►Follow us on Instagram @autogefuehl and @thomas.letsgo ►Subscribe here: ua-cam.com/users/autogefuehl ►Compare the VW Arteon R Shooting Brake: ua-cam.com/video/hPLsHj7bU4I/v-deo.html 00:00 Introduction with Launch Control 00:15 Exterior Gran Turismo 01:42 Comparison Arteon Shooting Brake 02:29 Rear Arteon GT 03:20 Exhaust sound check 03:30 Engine 03:57 Interior Arteon R 05:13 Seating position 06:30 Instruments & HUD 07:07 More user interface 08:24 Infotainment 10:10 Rear seating 10:59 Trunk Gran Turismo 12:14 Trunk Shooting Brake 12:46 Driving Autobahn 19:01 Driving countryside 20:57 Sound check in tunnel 21:10 Agile driving 23:10 Conclusion #VW #VWArteonR Transparency note: Autogefühl videos are independent and free from editorial influence on opinion and rating. But since manufacturers enable us to do the reviews in the first place, for legal reasons this video is marked as _advertisement_.
Love your channel and your attention to the smallest details. I have an unrelated question: when did the arteon start having torque vectoring? I have a 2019 model with 4 motions equipped but I don't know if it does have torque vectoring or no.
Always top content Thomas! I'm proper late, but can't miss it. Also enjoy seeing the old filming style a bit. Makes a nice change and I enjoy looking at you present the vehicle this way.
Stunning ..what a great looking car..It looks like an audi etron gt, with the bonus of a hatchback. And you can refuel in 5 minutes...who needs an ev..
First video I’ve seen from you and I just wanted to let you know that you’ve gained another sub :) love this car and your in depth review was compelling, keep up the great work
Great review, Thomas! On this side of the Atlantic (US Washington state in my case) the Areton is tremendously underappreciated though not by me. Sadly, as is the case with almost all VWs we Americans don't have the options provided to Europeans. The basic Golf has been dropped in the US as a result of slow sales. Our Passat is larger, less expensive, and less well equipped than the European version. The US version of the Jetta is larger than its predecessor and not sold in Europe as far as I know. The same is true of our "midsize" VW SUVs, the Atlas and the Cross Sport. The Touareg disappeared when the Atlas was introduced. Our only Tiguan is what Europeans know as the "AllSpace" version. Even the fabulous EA888 2.0L engine lacks the dual injection found in Europe. Of all the vehicles VW offers in the US the GTI, the Golf R, and the Arteon are the closest to their European counterparts. As far as the Arteon is concerned, there are a few noteworthy differences. We have no "Shooting Brake" version available here. Like other automakers VW has given up trying to interest Americans in what we once called "station wagons." A few versions from European luxury brands survive but even those are difficult to find on dealer lots and their prices are firmly in the "luxury" category. Among mainstream brands only the Subaru Outback survives and Subaru goes to great lengths to disguise it by calling it an SUV. Other differences include the aforementioned lack of dual injection on the EA888 engine in the US Arteon. It's not a major issue (except as a weakness widely cited on the internet) and it's easily remedied with head cleaning mostly in high mileage engines. Still, it's an annoyance. In addition, the US version has a conventional 8 speed AT rather than the European 7 speed DCT. As a GTI owner I think that's a shame but VW has undoubtedly discovered that Americans are suspicious regarding the behavior of an automated manual transmission compared to a conventional automatic. Finally, the US won't be getting a full-on "R" version of the Arteon. Rather, we have the "R-Line" in the mid and top trims of the Arteon with HP and torque figures of 268/258 from the 2.0L petrol engine (our only choice). That, too, is a shame but companies including APR offer a Stage I ECU tune that adds significantly to the Arteon's (as well as other VW's) engine performance . And for those who fear risking the loss of VW's factory warranty APR offers a backup warranty that matches VW's version