Overview
The 2023 Volkswagen Arteon serves as the brand’s flagship fastback sedan, positioning itself as a premium alternative to traditional executive cars. Built on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) platform, the Arteon functions as a spiritual successor to the CC, emphasizing a sleek, coupe-like silhouette combined with the practicality of a liftback trunk. Its design language features a wide front grille that integrates with LED headlights, creating a distinct visual identity within the Volkswagen lineup.
For the 2023 model year, the Arteon continued to offer a refined balance of comfort and performance. Manufactured in Emden, Germany, the vehicle was engineered to provide a sophisticated driving experience, utilizing a turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a dual-clutch transmission. While the market shifted heavily toward SUVs, the Arteon maintained a dedicated demographic of buyers who prioritized aerodynamic styling and interior ergonomics over high-riding utility.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Arteon |
| Model Year | 2023 |
| Generation | 1st Generation (Facelift) |
| Trim | SE R-Line, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium R-Line |
| Body Style | 4-door Liftback |
| Vehicle Segment | Mid-size / Large Car |
| Vehicle Class | Large Cars |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | MQB |
| Assembly Plant | Emden, Germany |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Production Start | 2017 |
| Production End | 2024 |
| VIN Identifier | WVW |
| Base MSRP | $43,010 |
| Destination Charge | $1,295 |
| Total MSRP | – |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | Internal Combustion Engine |
| Engine Family | EA888 |
| Engine Name | 2.0L TSI |
| Engine Code | DLR |
| Engine Configuration | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 2.0 Liters |
| Bore x Stroke | 82.5 mm x 92.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Delivery | Direct Injection |
| Valve Train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder |
| Engine Block Material | Cast Iron |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil Capacity | 6.0 qt |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | VW 508 00 / 0W-20 |
| Horsepower | 300 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Final Drive Ratio | – |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 91+ |
| EPA City MPG | 25 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 33 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 28 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 8.4 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 17.4 |
| Estimated Driving Range | 487 miles |
| Annual Fuel Cost | $2,100 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 318 g/mile |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 |
| Smog Rating | 5 |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | – |
| 0-60 mph | 5.6 seconds |
| 0-100 mph | – |
| Quarter Mile | 14.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 130 mph (governed) |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | 120 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.88g |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | – |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | 191.4 |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | 73.7 |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | 81.5 |
| Height (in) | 56.5 |
| Wheelbase (in) | 111.9 |
| Front Track (in) | 62.5 |
| Rear Track (in) | 62.1 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 5.4 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3,655 |
| GVWR (lbs) | 4,608 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | N/A |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | 1,058 |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | 96.2 |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft) | 27.2 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft) | 55.0 |
| Turning Circle | 39.0 ft |
| Approach Angle | – |
| Departure Angle | – |
| Breakover Angle | – |
| Safety Ratings | |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | – |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | – |
| NHTSA Side Crash | – |
| NHTSA Rollover | – |
| IIHS Award | Top Safety Pick |
| Small Overlap Front | Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
| Side Impact | Good |
| Headlights Rating | Good |
| Front Crash Prevention | Superior |
| Technology & Connectivity | |
| Infotainment Display | 8.0-inch Touchscreen |
| Instrument Cluster | 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro |
| Apple CarPlay | Wireless |
| Android Auto | Wireless |
| Navigation System | Standard |
| Audio System | Harman Kardon |
| Speaker Count | 12 |
| Wireless Charging | Standard |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Standard |
| OTA Updates | Limited |
| Digital Key | – |
| Warranty & Ownership | |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 7 years / 100,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 2 years / 20,000 miles |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | Győr, Hungary |
| Transmission Supplier | Volkswagen (DSG) |
| Gear Ratios | – |
| Differential Type | Electronic Limited Slip (XDS) |
| Cooling System Capacity | – |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | 165 |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | – |
## Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The 2023 Volkswagen Arteon is widely regarded as a niche choice for buyers who desire the utility of a hatchback with the aesthetics of a luxury sedan. Reliability is generally consistent with the broader Volkswagen EA888 engine family, though owners should remain diligent with the DSG transmission’s fluid change intervals to ensure long-term performance. Common points of attention include the complexity of the infotainment interface and the occasional sensitivity of the electronic driver-assistance sensors. In the used market, the Arteon offers significant value due to its rapid depreciation compared to luxury-brand competitors, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high-specification vehicle with a premium interior and distinct road presence at a lower price point.
