Is the 2023 Volkswagen Arteon a Baby Audi?
The Volkswagen Arteon is a luxury midsize sedan produced by the German automaker. The Arteon was introduced in 2017 as a replacement for the Volkswagen CC (Comfort Coupe). The car’s name is derived from the Latin word “Artem,” which means art.
Though sedans have fallen out of favor among consumers, the Arteon is a standout due to its luxury and style, reminiscent of the Audi. Let’s look at the Arteon and see what Edmunds had to say about the family sedan, including its similarities to Audi models.
Edmunds’ review of the 2023 Volkswagen Arteon
Edmunds’ review of the 2023 Arteon was overall positive. Edmunds reports, “The Volkswagen Arteon boasts a sleek exterior design and a spacious and modern interior. Couple that with comfortable seats, lots of cargo capacity, and refined handling, and you have a compelling — though not inexpensive — choice for a midsize sedan.”
The 2023 Arteon’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The front wheels (or all wheels for the all-wheel drive option) get power from a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Arteon is now more exciting to drive than ever, thanks to the new powertrain from the Volkswagen Golf R.
Some of the pros listed were artful design, quick acceleration and handling, exceptional cargo space, and impressive available technology and luxury features. Some of the cons listed by Edmunds were poor outward visibility and an occasionally unresponsive infotainment console.
The VW Arteon overall score and how it performed in different categories
The Volkswagen Arteon scored very well in comfort and performance. Edmunds reports that it is pretty quick, thanks to the 300-hp engine. Additionally, the reviewers report that the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly. Edmunds states that the overall comfort is good except when driving over rough pavement. However, the standard seats don’t breathe well unless you opt for the upgraded ventilated seats.
The VW Arteon received an average score for the interior. Headroom is limited due to the long profile styling of the roofline. This also contributes to reduced visibility when driving. The Arteon also offers a digital gauge cluster and an 8-inch infotainment screen that is stylish and easy to read. As an added bonus, the screen hides lesser-used controls when your finger moves away from the screen.
Edmunds says it feels like a ‘baby Audi’
Edmunds refers to the Volkswagen Arteon as a “baby Audi” thanks to the 300-hp engine and the modern and upscale feel of the interior. Additionally, it’s also one of the few midsize sedans to offer all-wheel drive as an option. With a price tag of $44,305, it is certainly not a cheap vehicle, but slightly more affordable than an Audi counterpart.
The Arteon is a practical, comfortable sedan with lots of space in the trunk, thanks to its liftback design. This makes it a viable alternative to the Audi A5 hatchback, which offers similar luxuries and performance.
It is comparable in size and cost to the Audi A5 hatchback, but the Arteon has more features and horsepower than the A5’s standard specification. A luxury-branded vehicle can be had for a little bit more if you choose the Audi. However, the Arteon offers superior value over the A5.
The VW Arteon may not be around for long due to sedans’ decreasing popularity among consumers. This is coupled with the fact that you don’t get the badge envy you would with an Audi. For the money, some consumers would rather spend a little extra for the prestige of owning a more well-known luxury car. However, for now, Volkswagen is keeping it in its lineup.
