Volkswagen Arteon 2.0 TSI DSG R-Line (A) Facelift Review

The Volkswagen Arteon faces two problems: The need to sway buyers from the growing popularity of SUVs and going up against cars like the Audi A5 Sportback and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.

In reality, the Arteon won't have any issues going up against cars like the Kia Stinger, Mazda6 Sedan and Skoda Superb, given its visually arresting design, a well-furnished cabin and an elegant ride. But are these enough to solve the two problems it faces?

Looks and feels like a million bucks

For starters, everything about the Volkswagen Arteon clad in eye-catching red that you see here on this very page oozes confidence. From the sleek headlamps that feature LED daytime running lights harmoniously flowing into a large grille and futuristic three-dimensional taillights to the sharp creases and swooping roofline, the Volkswagen flagship sedan is a serious, if not impressive, contender in its class.

Slap on a badge that's widely respected and popular on the car and what you get is a desirable machine that can graciously take on the Germans.

Slightly less impressive, though, is the cabin. Yes, things here are nice, neat and well put together, with high-quality materials making up most areas. However, in a time when carmakers are boasting larger-than-life screens and different trim materials to spice up the cabin, the Arteon's interior lacks design flair.

Equipped with the best, for the best

That being said, the refreshed VW manages to keep up with the pack with several modern touches that have already appeared on the Volkswagen Golf. It gets the new 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster, current air-con touch sliders and revamped multi-functional steering wheel, just to name a few.

More impressively are the standard features that come with our test car. The R-Line variant that is tested here is equipped with heated seats for both front and rear passengers (but no ventilation), massage feature, electric tailgate, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and up to 30 colours for the background lighting.

As a result, passengers - especially children - are bound to be fascinated and dazzled with the cabin at night. But with the Arteon, the icing on the cake has to be the generous space all around.

Three adults up to 1.8m tall will have no problem fitting at the back with sufficient leg and headroom despite the sloping roofline. Plus, you get to enjoy a capacious boot of 563 litres, thanks to the hatchback tailgate that makes for easy placement of bigger items.

Confident, comfortable, classy

Speaking of easy placement, the Volkswagen Arteon is one easy car to place on the road despite its imposing dimensions. From narrow roads to tight parking spaces, the car is a cinch to potter around, giving you little to no room to second guess what's ahead of you and ample confidence to handle the car in different driving situations.

Admittedly, while the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is a sharper and more dynamically sound car to pilot, the Arteon remains to be an enjoyable car to hit the roads. It may be lacking the communication around a series of bends, but it does have ample pulling power from the turbocharged 2.0-litre powerplant up front.

The 188bhp and 320Nm of torque do a good job in making the car light on its feet, even if there's a bit of turbo lag. Gently squeeze the right pedal and a sizeable increase in power surges through in a smooth manner that's appropriate for a car of the Arteon's stature.

A strong contender to be considered

Hence, to say that the Volkswagen Arteon has an easy and approachable character is an understatement. VW has done well with its flagship sedan - one that gives buyers a viable choice of choosing between a sedan or an SUV if they so wish. Plus, as an accomplished all-rounder at $244,900 (as of 8 September 2022), we don't see why the Arteon can't take on its Audi and BMW peers.

So, yes, the Volkswagen Arteon may be faced with two problems, but given its visually arresting design, a well-furnished cabin and an elegant ride, the carmaker has very little to worry about.

Here are some other sleek four-door fastback alternatives to consider: 

The Audi A5 Sportback brings added practicality to the sleek four-door coupe recipe

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe blends the 4 Series Coupe's desirable design with the practicality of the 3 Series

The Kia Stinger to continues to deliver value and delight

Want to catch more of this Volkswagen Arteon's sleek sheet metal? Join us in our video review as well here!