for less than $1000. The HP and torque improvements come close to the European "R's" specs but lacking a brake upgrade it doesn't quite match the factory European specs. Still, it's a time tested ECU upgrade that improves performance tremendously with no discernible loss in reliability and surprisingly little loss in fuel economy. (My last GTI had the APR Stage I tune for 40,000 miles without a single issue.) On the bright side for North American consumers, the price of an Arteon on this side of the Atlantic is tremendously appealing. The top two "R-Line" trims of the Arteon with AWD can be purchased for $40K to $43K here in the Seattle area. (Discounts of $6000 to $7000 from MSRP are common.) Even adding $1000 for a Stage I ECU tune and backup warranty puts the transaction price as low as $41,000 plus tax, title, and license (typically amounting to less than 10% of the purchase price.) Current conversion rates put $43,000 equivalent to less than 36,000 Euros. According to sources on the internet, the Arteon R has a starting MSRP of 63,000 Euros plus considerably higher charges for tax, title, and licensing. To be fair, however, Europeans pay in a number of ways including taxes to have excellent well maintained highways where the Arteon can be driven safely and legally at over 100 mph. Our crumbling infrastructure and speed limits allow for no such adventures. :) All in all, even with the cost cutting and restricted choices for the Arteon in America, it's a fantastic automobile (imo). For the price the most obvious rival is the KIA Stinger with KIA's new 2.5L turbo 4 cylinder engine that's found in at least 7 KIA, Hyundai, and Genesis vehicles. As the owner of both a VW and a KIA (Sorento) I'm torn as I consider giving my teenager unfettered access to my beloved GTI and I get a new daily driver. The KIA has an advantage in terms of its RWD architecture but with AWD in each, that advantage is mitigated. The Stinger has a superior infotainment and embedded navigation system but in terms of other features and interior quality, the Arteon has numerous advantages. All in all, each is an excellent example of a relatively affordable GT (Grand Touring) sedan in the European tradition with the Stinger leaning more to the sport sedan side and the Arteon projecting a near luxury ambiance. A difficult choice.
@@VonDarko In that case buy a KIA Stinger. Unlike the Arteon, the Stinger isn't a true European GT but it's an American-ized version that's more likely to fit your taste.
I love the nearly everything about the Arteon, if it came with the 3.6 engine as in my CC I would've bought one by now. Question is will the Arteon GT (300hp) or shooting-brake be coming to the States?
@@MrLarrylar It appears the 2022 Arteon sent to the US will include a version with more HP and a DSG in place of the conventional TQ automatic transmission. No chance for a V6, as in your CC, though. It will be a version of VWs venerable EA888 four cylinder engine. (BTW, I also own a CC as well as a GTI with the 4 cylinder engine and I love it.) Furthermore, no chance for the Shooting Brake for the US. VW has tried to interest Americans in wagons, both the Passat and the Golf, with no success. Sad, but unsurprising.
@@TheBigdaddy9448 I'm not sure why you believe the Arteon R would sell well in the US. In general the high performance versions of mainstream midsize sedans have minuscule sales. For example, Toyota says that fewer than 5% of all Camrys sold in the US have the 300 HP V6 engine. Toyota, Nissan, and KIA each offer AWD only on their midsize sedans with their smaller, less powerful powerplants. Why? Because sales are so low it makes no sense to invest more in those models. Finally, VW obviously believes that every high performance Arteon sold would risk losing a more expensive, more profitable Audi sale.
@@stephenhendricks103 Where I live, the Kia Stinger sells very well with it's high performance engine. BMW and Audi sedans are a dime a dozen in all models. I just think that if VW is going to Promote the R line, do so with the real engine. Don't Just call it an R and put some badge on the car with a few lights and stripes.
