Used Volkswagen Arteon for sale nearColchester

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 35.4%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 140
Average Price: Around £18,000

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 slots above the Passat, rivalling premium competitors like the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé. Launched in 2017, it immediately proved popular, eventually replacing the Passat saloon entirely. The Arteon features powerful turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, cutting-edge technology, and excellent safety credentials, achieving a five-star Euro NCAP rating with a 96% adult occupancy score. A mid-life refresh in 2020 introduced the stylish Shooting Brake estate variant, whilst the high-performance R version added genuine appeal for keen drivers.

Despite its sleek appearance, the Arteon is impressively practical with a 563-litre boot (590-litres in Shooting Brake form) and spacious interior featuring high-quality materials and excellent fit and finish. Running costs are comparatively low thanks to efficient engines, with the 2.0-litre TDI diesel achieving around 50mpg in real-world driving. The car excels at covering long distances with comfort and refinement, though it lacks the driving engagement of sportier rivals. Production ended in 2024, making used examples increasingly sought-after. The Arteon represents a stylish, well-equipped alternative to more expensive premium brands, particularly in spacious Shooting Brake guise.

Best for: Buyers seeking a stylish, comfortable grand tourer with premium feel at a competitive price, those prioritising practicality and long-distance comfort, and families needing spacious, well-equipped transport.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising engaging handling, those seeking badge prestige from established luxury marques, or buyers wanting powerful six-cylinder engines and genuine performance cachet.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Arteon if: You seek a stylish, comfortable grand tourer with premium feel at a competitive price, prioritise practicality and long-distance comfort, or need spacious, well-equipped family transport.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise engaging handling, seek badge prestige from established luxury marques, or want powerful six-cylinder engines and genuine performance cachet.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Arteon (2017-2024) is a compelling proposition in the luxury grand tourer segment, offering superior style, practicality, and value compared to its premium rivals. Whilst it lacks the driving engagement of the BMW 4 Series or the badge appeal of Audi and Alfa Romeo, the Arteon compensates with exceptional comfort, refinement, and comprehensive equipment at a more accessible price point. The spacious Shooting Brake variant adds genuine versatility, making it an intelligent choice for buyers prioritising substance over sporting pretension. With production now ended, used examples represent increasingly attractive propositions for those seeking understated luxury and practicality.

Read our full Volkswagen Arteon Review

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