Overview

As its flagship sedan, the 2023 Volkswagen Arteon checks all the boxes – and then some.  Because the midsize Arteon delivers styling and features normally found only in luxury branded vehicles.  Topping that with Arteon’s recently increased engine size, horsepower, and performance.  You have a hard-to-resist driving experience for anyone shopping for a midsize sedan.

And that’s whether you’re considering a sports sedan, luxury, or reasonably practical yet stylish daily driver.

⇒ Check out Ontario VW Arteon Inventory

New For 2023 Volkswagen Arteon

For 2023 VW is giving Arteon a few new aspects.  But this is after the big improvement from 2022 and that was the increased 300 hp engine.

Niceties being added for 2023 are mostly cosmetic.  Although functional as well.  Including lower trims receiving LED headlights, front foglights, and an adaptive front cornering light system.  Also a cool illuminated light bar on the front grille.    Plus a heated steering wheel, and a dynamic road sign display.

Bumping up to the top trim, the SEL Premium R-Line, cool 20-inch wheels replace the formerly standard 19s.  With coolness inside as well.  Including a black carbon trim interior and ambient lighting complete with 30 different color options.

300hp/295 lb-ft of torque

2023 Volkswagen Arteon Trims And Pricing

The 2023 Volkswagen Arteon comes in three trim options.  And these are the same trims offered last year.  With starting prices ticking up slightly on the lower two trims.  While the top trim’s factory suggested starting price comes down slightly.

2023 VW Arteon trims & starting MSRPs

• SE R-Line $43,010
  
• SEL R-Line $47,180
  
• SEL Premium R-Line $50,175
  

Engine And Transmission

Keeping it simple in the engine and transmission department, VW is offering a single engine and transmissions.  But two options for the drivetrain.

We’re loving the engine.  It’s a quick 2.0L inline four-cylinder.  Turbocharged with 16 valves, putting out 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.  And this leaves you the option of front-wheel drive or VW’s all-wheel drive, 4Motion.  Then interfacing with both of those is a 7-speed automatic transmission.

So, which drivetrain to go with you ask?  We don’t really have a strong opinion either way.  Because we like them both, plenty.  Front-wheel drive is a bit more fuel efficient while feeling and being plenty sturdy under the driver.  Whereas 4Motion is a bit more sturdy under the driver.

If we had to choose, we’d go AWD.  But we’d be happy to have either one in the driveway.

Fuel Economy Ratings

With the same engine and transmission, Arteon’s fuel economy ratings are similar to one another.  So when it comes to real-world mpg you’re hardly going to notice a difference.

MPG Ratings

• FWD 25/28/33
  
• AWD 22/25/31
  

*City/combined/highway

Arteon’s curb weight fluctuates depending on the configuration.  FWD delivers a curb weight of 3,677 lbs.  While the AWD/4Motion version weighs in at 3,929 lbs.

Length 191.5/wheelbase 111.9/width 73.7 – inches

2023 Volkswagen Arteon – What’s It Look Like?

Style is a leading factor in Arteon’s appeal.  Aesthetically, the midsize gran turismo styling of Arteon is distinctly European.  While it also closely affiliates the look of its much pricier Audi luxury brand.

Every trim option is beautiful, bold, and classy.  But sporty too.  And depending on your Arteon’s configuration you can lean into any of the aforementioned styles.  Sweeping lines, a bold stance, and appealing curves.  Arteon looks every bit the flagship that it’s intended to represent.

Exterior dimensions

• Wheelbase 111.9
  
• Track:
  
  • front 62.5
    
  • rear 62.1
    
  
  
• Length 191.5
  
• Width 73.7
  
• Height 56.8 to 56.9
  
• Ground clearance 5.1 to 5.2
  

*All inches

SE R-Line cockpit

Inside The 2023 Volkswagen Arteon

Volkswagen holds little back with Arteon’s interior.  Delivering the brand’s legendary fit and finish comes automatically.  Adding a great use of space, creature comforts, and styling emphasizes its flagship status.  Haptic touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and in the center stack.  Manage tri-zone cabin climate.  Even backseat passengers have the availability to adjust their climate.

Standard 12-way, heated front seats with leatherette surfaces.  Leather seating plus both heated and ventilated front seats are available.  Also available is heated rear outboard seating.  Even massaging seats are being announced for Arteon although VW’s stating ‘later availability’ on that feature.

Interior dimensions

• Headroom 37.7/37.0
  
• Shoulder room 56.5/54.7
  
• Hip room 54.3/46.5
  
• Legroom 41.2/40.2
  

*All inches – front/rear

With Arteon being a hatchback the cargo capacity is an extra added selling point.  Because there’s ample room for your stuff.  With the backseats up and in use Arteon provides 27.2 cubic feet of storage space.  Folding the backseats down delivers 56.2 cu-ft of storage.

Digital Cockpit Pro – standard

Infotainment And Connectivity

Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit Pro is standard across all 2023 Arteon trims.  Replacing in-dash analog instrumentation with a  monitor that can be configured for the driver’s preferences.  Including the ability to save multiple driver profiles.  Also standard throughout Arteon configurations is wireless app-connect, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless charging, voice control, and an 8-speaker sound system.  When going with the SEL Premium R-Line trim a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system is added.

Safety And Driver-Assistance

Being the flagship sedan, Arteon is packed with the latest driver assistance and safety technology VW offers.

Including forward collision warning and emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring.  Blindspot monitoring, rear traffic alert, adaptive cruise, lane assist, and more.  Even parking steering assist is available as well as overhead head camera tech.

For the full reporting on Arteon’s results in crash testing go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.  Also, refer to the  Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website.

Warranty And Maintenance Coverage

Volkswagen includes two years, or 20,000 miles, of scheduled maintenance with every Taos.  Additionally three years, or 36,000 miles, or roadside assistance.  Along with four years, or 50,000 miles, of its limited new vehicle warranty.

 

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