@@TheBigdaddy9448 I don't know where you live but I doubt it's in North America. If you do live in US or Canada you seem to be suffering from what is known as "observation bias" (i.e. seeing what you're expecting/hoping to see.) Despite rave reviews for the Stinger when it was introduced in 2018, its sales have been dismal. The first year KIA dealers sold 17,000 Stingers, considerably below expectations and production. In 2019, that figure dropped to slightly less than 14,000. In 2020 sales declined again, down to 12,500. Sales were so slow last year that there were widespread reports that KIA considered withdrawing altogether it from the North American market. Perhaps your observation that "BMW and Audi sedans are a dime a dozen" comes from the fact that there are so many more sedans from those brands sold despite their significantly higher price tags. For example, the Audi A5/S5 alone, the model most comparable to the Stinger liftback design outsold the Stinger by 50% in 2020. And that Audi sedan is hardly a sales juggernaut. Fortunately, KIA didn't give up. And US sales for the fist half of 2021 are up slightly to 6500 units compared to 4350 in the first six months of 2020. The strategy? It wasn't to focus on the high performance twin turbo V6 versions where the most significant change is an active exhaust and a gain of 3 HP. Instead, the entry level four cylinder Stinger was significantly upgraded with a 2.5L 4 cylinder turbo deployed in at least 7 other KIA, Hyundai, and Genesis models. And while twin turbo V6 Stinger sales have been flat the less expensive, less powerful GT-Line version with specs similar to the Arteon has experienced a significant increase in sales. The lesson? Scalding performance in a midsize sedan is not a ticket to strong sales. As far as the Arteon is concerned, when Herbert Weiss took over as CEO of the Volkswagen division of VW in 2018 he decided to send the existing version largely unchanged to the US. At the time he said he didn't expect to sell many Arteons on this side of the Atlantic and he didn't care. He wanted Americans to recognize that VW was an automaker with a continuing commitment to European style vehicles including true "Grand Touring" sedans. The Atlas, the Tiguan, the Passat, and the Jetta might be uniquely "American" vehicles but the Arteon was aimed at American consumers looking for an affordable vehicle in the European GT mold. Not scalding 0-60 and quarter mile times but a "grand touring" sedan designed to carry 4-5 passengers and their luggage/gear in comfort at high speeds for hours on meticulously maintained highways, to negotiate twisting backroads, many of which were originally paved by the Romans 2000 years ago, and to fit easily into crowded urban environments. Why not give Americans the same high performance "R" version as Europeans? First, as the Stinger example suggests, it likely would not appreciably improve sales, especially as it would significantly increase prices. Second, and even more importantly, if it was a major success it would likely come at the expense of Audi sales in North America. Trading a more expensive, higher profit Audi for a slightly less expensive, less profitable VW is hardly a strong business case from VW's point of view. Want an Arteon with stronger straight line acceleration and overall performance? Your best bet is a Stage 1 ECU tune of the magnificently flexible EA888 engine. That would erase any advantage HP and torque the GT-Line Stinger enjoys for less than a thousand dollars. (And contrary to claims that doing so would invalidate the VW factory warranty, that is not an issue.*) With the typical discount of $4k-$6K off the Arteon's MSRP, the price would be virtually the same as the GT-Line Stinger and the vehicle would be significantly more upscale in terms of materials, ambiance, and interior space. * The reasons that Stage 1 tuning is not an issue are complicated. But suffice to say that any warranty issues encountered would have to be directly related to the tune in order for a dealer to cancel warranty coverage. Further, some tuning products, such as those from APR can be purchased with a backup warranty that covers the same features as the VW factory warranty for about $500.)
@@obidean3964 I never understood the love for estate cars, god they look so awful no matter whether its a skoda octavia or amg e63s. Practical? absolutely, just terrible looking.
I prefer BMW's newer designs. In the past, I would ignore them cus they lacked anything distinct. The new ones look fantastic to my eyes, though I can see why you'd disagree. Each to their own though.
VW could really have a home run here with the most beautiful VW ever build of high quality and Audi level features and luxury. I would love to see the rumored twin turbo V6 putting out 409 HP in an R or RS version come to be and please try and keep the price reasonable just below the brands like Benz, BMW, Audi. That car would blow away the competition from many competitive brands and higher in America, Japan and Germany. This car has beautiful lines in German tradition and engineering. Throw on a beautifully deigned set of wheels that complements the car and it looks like nothing else on the road. I have a 2013 (low mileage) 4Motion, V6 Executive CC 280 HP (a rare car in America) and I have loved it, fun to drive. I would get an Arteon R but need that power over a base 4 cylinder, haven't seen the 320 hp here in America, only the 268 hp version. A little more please for a car that size and weight. Hopefully the tire wear issue on the CC has been corrected on the Arteon. I hope VW will continue this flagship car and market it!!! Put commercials on the airways showing this car's beauty and capabilities in an aggressive marketing campaign, it will work in America. Show it on the back roads ripping through corners, hear the engine roar, show it on a track and show it's beautiful looks. I bet many don't even know much about it. I am an auto enthusiast and why I do not see a lot more in America baffles me as it is much more beautiful than many cars on the road, and many Americans love performance luxury cars.
