CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.4%
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 stylish five-door grand tourer that slots above the Passat, rivalling premium competitors like the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. Launched in 2017, it proved popular with buyers seeking an upmarket alternative without the premium badge price tag. A mid-life refresh in 2020 brought subtle exterior changes, revised trim levels, and the introduction of the practical Shooting Brake estate variant. The high-performance R version added further appeal for keen drivers, whilst production wound down in 2023 as Volkswagen focused on more popular models.

The Arteon excels in comfort, refinement, and practicality, with a roomy interior featuring high-quality materials and excellent fit and finish. Its efficient four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines deliver good performance, whilst the spacious 563-litre boot (590-litres in the Shooting Brake) accommodates family needs. However, it lacks the driving engagement of rivals and the four-cylinder engine line-up may disappoint those seeking more performance character. Running costs are reasonable thanks to efficient engines and good residual values, though higher-spec models command premium prices. It's an excellent choice for those prioritising comfort, style, and practicality over driving excitement.

Best for: Buyers seeking a stylish, comfortable, and well-equipped grand tourer; families needing space and refinement; those wanting premium appeal without the premium price tag.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising engaging handling; those seeking badge prestige from established premium brands; buyers wanting powerful engine options or maximum driving excitement.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Arteon if: You're seeking a stylish, comfortable, and well-equipped grand tourer; you need space and refinement for family use; or you want premium appeal without the premium price tag.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise engaging handling, badge prestige from established premium brands, or powerful engine options and maximum driving excitement.

Competitive Position: The Volkswagen Arteon (2017-2024) is a compelling choice in the premium grand tourer segment, offering exceptional style, comfort, and practicality at a more accessible price point than rivals. Whilst it lacks the driving engagement of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and the performance character of the Alfa Romeo Giulia, it outshines competitors in terms of interior quality, equipment levels, and value for money. The spacious Shooting Brake variant adds practical versatility, making the Arteon an excellent option for those prioritising comfort and style over outright driving thrills. Its strong user ratings and good deal availability make it a sensible choice for discerning buyers.

Read our full Volkswagen Arteon Review

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

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