Volkswagen Arteon: A Stylish and Practical Premium Liftback Sedan Tested
The Volkswagen Arteon is a premium liftback sedan that aims to blend sleek coupe-like styling with the practicality of a hatchback. Positioned above the Passat in Volkswagen’s lineup, the Arteon targets buyers who want a more stylish and upscale alternative to mainstream sedans. We recently spent a week with the Arteon, putting it through its paces in various driving conditions to assess its strengths and weaknesses.
Exterior Design: A Head-Turner
The Arteon’s exterior design is undoubtedly one of its strongest assets. Its long, low-slung silhouette, combined with a sloping roofline, gives it a sleek and elegant appearance. The front end features a bold chrome grille that extends into the LED headlights, creating a distinctive and modern look. The sculpted hood and sharp character lines along the sides further enhance its visual appeal.
From the rear, the Arteon’s fastback design is particularly striking. The LED taillights are sleek and wrap around the corners of the car, while the integrated spoiler adds a sporty touch. The overall design is well-proportioned and eye-catching, making the Arteon stand out from the crowd of traditional sedans.
Interior Design and Features: Premium Feel with Some Quirks
Inside, the Arteon offers a premium and well-appointed cabin. The materials used are generally of high quality, with soft-touch surfaces and tasteful trim accents. The dashboard layout is clean and modern, with a large touchscreen display dominating the center console.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive, offering ample adjustability for drivers of various sizes. The rear seats are also spacious, with plenty of legroom and headroom for adult passengers. The Arteon’s liftback design allows for a generous cargo area, making it more practical than traditional sedans.
However, the Arteon’s interior is not without its quirks. The touch-sensitive controls for the climate control and volume are not as intuitive as traditional buttons and knobs, requiring more attention to operate while driving. Additionally, the glossy black trim on the center console is prone to fingerprints and smudges.
Performance and Handling: A Balanced Driving Experience
Under the hood, the Arteon is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and responsive shifts.
In terms of performance, the Arteon offers adequate acceleration for most driving situations. The engine delivers plenty of power for merging onto the highway and overtaking other vehicles. However, it’s not as sporty or engaging as some of its competitors.
The Arteon’s handling is well-balanced, offering a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and road imperfections, while the steering is precise and responsive. The Arteon is not a sports car, but it’s still enjoyable to drive on winding roads.
Technology and Safety: Well-Equipped
The Arteon comes standard with a variety of technology and safety features, including a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a rearview camera, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trim levels add features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system.
The infotainment system is easy to use and offers a variety of features, including navigation, music streaming, and smartphone integration. The safety features work well and provide an added layer of protection for drivers and passengers.
Fuel Economy: Competitive
The Arteon’s fuel economy is competitive for its class. The EPA estimates that it gets 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. In our testing, we averaged around 25 mpg in mixed driving conditions.
Pricing and Value: A Premium Proposition
The Arteon is priced higher than the Passat, reflecting its premium positioning. However, it offers a unique combination of style, practicality, and features that may appeal to buyers who are willing to pay a premium for a more upscale sedan.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a summary of the Arteon’s pros and cons:
Pros:
- Striking exterior design
- Spacious and comfortable interior
- Generous cargo space
- Well-equipped with technology and safety features
- Smooth and comfortable ride
Cons:
- Touch-sensitive controls can be frustrating
- Glossy black trim is prone to fingerprints
- Not as sporty as some competitors
- Higher price than mainstream sedans
Overall Impression
The Volkswagen Arteon is a stylish and practical premium liftback sedan that offers a unique alternative to traditional sedans. Its striking exterior design, spacious interior, and generous cargo space make it a compelling choice for buyers who want a car that stands out from the crowd. While it’s not perfect, the Arteon’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthwhile contender in the premium sedan segment.
Who Should Buy the Volkswagen Arteon?
The Volkswagen Arteon is a good choice for buyers who:
- Want a stylish and unique sedan
- Value practicality and cargo space
- Appreciate premium features and technology
- Are willing to pay a premium for a more upscale car
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re considering the Volkswagen Arteon, you may also want to check out these alternatives:
- Audi A5 Sportback
- BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
- Kia Stinger
- Acura TLX
Ultimately, the best car for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. We recommend test driving the Arteon and its competitors to see which one you like best.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Arteon is a well-rounded premium liftback sedan that offers a compelling blend of style, practicality, and features. While it’s not the sportiest or most affordable option in its class, it’s a worthwhile contender for buyers who want a car that stands out from the crowd and offers a more upscale driving experience. The Arteon successfully carves out a niche for itself by offering something different in a segment often dominated by more conventional designs. Its coupe-like silhouette and hatchback versatility make it an appealing option for those seeking a stylish yet practical vehicle.
