Buyers looking for something unique might love the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon. Cars.com describes it as a “near-luxury [midsize] hatchback,” making it the only one in its class. It first arrived for the 2019 model year, and with a refreshed interior for 2021, it’s now even more upscale. It even features ambient lighting.

The upscale interior of the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon

Cars.com says that the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon is “a roomy, refined and refreshingly pleasant alternative for those willing to look beyond the mainstream sedan and SUV classes.” The premium interior has available two-tone Nappa leather-trimmed seats (synthetic leather is standard) and accents with brushed metal and glossy black trim.

The front seats have heated 12-way power-adjustable seats. Ventilated front seats, a massaging driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats are available options. Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard, and a panoramic sunroof is available.

The Arteon’s updates for 2021 give it a more luxurious look than most Volkswagen cars. Automobile points out that while Volkswagen cars generally have pretty similar interiors, the 2021 “Arteon’s interior looks like a concept-car rendition of the VW cabins we’ve come to know and love.”

The interior is also roomy enough to transport a family, with plenty of space in the rear seats and for cargo as well. Since it’s a hatchback, the Arteon’s cargo area is able to accommodate taller items as well.

Ambient lighting in the 2021 Volkswagen Arteon

The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon has an impressive ambient lighting system that helps enhance the cabin atmosphere. Translucent panels run across the tops of all four doors and connect across a light strip on the dashboard. The ambient lighting can be set to 30 different colors using the infotainment system touchscreen.

The color selections also change some of the colors used in the digital cockpit instrument cluster. This lighting package comes with the SEL R-Line and SEL Premium R-Line trim levels but not the SE base trim.

The technology features to expect

The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon has an updated dashboard space. It features the new Volkswagen MIB3 multimedia system. The 8-inch touchscreen is standard, and the menus are easy to use. However, Cars.com did find it strange that the tuning knob changes radio stations but not satellite stations. While there are a few knobs remaining, there are mainly touch-sensitive panels on the steering wheel that control the climate, which can be a bit tricky to use.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard as are a navigation system, an eight-speaker stereo, HD Radio, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. A 10-inch digital cockpit instrument cluster is also standard.

It can be configured and displays “car status, navigation, driving data, phone information and driver assistance features,” says Cars.com. Available tech features include wireless device charging, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a USB port for charging only.

Tech in the VW Arteon also extends to its standard advanced safety features. It provides a rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, reports U.S. News.

A number of other safety features are also available, including a surround-view parking camera system, automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors, parallel and perpendicular park assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition.

While rearview cameras are usually pretty basic, the Arteon has its camera located under the VW badge. It only appears when the car is in “reverse,” which keeps the view clear of rain, snow, and dirt. Cars.com liked this feature, especially since the Arteon doesn’t have great visibility out of the rear.

The 2021 Volkswagen Arteon has a unique body style, and it offers a premium interior. Its ambient lighting, along with its refreshed tech and comfort features, helps give it an upscale feel.