The "Sedan" For Crossover Lovers | 2023 VW Arteon Review 

I purchased my Arteon SEL Premium R-Line back in 2019. Sticker was $48,300 and I got it for $39,500. Put an APR+ Tune package in it and increased the horsepower to 358 and torque to 348 lb/ft. My best gas mileage on an 820 mile road trip was 37.8 mpg. This car is a true unicorn and I feel fortunate to have purchased one when they were essentially giving them away.

Always impressed at how well this guy has done his homework, not only on whatever model he is reviewing but on the competition as well.

12:32 You just went through a red light..

I've always thought the Arteon was gorgeous and had nice colour options. One of the best front end designs in years and years.

Just so everyone knows the SEL Premium R Line comes with ventilated seats and massage drivers seat. This car just has the delete package ventilated/massage drivers seat

I love how well-designed the exterior is, especially the usability of the liftback. The issue is the the interior is just so-so, and it does lack features for the $$. Plus there is the matter of powertrain. The performance is acceptable for something of its size, but an Acura TLX 2.0 is nearly as fast, and the Type S isn't too much more. A Stinger(NOT dead yet as it goes through the 2024 year) GT1 can be had for this price and will blow the doors off of it this car, has RWD dynamics, and offers a few more niceties. Finally, the real issue is that the A5/A6 exist and most people will go there if shopping the VAG assortment.

Surprised you didn't mention that the spare is fullsize. In an environment where more manufacturers are now making you pay extra for a "kit" (aka a can of fix a flat), that is a huge bonus.

The problem with this was pricing and size. It was way too expensive without more features than most mid size sedans. It isn't much nicer than higher trims of other cars while costing way more.

I drive a 2021 R SEL Premium. The premium edition has the vented seats and a few other options you said was missing. According to CR the Arteon has the 4th biggest back seat in the mark with a fairly roomy front seat, for me and my family this was a big selling point. The other selling point was that the advertised MSRP is a lie. I purchased mine at $10,000 below MSRP. $10,000 below MSRP is about the right price because to be fair at $50,000 a lot of cars are better than the Arteon. At $40,000 on the other hand, the Arteon is a hair more price wise than a Sonata or Accord but considering the improvement in interior quality, ride and handling. Although the Sonata navigation is way better.

I drive a 2021 SEL Premium and it’s been great. Now around 370hp with some goodies from APR, feels like a completely different car than when I bought it. I can count on one hand how many I’ve seen since I bought it and I love that. I got an amazing deal on mine too.

I bought a 2023 SEL-P R-Line some months ago. $53,300 sticker but paid less than that. It’s expensive but this is a beast of a vehicle. It checked all of our boxes. Storage, comfort, sportiness (it’s no M3 but it’s plenty fun to drive), and tech. The suite of safety features is easy to use and reliable. Agreed about the seats, they are fantastic. Build quality blows Acura away, coming close to what I loved about my Lexus ES350's cabin comfort and solid demeanor, albiet with much more connectedness to the driving experience. I did not cross-shop Audi, and while I would expect an upgrade in terms of performance and interior appointments, this gets pretty close while keeping the price somewhat reasonable. There’s no way around it being a (very) expensive sedan, but I feel like you get your money’s worth, and given that it can be had for under MSRP while a lot of the market is over-MSRP, we pulled the trigger and haven’t looked back. Two gripes after 10k miles: I’ve only had one flat tire ever in my life of driving, and I’ve had two flats on this car. The 20 inch wheels on 2023 look sweet but the sidewalls are like rubber bands. Even going over a moderate pothole you’re asking for problems and I will be looking to replace the wheels with 18 or even 17 inch tires when winter comes around. Secondly the steering wheel Haptic Touch system leave much to be desired. It’s functional, I haven’t had any problems with it, but I firmly believe that buttons would be superior in terms of usability. Great review all around. It’s unique for sure, but if you love sedans like I do, I believe this is where practicality meets premium in a package no other vehicle can offer.

Right when the Arteon is officially dead

A good option with some nice stuff included, but always been too expensive for what it is.

These look great but I hardly ever see these here in NY. People are still driving their CC's.

