GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Volkswagen Arteon teased ahead of unveil

Volkswagen has released two teasing images of a new flagship four-door coupe that will sit above the Passat in its line-up, ahead of its launch at the Geneva motor show on March 7.

Called the Arteon, the new fastback sedan isn't a direct replacement for the old Passat CC, VW claims, suggesting its flagship model will be positioned (and priced) against more premium models like BMW's 4 Series Gran Coupe.

Inspired by last year's well-received Sport Coupe Concept GTE concept, the new Arteon features a huge grille that merges its LED headlights and daytime running lights into the chrome slats.

That concept measured in at close to five metres, making it a close rival -- in size at least -- to both the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore.

Boot space, at 480 litres, was also generous. Like that concept, the new car isn't strictly a sedan and has a top-hinged tailgate that opens like a large hatchback.

Underneath the production-ready Arteon, the large hatch is based on the VW Group's MQB platform that also underpins cars like the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3.

From launch, expect a typical range of turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesels that will come with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.

Later on, it's thought the Arteon could get a development of the Sport Coupe Concept GTE's advanced hybrid powertrain.

The 2015 show car came with a turbo petrol V6 TSI engine that was matched with two electric motors.

Combined, the GTE concept produced 279kW enabling it to hit 100km/h in 5.2 seconds and top out at 250km/h.

Delivering a near silent 50km of pure-electric range, the plug-in hybrid was claimed to return fuel consumption of just 2.1L/100km.

The Arteaon goes o sale in Europe in the fourth quarter of this year. It's not known how ambitious Volkswagen will be with regards to pricing, but if it is a real match for the 4 series Gran Coupe expect pricing to begin at around $70,000.