CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 150
Average Price: Around £18,400

Volkswagen Arteon (2017-2024) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Super-stylish alternative to a Passat	Not as sporty as you might expect
Roomy for passengers	You'll pay for that styling upgrade
Covers big distances with ease	A BMW 3 Series is far more enjoyable to drive

Quick Summary

The Volkswagen Arteon (2017-2024) is a refined flagship luxury grand tourer that rivals established competitors such as the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. Launched in 2017, it slots above the Passat and combines stylish design with impressive practicality. A mid-life refresh in 2020 introduced subtle exterior changes, revised trim levels, and the handsome Shooting Brake estate variant, which also became available in high-performance R guise. Despite its streamlined looks, the Arteon offers spacious accommodation with a 563-litre boot (590-litres in the Shooting Brake), high-quality interior materials, and comprehensive standard equipment across all trim levels.

Where the Arteon struggles is in driving dynamics, feeling too similar to the Passat with conventional four-cylinder engines rather than the more evocative powerplants found in premium rivals. However, it excels as a comfortable, well-equipped long-distance cruiser with excellent refinement and low running costs. The 2.0-litre TDI diesel achieves around 57.6mpg claimed, whilst real-world figures often reach 50mpg. All models received a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating with a 96% adult occupancy score. The Arteon received a production wind-down announcement in 2023, with final UK examples sold in 2024.

Best for: Buyers seeking a stylish, spacious, and comfortable grand tourer with premium equipment, excellent refinement, and practical Shooting Brake versatility, particularly those prioritising comfort over driving engagement.

Not ideal for: Drivers wanting engaging handling, premium badge appeal, or powerful engine options; those seeking a more rewarding driving experience than a Passat; or buyers with tight budgets, as styling upgrades command a significant price premium.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Arteon if: You seek a stylish, spacious, and comfortable grand tourer with premium equipment and excellent refinement, particularly in practical Shooting Brake form, and prioritise comfort over driving engagement.

Consider alternatives if: You want engaging handling, premium badge appeal, powerful engine options, or a more rewarding driving experience; or if budget is a concern, as styling upgrades command a significant price premium.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Arteon is a refined and well-equipped alternative to premium rivals, offering impressive practicality and comprehensive standard kit at a competitive price. However, it lacks the driving dynamics of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, the badge appeal of the Audi A5 Sportback, or the performance cachet of the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Where the Arteon excels is as a comfortable, spacious long-distance cruiser with low running costs and excellent refinement. For buyers prioritising comfort, style, and practicality over driving excitement, the Arteon—especially in Shooting Brake form—represents a sensible and desirable choice, though premium rivals offer more engaging experiences on the road.

Read our full Volkswagen Arteon Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.

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