A premium automobile from a non-luxury brand is virtually oxymoronic. However, the Volkswagen Arteon, a fastback sedan with a hatchback, is an exception. The 2023 Arteon is a cheap Audi A5 Sportback that debuted five years ago and replaces VW’s long-gone CC. It may be a sports sedan, a compact luxury family vehicle, or an affordable premium option. It’s comfortably midsize, whichever category it fits into, at 191.5 inches long.
All of the Arteon’s modifications for 2023 are superficial, including more excellent lighting and comfort features, a better basic model, and more—especially in light of the introduction of the new engine for 2022: VW’s driver assistance technology, IQ. The drive is now standard in all grades. SE R-Line, SEL R-Line, and SEL Premium R-Line are above the front-wheel-drive base and all-wheel drive top trims.
Other midsize luxury sedans in this segment, such as the Mercedes-Benz CLA, Cadillac CT4, and Genesis G70, are strong competitors. The top-of-the-line Kia K5 and the soon-to-be-discontinued Kia Stinger provide design, cost, and functionality comparable to Hyundai’s Sonata sedan in its N-Line high-performance model. The Audi A5 Sportback is a valuable benchmark for understanding the impact of a higher price. However, the Arteon has a large hatchback with more excellent baggage space than any midsize rival and rear seat legroom comparable to a Honda Accord.
The base trim level is the front-wheel drive SE R-Line, which costs $44,305, including all fees. The highest all-wheel drive (AWD) trims are the SEL R-Line, which costs $48,475, and the SEL Premium R-Line, which costs $51,470. Compared to other popular-brand midsize sedans, all are much more powerful, with outstanding power outputs of 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. They are more in line with the high-performance Sonata N Line or Kia K5 GT.
Although the cabin isn’t as luxurious as an Audi or Mercedes, it exceeds all its rivals in backseat legroom. The hatchback opening is now power-assisted for effortless opening and shutting, and luxury seat options are standard. It may be huge, lengthy, and unattractive at times, yet it can also be sleek and athletic when seen from certain angles, emulating an Audi.
It features ample tech and safety packages that include VW’s IQ and high-end amenities like a power-opening hatch, wireless charging, and smartphone connectivity. The entry-level SE R-Line drives assistance system is a good value option. Although the Arteon is often neglected, it may meet the demands of many driver types at a more affordable starting price if you’re seeking a luxury sedan.
Infotainment:2023 Volkswagen Arteon
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that comes standard with the Arteon was given a significant power boost by Volkswagen last year, but its smooth and engaging handling remains unchanged. Though not a sports vehicle, the engine has improved to 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, up from 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft in cars manufactured before 2022.
That’s still more powerful than the top powerplant of the Audi A5 Sportback, which has 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet, as well as comparable output from rival models. It is only really matched by the potent Sonata N Line, but the Arteon accelerates to 60 mph faster—4.6 seconds—than the Hyundai, which takes around one extra second. This is remarkable for a sedan of this caliber. You would need to upgrade to the S5 if you were shopping at Audi to get that speed. The engine and seven-speed DSG gearbox are the same for all three models.
Although it automatically recognizes when the rear wheels are wasting fuel rather than assisting, the higher trims are equipped with 4Motion all-wheel drive, which gives it a more excellent grip. Regular braking and acceleration seem solid and quick, while auto hold at lights and stops is a luxury feature. The midsize car’s body seemed less confident around some bends, but it efficiently handled most driving situations. Operating in the sports mode is enjoyable, but comfort and normalcy are far more critical and appreciated if others are in the passenger seat.
Fuel Economy:2023 Volkswagen Arteon
The front-wheel variant (SE R-Line) gets 28 mpg combined (25 cities and 33 highways), whereas the AWD trims get 25 mpg (22 and 31). That is comparable to the set average, somewhat superior to the N Line, similarly potent, and almost on par with the Audi. With a combined fuel economy of 29 mpg, the CLA outperforms the competition; however, that decreases with AWD. The Arteon finds competing with more affordable and efficient family-oriented sedans difficult.
The Arteon uses only premium gasoline to provide its potent driving experience, although most of its main competitors also utilize it. Volkswagen says the streamlined fastback design reduces drag to 30 for AWD or 29 for the VW, matching the Audi A5 and attempting to overtake the very efficient CLA.
Tech for Safety:2023 Volkswagen Arteon
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Arteon a Top Safety Pick+, and other foreign organizations gave it a good rating even though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) did not show it one. The car seat system was only downgraded by the IIHS for user-friendliness.
Volkswagen includes almost all of the safety features in the cheapest model. Along with a lengthy list of standard features, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, automated emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane assist, rear traffic alerts, forward collision warning, and IQ, The drive system also provides advanced driver assistance.
Emergency assist is a more recent, luxurious function that stops the vehicle with the emergency lights on if the driver becomes disabled (defined as having no hands on the wheel after many alarms and warnings). Additionally, a robust automated crash system activates upon a collision. There’s parking assistance on higher trims.
Coziness & Space:
With 40.2 inches of legroom in the rear, the long Arteon offers more space than the CLA (33.9 inches), G70 (34.9 inches), and A5 (35.1 inches). However, putting three people in the back is still not recommended. All sedans, save for the ever-generous Honda Accord (40.8 inches in the new 2023 model), are easily surpassed by it. Apart from the space for stretching, the back isn’t very soft, and the seats are a little rigid.
