Used Volkswagen Arteon for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 150
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. Launched in 2017, it immediately proved popular with buyers seeking stylish practicality without premium pricing. A mid-life refresh in 2020 brought subtle exterior changes, revised trim levels, and the addition of a handsome Shooting Brake estate variant. The high-performance R version offers genuine excitement for keen drivers, whilst production wound down in 2023 as Volkswagen focused on more popular models.

Despite its sleek appearance, the Arteon is impressively practical with ample interior space, high-quality materials, and excellent fit and finish. The 563-litre boot expands to 1,557 litres with rear seats folded, whilst the Shooting Brake offers even greater versatility. Running costs are competitive thanks to efficient four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines, with the 148bhp TDI achieving around 50mpg in real-world driving. However, the driving experience feels similar to the Passat, prioritising comfort and refinement over sporting engagement. Service intervals of up to 20,000 miles or 24 months help control ownership costs, and the car achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating with 96% for adult occupancy.

Best for: Buyers seeking a stylish, comfortable, and well-equipped grand tourer that covers long distances with ease, and those wanting premium features without premium badge pricing.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising engaging handling, those seeking badge appeal comparable to BMW or Audi, or buyers wanting powerful engine options beyond four-cylinder units.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Arteon if: You seek a stylish, comfortable, and well-equipped grand tourer that covers long distances with ease, and want premium features without premium badge pricing.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise engaging handling, desire badge appeal comparable to BMW or Audi, or require powerful engine options beyond four-cylinder units.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Arteon (2017-2024) is a refined and practical grand tourer offering excellent value and style. Whilst it lacks the sporting engagement of the BMW 4 Series or the desirability of the Audi A5 Sportback, its superior comfort, spaciousness, and competitive pricing make it an intelligent choice for buyers prioritising long-distance capability and equipment over driving excitement. The stylish Shooting Brake variant adds genuine versatility, making the Arteon a sensible alternative to more expensive premium rivals.

Read our full Volkswagen Arteon Review

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