Looking for a stylish and roomy European sedan with an Audi-like vibe? Consider the 2023 Volkswagen Arteon. Although it’s a little pricier than the Nissan Maxima, the Arteon blends excellent style with the superb utility provided by its handy power-liftback design. Fold the rear seat, and the Arteon accepts cargo like a small van.
As was true in 2022, all VW Arteon models are sporty R-Line variants for 2023. A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine sending 300 horsepower to the wheels via a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) motivates each Arteon.
For 2023, all Arteon models get the VW IQ.Drive suite, which includes adaptive cruise control and a semiautomated driving assistance system with Lane Assist steering. This suite also includes Emergency Assist, which can bring the Arteon to a safe stop if the driver has suffered a medical emergency.
Also standard throughout the Arteon lineup for 2023 are Dynamic Road Sign Display and an illuminated light bar in the grille.
Optional paint colors for 2023 include Kings Red Metallic, pearlescent Opal White, and a new offering: Kingfisher Blue Metallic.
The EPA rates the front-wheel-drive 2023 Volkswagen Arteon SE R-Line at 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. All-wheel-drive (AWD) Arteon models aren’t quite as fuel-efficient, returning 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway/25 mpg combined.
2023 Volkswagen Arteon SE R-Line: $43,010
The only 2023 VW Arteon offered with FWD is the SE R-Line, and it’s about $4,000 less expensive than the SEL R-Line, which comes standard with AWD. If we lived in an area with a dry climate, we’d have no qualms choosing this Arteon and saving a little money.
The SE R-Line also comes very well equipped. Standard features include 2-mode adaptive suspension and Drive Mode Select, which allows the driver to choose among Comfort, Normal, and Sport modes.
Other standard features on this “base” Arteon include LED headlights and taillights, heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
What’s more, safety features abound. In addition to a full complement of airbags, the Arteon SE gets the aforementioned IQ.Drive suite, which also includes a forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking (with pedestrian detection), front and rear parking sensors, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
The interior of the Arteon SE is quite pleasant, thanks to high-quality leatherette upholstery and supportive front seats that offer 12-way adjustability, 4-way power lumbar support, and heat. A heated and leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel (with paddle shifters) helps this VW accommodate drivers of various sizes, but be warned: The haptic touch control buttons on the steering wheel (for the cruise control, audio, and the like) are a bit of an acquired talent.
Other standard fare includes tri-zone automatic climate control, keyless access, a push-button starter, and VW’s Digital Cockpit Pro. This digital panel replaces traditional analog gauges with a configurable 10.25-inch display that offers up to 21 viewing options. In addition to a traditional-looking speedometer and tachometer, Digital Cockpit Pro can feature a navigational map, driver assistance status, and phone information.
VW’s MIB3 Discover Media also is standard. This infotainment system features 8-inch touchscreen navigation, AM/FM/HD Radio, Bluetooth, and Sirius XM satellite radio, all with voice control. The standard stereo, by the way, is an 8-speaker Harman Kardon unit.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on this handsome VW, along with a smartphone charging pad and two USB-C charging ports. VW’s optional Car-Net connected services provide the Arteon owner a Wi-Fi hot spot and enhanced maps featuring up-to-date traffic and construction data.
With the Car-Net mobile app, your smartphone can interact with the car to offer remote starting, locking/unlocking, and provide vehicle location data.
With the $1,295 destination fee, the 2023 Volkswagen Arteon SE R-Line costs $44,305. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and no money down, the Arteon SE’s monthly payment comes to about $796. See 2023 Volkswagen Arteon SE R-Line models for sale
2023 Volkswagen Arteon SE R-Line includes:
- Adaptive front lighting – All 2023 Arteon models have adaptive LED headlights that point their beams into turns, better illuminating the way through.
- Tri-zone automatic climate control – Each front passenger has an individual temperature zone, plus one for the back seat.
- Navigation – GPS navigation comes standard on the SE with handy real-time traffic updates.
2023 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line: $47,180
Is the SEL R-Line worth the extra $4,170? Let’s take a look. It comes standard with 4Motion all-wheel drive, which is essential in some parts of the country. It also has added features and creature comforts.
Inside, that means Nappa leather seat upholstery, driver’s seat memory, 30-color ambient interior lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. On the outside, power-folding side mirrors and 20-inch alloy wheels in a dark graphite color highlight the changes.
With the $1,295 destination fee, the 2023 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line costs $48,475. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the SEL R-Line’s monthly payment comes to about $871. e 2023 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line models for sale
2023 Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line includes:
- 4Motion AWD – Standard on the SEL R-Line, 4Motion brings added stability and security in wet and wintry climates.
- Nappa leather upholstery – The leatherette interior in the base Arteon SE gets the job done but lacks the suppleness of natural leather here.
- Black carbon trim – Appearing on the dash and door panels, this trim complements the leather seat trim and gives the Arteon SEL interior an even richer feel.
2023 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line: $50,175
The Arteon SEL Premium thinks it’s an Audi. This German-built VW is luxurious and stylish, costing close to $50,000.
What separates the Arteon SEL Premium from the standard SEL? Lots of little but appreciated things.
The SEL Premium comes standard with an overhead 360-degree camera and a massaging driver’s seat, plus perforated Nappa interior leather, heated outboard rear seats (with their separate controls), a USB-C port for the back seat, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system with a 700-watt amplifier.
Not enough for you? The Arteon SEL Premium also gets an automatic parking program, a full-size spare tire on an alloy wheel (yay!), and a climate control panel for the rear seat passengers.
With the $1,295 destination fee, the 2023 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line costs $51,470. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $925. See 2023 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line models for sale
2023 Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line includes:
- Massaging driver’s seat – On long trips, the SEL Premium’s massaging seat can help reduce driver fatigue.
- Full-size spare tire – Much appreciated, this full-size spare allows you to continue at normal highway speeds after getting a flat tire.
- Harman Kardon audio – This 12-speaker system features a 12-channel, 700-watt amplifier and a subwoofer in the cargo area.