Really impressed with the Arteon,went with a 440i in the end mainly due to a 6 cylinder,no 4 can compare at this level.In other ways it was surprising close.The VW badge means it will be great to buy after a few years,I have seen a 2017 TSI 30k with warranty nudging 15k in the UK
Im with you i don't like the touch sensitive buttons. VW please bring back tactile buttons and knobs.. .its a lot easier for drivers especially in high traffic countries like Singapore.
Just bought a new 2020 R Line in Canada. Preferred it over the 2021 because of price but also because I dislike most of the interior controls and appearance changes made in 2021.
I think the issue in America is that anything European frightens them, therefore they must find fault with it and rationalise their thoughts. Such a sad country.
Digital cockpit good. Capacitive buttons on the steering wheel, not good. I have drive a few cars with these and it easy to set them off when turning corners.
6:30 Not a fan of the capacitive touch controls for all of the car's main functions. There is no argument to be made for them, they are objectively worse in every way to physical buttons and the only thing i'm wondering is how long it'll take Volkswagen to walk back this feature and go back to normal buttons. I have yet to see a single reviewer praise these buttons and i can't understand why VW continues to push these capacitive buttons.
@@dragospahontu Agreed. But my VW dealer in the Seattle, WA area has the mid-level SEL R-Line trim with AWD for under $40,000 plus tax, title, and license. It lacks only 20" wheels (19" instead) and a premium sound system compared to the top SEL Premium R-Line version that's discounted $4000 under the $48,000 MSRP. The Stinger is a fine automobile but the $40,000 price asked for it around here is for the 2.5L four cylinder AWD version. That, by the way, is the same engine offered in at least 7 other KIA, Hyundai, and Genesis models and is itself an excellent engine. In the Stinger its 5.2 second 0-60 time trails the V6 by only 0.5 seconds.
@@stephenhendricks103 i would rather than Arteon if i had to choose between 4 cylinders. But win Europe you can get a new Stinger with the right engine for less than this Arteon R!
I think the Arteon in a slick sedan in a world filled with SUV's (which I love as well, or some of them anyway). Its interesting how VW and others offer certain product here, some there and in-between. The haptic controls are not my choice either, technology can in certain cases interfere with the driving joy, specially in a GT or an R. Simplicity rules when properly applied. Be safe and Cheers.....
Dunno, if that would make a problem for audi. Why get the premium audi if ya can get all that in a vw? But agree. The tasty 5cyl tfsi would be awsome or a v6 diesel option
@@blue-ck9ns yea my wife is looking to upgrade from her 2013 GLI next year, and it is between the Tiguan and Arteon. We had the Arteon as a service loaner back in January and we loved it but it is lacking power. When I heard the Arteon R rumors, I was excited but then they decided its not for the US, same as the Tiguan R. With software from APR, you can get power but it's insane that a 2.0T with the IS38 turbo that the Golf R has, aka a Golf R engine, is detuned so badly. I hope they change their minds.
@@timothysimmons9441 They won't change their minds. To do so would seriously risk cannibalizing Audi sales in the US. The Arteon R MSRP starts at the equivalent of $75,000 in Germany. However, with a Stage I APR tune, the performance of the EA888 engine can be brought to near "R" levels and with AWD the problem of overwhelming the FWD with so much power is largely eliminated.
@@stephenhendricks103 Never convert Euros to USD when shopping for a VW. Cars in America are nowhere near as expensive as they are in Europe. For example, the ID.4 starts at the equivalent of $50k in Europe, but starts at $40k in America. The equivalent Golf R mk7.5 model (2018-2019) we got in America for $40k was €60k (about $70k USD) in Europe. With the fully loaded Arteon SEL Premium being $47k, I'd say the Arteon R would be in the $55k range if it were being sold in the states.
Paying extra money for digital instruments is really a rip off. The screen is cheaper to produce than the analog gauges. Das haben sich die Autohersteller schlau ausgedacht. Einen einfachen Bildschirm einbauen und dann den Innovationsaufpreis kassieren. Ähnliches gilt für die überteuerten Navi Lösungen. Wie lange da noch mit einen 30GB HDD geworben wurde als es schon SD Karten in Größe für ein paar Euro gab. Jedenfalls wieder ein schöner Test.
