VW Arteon (2017+): How to Remove the Bumpers

Production Years and Background

The Volkswagen Arteon debuted in 2017 as the successor to the CC, positioning itself as a more stylish and technologically advanced option in the brand’s lineup. Serial production began the same year, with the first deliveries in Europe starting in the summer of 2017. In 2020, the car underwent a facelift, receiving an updated design and new technologies.

The Arteon was designed as a flagship liftback, combining the elegance of a coupe with the practicality of a hatchback. Unlike the CC, which was based on the Passat B6 platform, the Arteon uses the modular MQB platform, providing more interior space and modern technical solutions.

 

Modifications and Technical Features

Body Styles:

  • 5-door liftback – the classic version, offering a spacious trunk (from 563 liters) and a sporty silhouette.
  • 5-door station wagon (Shooting Brake) – introduced in 2020 for the European market, featuring increased cargo capacity and an even more expressive design.

Engines:

The Arteon was offered with a wide range of powertrains, including gasoline, diesel, and hybrid versions:

  • Gasoline TSI: from 1.5L (150 hp) to 2.0L (280–320 hp in the R version).
  • Diesel TDI: 2.0L (150–240 hp).
  • Plug-in hybrid eHybrid (2021+) – a combination of a 1.4L TSI and an electric motor (218 hp, up to 60 km of electric-only range).

Drivetrain and Transmission:

  • Front-wheel drive (for base versions).
  • All-wheel drive 4Motion (for high-performance modifications, including the Arteon R).
  • Transmission options: 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG (preselective dual-clutch).

Performance Versions:

  • Arteon R (2020+) – equipped with a 2.0L TSI (320 hp) or 2.0L TDI (240 hp), adaptive suspension, all-wheel drive, and R-Line styling.
  • Arteon R Shooting Brake – a station wagon with the same power but increased practicality.

 

Bumper Plastic Marking: PP/EPDM-TD10<

How to Remove the Front Bumper

  1. Open the hood.
  2. Press the latch with your finger, pull it upward, and remove the hood release lever.
  3. Unscrew two screws and remove four push pins securing the grille cover.
  4. Release the front edge from the clips, then pull it forward and remove the cover.
  5. Under the cover, unscrew two screws securing the upper part of the front bumper (radiator grille).
  6. Remove the plastic trim between the headlights and fenders (held by clips, pull upward).
  7. Under the trim, unscrew three screws on each side securing the bumper edges.
  8. From underneath, unscrew nine screws (fastened from bottom to top) securing the lower part.
  9. Turn the wheels to the side.
  10. In the wheel arches, unscrew three screws on each side securing the fender liners (front part).
  11. Move the fender liners aside and unscrew one screw on each side securing the corners to the fenders.
  12. Release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners outward).
  13. Release the radiator grille from its mounts.
  14. With an assistant, carefully pull the bumper forward (watch for wiring).
  15. Disconnect the electrical connectors.

VW Arteon Front Bumper Mounting Locations

VW Arteon Front Bumper Mounting Diagram

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

⇒Useful tips on how to remove the bumper and not break anything.⇐

  1. Open the trunk lid.
  2. From inside the trunk, unscrew the fastening nuts and remove the taillights.
  3. From underneath, unscrew two screws and remove five push pins (fastened from bottom to top).
  4. In the wheel arches, unscrew four screws securing the fender liners and two screws (fastened from bottom to top) securing the corners to the fenders.
  5. Release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners outward).
  6. Release the clips near the taillight openings.
  7. With an assistant, carefully pull the bumper backward (watch for wiring).
  8. Disconnect the electrical connectors (if present).

mounting locations of the rear bumper VW Arteon

VW Arteon rear bumper mounting diagram

Design and Interior

The Arteon stands out among other Volkswagen models thanks to its wide radiator grille, elongated hood, and sharp body lines. The interior features premium materials: Nappa leather, decorative wood or aluminum trim, and a digital instrument cluster (Digital Cockpit).

After the 2020 facelift, the model received:

  • New LED lighting (including IQ.Light matrix headlights).
  • An updated infotainment system (MIB3 with voice control).
  • Enhanced driver assistance systems (Travel Assist, enabling partial autonomous driving).

 

Markets and Competitors

The Arteon was sold in Europe, China, North America, and some other regions, but in 2023, Volkswagen announced the discontinuation of its sales in the U.S. due to low demand. Its main competitors have always been:

  • Audi A5 Sportback.
  • BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé.
  • Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake

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Interesting Facts

  • Name Origin – "Arteon" combines "Art" and "Eon" (eternity), emphasizing the model’s ambition as a design benchmark.
  • Special Versions – In China, an extended-wheelbase Arteon L was offered.
  • Racing Version – In 2018, Volkswagen presented the Arteon as a safety car for the TCR championship, equipped with a Golf GTI engine.
  • Hybrid Tech – The plug-in hybrid eHybrid debuted later than other versions, as engineers focused on maintaining driving dynamics.

 

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Arteon is one of the most unusual cars in the brand’s lineup, combining coupe aesthetics, liftback practicality, and premium sedan technologies. Despite limited commercial success in some countries, it remains a cult favorite among enthusiasts of German engineering.