12:33 did you just run a red light 😳

I wish VW could advertise this car better. It’s gorgeous, practical, fuel efficient. At least they will offer big discounts on the leftover stock now

Nice review. I just purchased an Arteon. And, the lack of ventilated seats was a temporary hold due to parts shortages and the sticker should have reflected a credit (it is included on the Premium trim you had now). These were held off for credit along with the massaging seat and rear heated (so, I'm not sure how that one you had had 2nd row heat?). I held out for these feature to return and it has. People say it is overpriced, but for the features it has, I couldn't find anything else within the price range of the Arteon. About the only thing it could be missing is heads-up display, which I didn't care about. I'm a little disappointed by some lack of integration that I've gotten for years in domestic vehicles, such as the memory is not tied to the key fob being used and doesn't adjust the radio, hvac, etc. And, when you start it, it doesn't automatically turn on the ventilated seats on hot days (and I don't think it turns on the heated seats either, but I'm not sure on that). One other very nit-picky thing is the wireless charger for the phone is pretty weak (but maybe that's normal?). Otherwise, it's a great looking car, feels very high quality inside, drives very nice, etc. I'm happy so far.

A belated welcome to Detroit! Thanks for the tour. It appears you've adapted to driving Detroit style, blowing through the red light. You hit all the major ups and downs of the Arteon. The biggest down for the Arteon is the price. Otherwise, a great car.

Brian you’re wrong about the seats. My 2023 SEL Premium R Line has ventilated seats. Seems your tester has them deleted.

I agree with your review from a new car price standpoint. On the used market I just got a 22 sel r-line non premium 4motion with 5 k on the clock for 36k before down payment at that price I think they hold really great value.

The capacitive clinate controls and capacitive steering wheel "buttons" do not help the Arteon at all.

I have a 2013 CC and it’s my most favorite car that ever owned … So now the Arteon has to be my next car for sure… I believe it’s the CC still, just a newer generation

Vented seats are standard on the SEL Premium. VW wasn’t updating the infotainment screen since they were axing this model. Unfortunate because it’s a cheaper option to the sister A5.

0 -60 mph is around 4.7 to 5.0 when rev to 4000 rpm

In addition to Golf R, this is the only other vehicle in VW lineup that is still built in Germany. If that fact matters to anyone.

At this price point just go for the Audi a5

keep an eye on those red lights! 12:31

Excellent presentation, important nuances articulated to reveal value, I may try to hook one if the price is right. Beautiful car

Although I like sedans (I currently drive one) - I am NEVER buying another VW. Had a CC back in the day and the grief it gave me! Ugh!!....Dealer maintained all through but it got me stranded twice and more than a few thousand $$'s out! Went on to a Lexus right after and my goodness, what a CHANGE! These VW's drive well and look good, but that's it.

I really wanted to love this car. Had it for 2 years but the quality and reliability was becoming unbearable. So many things from rattles, to electrical issues, to seat mechanisms breaking. I miss the the practicality and looks of it, but even my 3 series you can immediately tell it is just built better… it’s a shame as I hate crossovers.

I purchased a car in March. I loved the idea of the Arteon and I had it on my short list of cars to test, but could not find one within 50 miles of me to test drive.

(24:19) cabin noise @ 50 mph = 53 db ???!! That must be an ERROR. That is 15 db quieter than a 7-series or Lexus LS500.

Saw one on these in a parking lot. Looked really good.

12:30 red light?!?

You ran a red light at 12:32.

I’m confused. Is this available with ventilated seats 💺 or not?

This car is definitely very beautiful. It looks nice sitting in our showroom while service customers look at it and ask why this Volkswagen is over $50k

On a positive note, since Arteons aren’t very sought after you can used ones for a pretty good price. And previous year SEL Premiums have ventilated seats!

i think the people who cross shop Arteon generally look at a gently used A5, Kia Stinger or possibly even the new Integra Type S. But mostly, VW loyalists buy this because of what it is.

For last year they might as well give us the Areteon R like they have in EU

Looking to buy one of these right now. Wish me luck from Towson.

I own a 2021 sel premium r line. When I was looking, the a5 was too small. So was Kia. My only complaint is interior. They should have updated it when exterior was done. 2 gentlemen in Ferrari pulled up to me, raving how gorgeous it was ( mine is Red). I will be buying a 2024 in December for the new engine and trans combo.

Love the comparison to other competitors in the class in terms of metrics

If the sport wagon version was available in North America I would seriously consider one.

You can get huge discounts . Got the new sel for 8k off msrp

I like the way it looks, looks practical too.

The DCT trans although more fuel efficient is unfortunately a step back; The A5 is a better choice ow they they have the same trans.

I have a 2021 Premium R line, and man its the best. Besides the safety features, this car drivers smoothly and is really enjoyable to drive. I wish it had a bigger screen. This is a car i rarely see on the road, since it came out on 2018, i might have seen 2-3 in total. A lot of people ask me about it, and its sad that this car doesnt have a lot of popularity, probably because of the price.

Well said, as usual!

Honest review as always

I love this guy...great journalist

I was really close to buying one but i am tall and headroom is less than VW used to do and the low profile tires are a terrible thing.

Happy to see you guys covering amber vs red turn signals at 2:20 ! There needs to be more awareness around this!

