
---|
Mercedes-Benz GL-Klasse 2006 | 307 mm |
Audi Q8 2018 | 245 mm |
ALPINA XD3 2013 | 212 mm |
ALPINA XD4 2021 | 204 mm |
Infiniti QX30 2016 | 202 mm |
Hyundai Tucson 2004 | 195 mm |
DS Automobiles DS 7 2022 | 190 mm |
Hyundai ix55 2009 | 185 mm |
Hyundai Grand Santa Fe 2013 | 180 mm |
Skoda Karoq 2017 | 176 mm |
VW Arteon 2020 | 138 mm |
Mercedes-Benz GLC 2015 | 123 mm |
Similar cars