2023 VW Arteon Review: The Underrated German Luxury Sedan

The Volkswagen Arteon is a hidden gem in the midsize luxury sedan segment. This sleek, stylish, and well-equipped German sedan deserves more attention than it gets. After spending a week with the 2023 Arteon, here is my in-depth review.

Arteon Specifications:

• Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 300 hp
• Torque: 295 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: AWD (4Motion)
• 0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 22/31 mpg city/highway
• Cargo Space: 19.9 cu. ft
• Length: 191.6 inches
• Curb Weight: 3,904 lbs
• Starting Price: $42,115

Exterior Design (8/10)

The Arteon has a striking coupe-like profile with a fastback rear-end design. The LED lighting, aggressive front grille, and sculpted bodylines give it a premium, athletic look that stands out. While subjective, I find the Arteon to be one of the sharpest-looking sedans in this class.

Interior and Technology (9/10)

The cabin is where the Arteon truly shines. Premium materials, excellent fit and finish, and a clean lay out elevated this interior. The digital cockpit, massaging seats, panoramic sunroof, and Harman/Kardon audio system provide a luxurious experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a host of driver assistance aids are standard.

Performance and Driving (8/10)

The turbocharged 2.0L provides plenty of thrust and the AWD system aids traction. Steering is precise and the adaptive dampers allow comfort or sportier setups. It’s genuinely fun to drive. The downsides are some turbo lag and an occasionally rough engine stop/start system.

The Competitors

Rivals like the Acura TLX, Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon, and Kia Stinger offer compelling alternatives. Many are cheaper than the Arteon when optioned similarly. However, none can quite match the Arteon’s upscale interior and driving refinement.

Value and Pricing (7/10)

With a starting price of $42,115, the Arteon undercuts traditional luxury sedans like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes C-Class by a decent margin. However, climbing up the trim levels can push prices close to $50,000 when adding desirable options.

The SEL R-Line trim I tested carried an as-tested price of $48,190 after options and fees. At this price point, it faces more mainstream competition from vehicles like the Kia Stinger GT, Acura TLX, and Nissan Maxima that offer similar performance and features for less money.

Ownership Costs (7/10)

Like its Volkswagen siblings, the Arteon comes with a relatively affordable maintenance and ownership cost structure compared to traditional luxury brands. Estimated 5-year costs hover around $9,700 which is on par with mainstream brands.

However, potential buyers should be aware that the Arteon requires premium fuel and has slightly below-average predicted reliability ratings from agencies like JD Power and Consumer Reports.

The Final Verdict (8.5/10)

Despite a few small downsides, I stand by my strong overall recommendation of the 2023 Volkswagen Arteon. It delivers a premium driving experience and luxury car levels of comfort, technology, and curb appeal for thousands less than traditional luxury badges.

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Those looking for a more affordable entry into German luxury and performance need to give the underrated Arteon a long, hard look. It’s one of the most well-rounded and compelling offerings in its segment.