Great review and excellent sedan

Good looking car. Its a pity it did not sell well enough to be retained.

I own this car and you nailed it.

Did he just run a red light at 12:33

Are these reliable?

Looker in exterior shape...seems so much longer than my 20 stinger GTline. thx

Did you get those MPG figures using Premium gasoline or regular?

They're still 2022 model sitting on the lot you can find those 46 $8,000 off of the MSRP

The VW Arteon is a great car from VW, but they should've brought the Arteon Shooting brake to the U.S. market!

53db? Could you elaborate on how you measure this? Thanks.

I'm not sure, but did Alex get a haircut? Switch to contacts? Lose a few pounds? Beautiful car. Nice review.

Is Camry still available with smooth, silky 300 hp V-6 starting at $33k?

Love the Arteon. If VW produced a hybrid version I would definitely buy. Beautiful car... Sad to see it go.

Sending love from Windsor!

The most comparable car is not an A5, DEFINITELY not an A7. It’s an S3. $50k for a Premium is incredible value for all of the features compared to a $63k loaded S3 Prestige. The Premium trim also 100% comes with cooled/massage seats. Mine has them. Chip shortage, etc may affect that for some. That would be a dealbreaker and not worth buying if so.

Why still show the Mazda 6 in the size comparisons? It’s been canceled for almost 2 years now.

Buddy you just drove through a red light!! Focus! Eyes on the road

Great review, concise, touches exactly the right points for comparisons.

I've always loved the arteon. It sucks it's going away but it was just too expensive. Add in the touch buttons on the interior and somewhat lacking in the power department and I couldn't justify it. Honestly if it came with a vr6 or if we got the shooting brake model I would have got one

I wish all sedans were liftbacks. So convenient. I wouldn't even want to switch away from this Clarity if the cargo entry area was better.

They never bothered to advertise this thing in the US. The ONLY reason I knew about it was from The Straight Pipes. I mean, zero support stateside.

I know I like the way a car looks when I like it even when it's painted in life-sapping gray.

Does Alex look younger?

I think potentially discontinued Bentley Flying Spur W12 is nicer car to buy instead

Like the first commenter said: at its price Why buy an Arteon VW if with a couple thousands more you can get an Audi?

Good looking car.

12:35 🔴

Do you know how to launch the car? Lol. It’s much faster than 5.8. That’s the times for the old Arteon with 268hp and an 8speed

Brian looks different. Did he get a haircut?

The problem with the Arteon is that Alex didn’t review it. 😢

My problem with the arteon is it is not made by toyota, honda or mazda

Dude you passed a redlight

Front engine front-wheel drive!

I own a 2023 SEL R-Line and, I love it. He is absolutely right about the brakes, they're terrible, and it takes forever to stop. The vehicle could also be a bit longer but, it is bigger than it looks.

For me twitch the whole video I need to know the price, since you have not said it solar, and it isnotin your chapters I do not have the patience for this type of review. You simply could have stated that the price starts at ? and then state I will elaborate later.

If VW had stuffed the Golf R engine into this thing, I'd have bought this instead of a Stinger. Love my tail happy car, but the VW GTI I traded in had better fit and finish.

😂 you also ran a red light!

I’ve always liked the Arteons and I never see them. They were just too expensive though. People figure if they are gonna spend $40,000+ they’ll just buy an SUV or crossover. Theres a reason the Tiquan is their best seller.

you fully ran a red light at 12:33

You say that it's like "audi level" where they do not use the best materials yet Audi is known to use one of the best in the segment with having standard real leather across the board... also ventilated seats is an option and is not equipped on this model. 0-60 has been tested up to 4.8 seconds too so your 0-60 isn't accurate whatsoever 💀

Dang! Those road surfaces look terrible! 51k?! No thanks Loaded at 45k, ok. P.s. a crown at 55k! Are they insane...no way!

These are beautiful boat anchors and the dealerships know it. You can find discounts on these upto 4k to 6k.

Hi, I like watching different car review this VW arteon is a beautiful car sedan looks great this car price would be under 55 thousand fully loaded but I think this price is not high as we think because very luxurious and upscale with 300 hp 295 torque this is a huge amount power 8-speed DCT which is an awesome cargo area immense I think not every trim can provide big cargo with the same length spare tire even though arteon has provided 8-inch infotainment system but think about the large screen isn't suitable for for car however gloves compartment also big thanks

Czy ten szary, mysi lakier to też perła?

Walk into a VW dealer and offer 10% off MSRP. Then leave your number and walk out. They will call you back.

Bad info - according to VW of America the Arteon is NOT being discontinued.

literally waste of time after the 30s mark...