Vehicle Overview
| Segment | Mid-size premium fastback sedan |
| Body Style | 5-door liftback |
| Release Year | 2017 (European debut; updated in 2020 facelift) |
| Trim/Variants | SE R-Line, Elegance, R, Shooting Brake (estate) |
The Volkswagen Arteon slots above the Passat as VW’s flagship sedan offering a coupé-like design with executive-level comfort and cutting-edge tech. It targets buyers seeking Audi A5 Sportback elegance without premium-brand pricing.
Key Specifications
| Engine Options | 1.5 TSI (148 hp) / 2.0 TSI (187 hp – 316 hp Arteon R) / 2.0 TDI (148–197 hp) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG automatic |
| Power Output | 148–316 hp depending on variant |
| Torque | 250–420 Nm |
| Drivetrain | FWD / 4MOTION AWD (Arteon R and high-output diesels) |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 4862 × 1871 × 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2837 mm |
| Kerb Weight | ~1650 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 66 litres |
| Fuel Economy (WLTP) | 38–50 mpg combined (5.6–7.4 L/100 km) |
| Boot Space | 563 L (fastback), 590 L (Shooting Brake) |
Exterior Design
The Arteon’s sweeping fastback profile merges executive proportions with sporty flair. A wide chrome-slatted grille integrates into LED headlights for a seamless face, while its frameless windows and sculpted flanks evoke a grand touring aesthetic. Rear 3D LED taillights and a power-operated liftback add practicality to style. Color options include Kingfisher Blue, Pyrite Silver, Deep Black Pearl, and Oryx White Pearl for a luxury finish.
Interior, Comfort & Materials
Inside, the Arteon borrows VW’s top-tier interior craftsmanship with brushed-aluminum inlays, soft-touch surfaces, and ergonomic seating. Front occupants enjoy sport seats with massaging and ventilation in R-Line trims, while the rear bench benefits from generous legroom thanks to the long wheelbase. Ambient lighting, 3-zone climate control, and an aeronautical dashboard design enhance the premium feel. Cabin isolation is excellent, aiding refined cruising.
Features & Infotainment
8.0" or 9.2" Discover Pro touchscreen with gesture control
Digital Cockpit Pro 12.3" instrument cluster
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Navigation with connected services
Harman Kardon 700 W premium audio system (optional)
Wireless charging pad, head-up display, keyless entry/start, panoramic roof
Safety & Ratings
Safety is a VW strength. The Arteon earned a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating, scoring high in adult occupant protection. Standard tech includes:
Front Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Lane Assist and Traffic Jam Assist
Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Emergency Assist that can slow and stop the car if the driver is unresponsive
Driving Performance & Handling
The Arteon balances comfort and dynamics. Its adaptive DCC suspension offers Comfort, Normal, and Sport modes, altering ride firmness and steering weight. The 2.0 TSI delivers brisk acceleration (0–100 km/h in ~6.9 s), while the range-topping 316 hp Arteon R hits 4.9 s with grippy 4MOTION traction. Long-distance refinement is excellent — ideal for motorway cruising and executive travel.
Fuel Efficiency / EV Range
Petrol engines average 38–42 mpg (6.7–7.4 L/100 km), while diesels return 50+ mpg (≈5.0 L/100 km). No EV variant exists, but a plug-in hybrid “eHybrid” offers 1.4 TSI plus battery power (≈39 km EV-only range WLTP) with low CO₂ output for fleet buyers.
Practicality & Everyday Usability
With 563 L of boot space and a wide powered liftback, the Arteon is far more practical than a conventional saloon. Rear seats split 60:40, and loading height is low. Visibility is good for a fastback, assisted by 360° camera and park assist. The optional Shooting Brake expands cargo capacity to over 1,600 L with seats folded — perfect for families and executives alike.
Warranty & Maintenance
| Standard Warranty | 3 years / 60,000 miles (EU markets) |
| Powertrain | same coverage |
| Corrosion warranty | 12 years |
| Service intervals | every 10,000 miles or 1 year (variable up to 2 years in LongLife regimes) |
VW offers pre-paid service packs and extended warranty plans.
Price & Value for Money
Prices start around £41,000 (UK) / €46,000 (EU) for base Elegance trims and rise to ≈ £55,000 for the Arteon R. Given its premium equipment and refined drive, it undercuts Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé while offering similar luxury.
Comparison with Rivals
| Model | Power (hp) | Drivetrain | Boot (L) | Starting Price (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VW Arteon | 148–316 | FWD/AWD | 563 | 41,000 |
| Audi A5 Sportback | 150–341 | FWD/AWD | 465 | 45,000 |
| BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé | 184–374 | RWD/AWD | 470 | 46,000 |
| Kia Stinger | 197–368 | RWD/AWD | 406 | 43,000 |
Arteon wins for boot space and ride comfort, while its rivals edge ahead in badge prestige and dynamic feedback.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Elegant fastback design with executive presence
Spacious interior and massive boot
Strong engine line-up & refined ride
Advanced driver assistance features
Excellent value vs premium rivals
Cons
Infotainment can be laggy and touch-only controls distract
Rear headroom tight for tall passengers
Limited brand cachet vs Audi/BMW
Overall Rating
4.4 / 5 Stars – A refined, practical and stylish fastback that delivers near-premium comfort without the premium price.
Final Verdict
The Volkswagen Arteon is a standout choice for buyers seeking a stylish grand tourer with German build quality and everyday usability. It excels as a comfortable commuter and long-distance cruiser while remaining surprisingly versatile. Perfect for families and executives who want Audi-like elegance without stretching the budget.
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Pros & cons
- Good fit for UK buyers who choose the right trim
- Strong shortlist candidate when total costs are checked
- Final value depends heavily on trim, options and finance price
- Larger wheels can reduce ride comfort and raise tyre costs
- Availability, standard equipment and pricing may vary during the year
Final verdict
The Arteon is a credible option in the UK market if it matches your priorities. The smartest approach is to decide what matters most - comfort, space, efficiency, performance, image or technology - then compare the exact trim against two or three rivals on the same route and the same finance basis. Choose the version that feels easiest to live with, not simply the one with the longest equipment list.
Buyer checkpoints
| Buyer checkpoint | True Motion Auto view |
|---|---|
| Best for | Drivers wanting balanced everyday usability. |
| Body style | Saloon/Fastback |
| Powertrain focus | Petrol, diesel or hybrid depending on model year and trim |
| UK ownership note | Check insurance group, VED, charging or fuel costs and service-plan pricing before buying. |
| Verdict | Worth shortlisting if its size, running costs and equipment match your daily use. |
Frequently asked questions
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Specifications, prices and equipment were current at publication and vary by model year, trim and market. Verify final details with a franchised dealer before ordering. Read how we review cars and our editorial policy.