Spent a couple of hours yesterday exploring and driving a mid trim 2021 AWD Arteon (SEL R-Line) while my GTI was being serviced. Very impressive. Even more so given that the dealer offered a $6000 discount off the $45K MSRP to bring the transaction price down to that of an Accord 2.0L turbo "Touring" model or a Camry XSE NA V6. Neither of which offers an AWD option. If you're fond of a vehicle with a "European" feel, the Arteon provides that in a tradition of a true "GT" sedan (i.e. a grand touring 4 door with ample room for four and comfortable cruising on well maintained highways at over 100 mph). Upscale interior in the usual minimalist design. Some will find it too "minimal" without a huge infotainment screen and other bells and whistles but as someone familiar with VW's design language I felt completely at home. A magnificent EA888 2.0L turbo engine whose performance significantly exceeds its paper specs. For those whose only measure of performance is 0-60 acceleration the Arteon is competitive at about 6 seconds. But that is only part of the story. Though I'd prefer the DCT offered on the Arteon in Europe, the conventional TC transmission is smooth and smart. And if you prefer to use "manual" mode, it holds the gear selected up to redline. Of rivals the most obvious is the 2022 KIA Stinger with its 2.5L turbo base engine. If, like me, you've owned both VWs and KIAs and like both the Arteon and the Stinger it's a tough choice. Virtually the same price (with the VW dealer discount) of about $40K out the door. Each offers AWD though the KIA's is RWD biased compared to VW's 4Motion FWD biased system. Each is an extremely versatile liftback design but the Arteon offers more 2nd row legroom (by almost 4") and considerably more cargo capacity both behind the 2nd and 1st rows. (The Arteon's overall cargo space is 56.2 cubic ft compared to the Stinger's 40.9 CF.) The KIA is quicker to 60 mph by about a second as a result of it's larger engine but the Arteon with a Stage I ECU tune at a cost of about $800 erases that difference and then some. (Contrary to common wisdom such tuning does NOT invalidate the VW warranty.) Not having driven the new Stinger on backroads I can't comment on handling but the Arteon's DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) provides adaptive dampers that the Stinger GT-Line lacks. My guess is that the Arteon wins that particular comparison. All in all, the choice is between a true European GT sedan and a Korean built version of a European GT designed to appeal to American tastes. Each deserves a serious look for those looking for an affordable GT sedan.

We just got our new base model Arteon and I’m really amazed how good this car is, I traded for our Passat R version 2017 model and it’s a big difference in many ways. I drove the more equipped version and I’m still find this one perfect. Price wise it’s a perfect option for me. I highly recommend this Arteon, I have more than 25 VWS in my life an this one is awesome.

Nolan, you’re getting done great cars to review lately!!

Great review! Very detailed

I really love your car 🚘 reviews 🙌🙌

We had a 2014 CC with the DSG for six years, and loved driving a sporty sedan instead of a silver, white, or black SUV or crossover like everyone else around town. We would still be driving the CC, if not for shudder-during-acceleration issue (a problem our VW dealership never fully corrected, despite >$4500 of service to replace the clutch pack and the Mechatronic unit in a six-month period). We traded for a Urano Grey Arteon SE, and thoroughly enjoy it. It is more roomy than the CC inside the cabin, had massive trunk space, and nearly 40% more power than the CC from the same 2.0 liters of displacement. The “normal” automatic transmission is a unit available in tens of millions of other vehicles, from other brands, so it seems a good bet to be a car we can drive a lot longer than the CC with the DSG. Using cruise control and riding at 70mph on the interstate, the Arteon SE will go 700 miles on a tank., no problem.

Very nice review. Does it equip with any Self Lane Center Asist?

Great review 👍 Very detailed and modest

I like the exterior esthetics of this car but I would prefer the upper trim. Awesome video as usual 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

Excellent review.

I think it’s a beautiful car. Sales are slow, but you could probably get a deal on one. Haven’t driven one, but I was driving a 2020 Passat R-Line as a demo last week and was impressed with it. Mileage to a tank of gas was unreal.

This car’s color really lends its attractiveness

Can you review the 2022 version?

Is that radar adaptive cruise control?

Wait some clips had a sunroof and some didn’t I’m confused

Maybe the higher trim levels have additional sound-deadening enhancements, such as acoustic glass, aerodynamic underbody panels, etc.?

Good Review

What a great review! Also you're a handsome man.

The hood and headlights give it kinda a mean look

Does it take unleaded?

Sleek exterior dsign especially the handsome front facia but Mazda 6 is more beautiful inside Nice review

Does the premium version have wind noise as well. What kind of windows do I need to have installed?

Hey Nolan that’s a nice car

Great video. Is navigation included on the base SE? I see the NAV button - but not sure if it's for Android Auto/Car Play maps.

Awesome

This the only review I've seen for the base Arteon, so kudos on that. On the other hand you failed to mention the MSRP..doh🙈 Since the fully loaded Arteon seems about $8-10k overpriced when you put it up against the competition, (such as the Kia Stinger which gives you more amenities for less than the Arteon) I'm gonna guess a base Arteon is priced closer to something like a very well equipped Accord Touring, Mazda 6 signature, loaded Kia Stinger with the 4cyl turbo etc. Not sure the killer looks on the outside, full digital instrument cluster, generous rear legroom and liftback are worth the extra cost versus a top trim level of the competitors. Having said that, this truly is one of the best looking cars on the road, and to my eyes looks even better than the more expensive Audi A5/A7 sportbacks.

What do you think of 21 Jetta r line

Wow👍

This car is crying for a V6, at least as an option on the upper trims. Hopefully the V6 along with the hybrid will make the trip across the pond in the next year or two.

This is the perfect VW, if I’m gonna move up in trim I might as well just buy an Audi at that price…

Nice review appreciate it. This car has been a very poor seller they have sold only 6,500 cars and the United States over the last two years. I'm thinking it will be discontinued with those dismal sales numbers. Nice enough car but the competition is fierce..

You're getting far more in North America than in Europe in a base model it seems. Here a 1.5L TSI 150HP manual shift and you're calling a 268HP car not the quickest with decent torque.....

I have a base Arteon and its overpriced for the options you get. I should have stepped up to the SEL

Why does Volkswagen USA insists on taking out Auto Hold from their cars when everywhere else in the world is just standard? This just bothers me so much... all the other manufacturers are bringing the Auto Hold to their cars, Volkswagen is just marching in the opposite direction for some reason... 🙄

This VW Arteon is Compared to Toyota Avalon TRD,Kia Stinger or Kinda Nissan Maxima

The whole car looks like it's trying too hard. The paint is nice. Appreciate you Nolan.

38k for a bottom-line 2.0T sedan? No thanks.

Vw Volkswagen wowed

Expensive for Amiracans? lol

Lord, those wheels look horrible

Standard model I don't like

Better question: Is any VW actually premium?

Lol its a cheap a7 with the smaller engine.

Never buy a VW unless your getting the SEL or better, the base model has absolutely nothing for a lot of money.

VW ? Nah.

VW is in Germany ( Europe ) not a Premium Brand and the Arteon is not a Premium Car, Premium is Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Porsche in Germany ( Europe ).