When luxury sedans come to mind, most people instantly think of German powerhouses like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Maybach, or Porsche. For decades, these brands have defined what high-end automotive engineering should look like. But hidden among them was a Volkswagen model that quietly offered the same level of refinement, style, and performance often at a fraction of the price. That car was the Volkswagen Arteon.
Produced between 2019 and 2023, the Arteon stood out as Volkswagen’s boldest attempt to enter the luxury sedan segment. With its sleek design, upscale interior, impressive performance, and value-driven pricing, it remains one of the most underrated German sedans in recent memory.
A Luxury Sedan from Volkswagen: The Arteon’s Place in the Market
Volkswagen has always been known more for practicality than prestige. Models like the Jetta and Passat catered to everyday needs, while its hot hatches like the Golf GTI delivered fun at a reasonable price. However, with the Arteon, VW pushed into new territory building a fastback-style sedan that carried the presence and refinement often reserved for BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Audi.
When launched, the Arteon positioned itself as a sleek, coupe-like sedan with frameless doors, a roomy cabin, and high-end features that rivaled its German siblings. Yet, unlike its rivals, it carried a starting price that made luxury more attainable.
Summary Table
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
Production Years |
2019-2023 |
Engine Options |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-Four |
Horsepower |
268 hp (2019-2021), 300 hp (2022–2023) |
0–60 mph |
6.4 seconds (2019-2021), 4.6–5.0 seconds (2022–2023) |
Drivetrain |
FWD or AWD (4MOTION) |
Starting Price (2019) |
$37,000 |
Starting Price (2023) |
$44,000+ |
Current Used Prices |
$18,000 – $32,000 |
Fuel Economy |
25-28 MPG combined |
Owner Satisfaction |
95% recommend (KBB) |
Official Site |
Design and Features: Style Meets Refinement
From the outset, the Arteon impressed with its bold fastback profile and frameless doors. Inside, Volkswagen emphasized minimalism and sophistication. The wide digital displays, customizable driver cockpit, ambient lighting, and tasteful materials created an atmosphere that felt closer to Audi or BMW than to VW’s more practical lineup.
Comfort was another strong point. The Arteon provided over 41 inches of front legroom and more than 40 inches for rear passengers, making it exceptionally roomy. Cargo space was generous too, with 56.2 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded down.
Luxury touches included ventilated and heated seats, a massaging driver’s seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and premium audio options. At higher trims, the Arteon even offered features like a head-up display, wireless charging, and gesture controls for its infotainment system.
Performance: A Sleeper Sedan with Surprising Speed
While style and comfort were strong selling points, the Arteon also delivered performance that surprised many. Early models (2019-2021) came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, capable of a 0-60 mph sprint in 6.4 seconds.
By 2022, Volkswagen upgraded the powertrain to 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. With available 4MOTION all-wheel drive, the Arteon cut its 0-60 time to just 4.6 seconds faster than some Mercedes, BMW, and Audi models of the same era.
This performance was further enhanced by adaptive chassis control (DCC), which allowed drivers to switch between comfort and sport modes, balancing refinement with agility.
Pricing and Value: Affordable Luxury
One of the Arteon’s strongest advantages was its pricing. At launch in 2019, the Arteon started around $37,000 significantly cheaper than its rivals. For comparison:
-
Audi A5 Sportback: $46,695
-
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé: $51,745
-
Mercedes-Benz CLA: $70,195
By its final 2023 model year, the Arteon’s starting price had risen to just over $44,000 still thousands less than similarly equipped German luxury sedans.
Today, used Arteons offer even greater value, with prices ranging between $18,000 and $32,000 depending on model year and trim.
Running Costs and Ownership
The Arteon, like most luxury cars, suffers from depreciation. On average, it loses about 46 percent of its value over five years. Fuel costs are also higher than average, with annual expenses of around $2,200-$2,500 depending on drivetrain.
However, maintenance costs remain relatively affordable. Over a five-year period, owners spend around $2,152 far less than what many luxury competitors demand.
Most importantly, owner satisfaction is remarkably high. According to Kelley Blue Book, 95 percent of Arteon owners would recommend the car, giving it near-perfect ratings for comfort, performance, and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Volkswagen Arteon a luxury car?
A. Yes, the Arteon is considered a luxury sedan thanks to its premium features, upscale design, and advanced technology.
2. Why was the Volkswagen Arteon discontinued?
A. The Arteon struggled with sales, particularly in the U.S., as buyers favored SUVs and crossovers over sedans.
3. How does the Arteon compare to Mercedes-Benz and BMW sedans?
A. In terms of design, features, and performance, the Arteon could hold its own against entry-level luxury sedans from Mercedes and BMW, often at a lower price.
4. What is the most powerful Arteon model?
A. The 2022–2023 Arteon, with 300 horsepower and 4MOTION AWD, is the most powerful and fastest version.
5. Is the Volkswagen Arteon reliable?
A. Yes, with relatively low maintenance costs and strong owner satisfaction ratings, the Arteon is seen as a reliable choice.
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