A heated steering wheel, added in 2023, makes riding in traffic more pleasant upfront. The standard heated 12-way adjustable front seats are also a fantastic feature. The much-desired driver massage feature, heated rear seats, and seat ventilation are all included in the higher model. Although a little sticky, the basic model’s leatherette upholstery feels luxurious, but the upgrade to leather seats on higher trims isn’t a significant step up.
Infotainment:2023 Volkswagen Arteon
Expect a substantial-tech package on the base SE R-Line, which deters buyers from choosing higher trims unless they want the upgraded 12-speaker Harman Kardon system rather than the standard eight. The Arteon, like other new VWs, has a 10-inch driver display with a wealth of information called the Digital Cockpit Pro.
Although the 8-inch touchscreen is straightforward, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto function best when linked to a phone. Although there is always room for improvement, Amazon Alexa customers may connect their accounts more efficiently using the voice control system. Even with constant advancements, navigation may still be a challenging user interface. A welcome relief is the knobs that run down the side of the touchscreen.
There are also standard amenities seen in luxury cars, such as wireless charging, rudimentary navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Two USB-C ports are in the front (a third is in the back on the SEL Premium R-Line) if you need to connect. The abundance of features justifies its more expensive and upscale appearance.
Storage & Cargo Space:
More than 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity is a good amount of room, and the Arteon can accommodate more than the average trunked sedan, thanks to its hatchback storage area. When the rear bench is lowered, the power-lift hatch opens up to 27.2 cubic feet of room, giving you 56.2 cubes. With the backseats folded, the hatchback A5 Sportback only takes up 16.9 cubes and just 35 when folded. The G70 and the CLA have limited boot capacities—10.5 and 11.6 cubic feet, respectively.
The Arteon didn’t seem as suitable for packing full of goods as a sedan or a more family-oriented sedan. It provides standard compartments, nothing unique or remarkable. The larger hatch opening is, without a doubt, its most significant benefit. Roof bars for sporting goods may be purchased for $428.
Design :2023 Volkswagen Arteon
Although it seems unusual in theory, the Arteon delivers a more upscale Volkswagen experience both inside and out, as shown by its dark interior and premium price tag. With several stylistic inspirations from Audi’s A5 lines and posture, the Arteon more than suffices if Audi sedans are your thing. It has the Gran Turismo’s sportiness thanks to the fastback slope, but the grille and front lights put it firmly in VW territory.
It doesn’t seem as elegant as a sports sedan because of its more extended, heavier load, which some may find ugly, but its midsize appearance is discreet and mixes well with rivals.
Its inside seems upscale without being pretentious, yet it doesn’t have the abundance of authentic luxury brands. Although first eye-catching, if only because viewers aren’t as acquainted with the Audi-lookalike car with aggressive VW branding and lighting, it’s ultimately readily forgettable, which may be good or bad depending on the context.
Is the 2023 Volkswagen Arteon Worth it?
The Arteon has a distinctive area that probably isn’t appropriate for most people’s demands, but it’s here if you’re looking for an affordable Audi. Even though it’s easily missed, it offers a more luxurious feel than a conventional sedan without sacrificing elegance, spaciousness, or storage while saving thousands off Audi’s sticker price. Its speed has also increased significantly since its first release, which helps users accept its higher cost.
With the primary grade (beginning at $44,305) satisfying most demands for a luxury sedan, the standard choices have been increased for 2023, particularly for external features and tech and safety packages. If AWD is required, go up to the $48,475 SEL R-Line trim level. Compared to all these standard features and performance levels, the A5 Sportback begins at $47,795 without the $2,500 convenience package for safety and comfort conveniences. Even the more affordable Sonata N Line starts at more than $35,000.
How Much Does Volkswagen Arteon Insurance Cost in 2023?
Compared to most of its competitors, the Arteon should be less expensive to insure. Our research indicates that, on average, a 30-year-old female driver with a spotless record should pay a yearly premium of less than $2,500; however, this average applies to all 50 states. Owners of a Genesis G70 may spend $2,700 annually, compared to $2,650 for a Mercedes CLA and $2,575 for a Hyundai Sonata N Line.
Volkswagen Arteon Generations
First Generation
2018 to Present
With the 2018 model year, the high-end CC four-door sedan was replaced in the range by the Volkswagen Arteon. It has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and is based on Volkswagen’s Modular Transverse Matrix architecture. It resembles the Audi A5, which Volkswagen owns. Volkswagen significantly increased the power of the Arteon’s engine in 2022, bringing it up to 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
Verdict
The 2023 Volkswagen Arteon offers an athletic appearance, a premium interior feel, a functional hatchback storage space, and a host of standard tech features to satisfy various drivers—possibly even families—without breaking the bank on luxury sedan prices. With standard IQ and driver comfort amenities, this affordable Audi A5 Sportback meets most luxury demands across three model levels. Provide a high-quality ride when operating driver assistance. Indeed, it’s a startling midsize from the same Volkswagen that canceled the Passat sedan, yet it manages to come together somehow.