Two things... 1. Yes, I think the most attractive VW for sure. So sleek from any angle. I noticed the 'old' transmission lever, is it a different transmission to the nugget shifter by wire in the Golf MK 8? 2. Okay Thomas, who is she...and no more of your sole smiley replies. C'mon lads pile on him for disclosure.😁😂👍
Thomas nice job. I have as a company car a 2019 arteon r line 2.0 tsi with 4 motion and 272 hp. It looks great but i must admit this R with the extra performance and styling and tech is ewen better.
@13:45… you’ve taken this driving thing for granted Thomas. If the lady wasn’t scared on the previous frame, we’ll….. she was definitely concerned here.
I think the Scirocco and Arteon are aimed at different buyers at different stages of life. I bought the Scirocco when i was 26 and single but at the time i really appreciated the look of the passat CC (predecessor to the Arteon) but was not practical for me. Now 13 years later with a wife, kid and dog, The Scirocco isn't practical for me any more and the Anteon make more sense. Both great cars. No Doubt the Scirocco is a super unique sporty design
Great review and great car but the lack of physical controls is a deal breaker. Gonna pick up the new 330e soon, hopefully will save me some gas money. Thomas, have you considered using drones for some exterior motion shots?
Owned Passats since 2002, current a R line bi-tdi wagon. VW keep trying to pry me into a Alltrack 162 which is the new one here. If VW NZ don’t bring in the Arteon R shooting brake I’m off the Europe to get my bloody own 😜
Good Review (as it always is with Thomas🤗). Don' t like the design at all, although it' s obviously a good car. Of course only my personal taste, so it s totally subjective. But nice motorization...
Congratulations Thomas your lady looks very attractive and you look happy! I would be very happy if it can be seen more often in videos because it will keep it exciting to watch m8!!!
I think this would be a very good alternative option if you can’t afford an Audi S5. That one has (if I’m not mistaken) a 3.0 V6 with 354 HP. I don’t know the price of the Arteon R but the S5 could easily go over €100K+
3 роки тому
Ja! Bring this to the U.S. please! We want the power!
@@ios8720 Dieselgate fees! They had to cut out the Scirocco for costs, and the Scirocco wasn’t the best seller so it made sense in a financial sustainability standpoint, but I absolutely adored the Scirocco, definitely will be my first car!
Great video as always. I'm now waiting for my Arteon R Shooting Brake which should be delivered end of 2021. I wonder If you could make a video like this with Shooting Brake also? With driving experience and the feeling, it would be great. Greetings!
Heads up? I have a 2018 Jetta, so I do not understand the value of heads up unit, I imagine it might be like glare. Could you demonstrate and decribe pros and cons? Can you get a manual transmission in Germany?
Hi Thomas, i heard that suspensionwise and comfort, the Arteon is not as smooth as a B8 Passat and leans more towards the previous CC with a more bumpy-sporty suspension. Do you confirm?
6:13 Do you know why are they using sensors buttons in all new cars now? Not because sensors are cooler but because the are way cheaper to make than physical hard buttons!
I really like this. Not sure about the plastic head up display, really don't like that! And if I had a choice, I would choose the shooting brake, purely on looks alone 😎
Great rEview, thanks a lot Thomas. The GTlooks amazing but I still prefer the kombi version of it. :-) *the manual shade is a shame. The Leon does this electronically for half the price with a way bigger panoramic roof... *I agree the plastic for the HUD is not acceptable at this price range
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00:00 Introduction with Launch Control
00:15 Exterior Gran Turismo
01:42 Comparison Arteon Shooting Brake
02:29 Rear Arteon GT
03:20 Exhaust sound check
03:30 Engine
03:57 Interior Arteon R
05:13 Seating position
06:30 Instruments & HUD
07:07 More user interface
08:24 Infotainment
10:10 Rear seating
10:59 Trunk Gran Turismo
12:14 Trunk Shooting Brake
12:46 Driving Autobahn
19:01 Driving countryside
20:57 Sound check in tunnel
21:10 Agile driving
23:10 Conclusion
#VW #VWArteonR
Transparency note: Autogefühl videos are independent and free from editorial influence on opinion and rating. But since manufacturers enable us to do the reviews in the first place, for legal reasons this video is marked as _advertisement_.
Is this legendary car sold in Canada and the United States of America?
Love your channel and your attention to the smallest details. I have an unrelated question: when did the arteon start having torque vectoring? I have a 2019 model with 4 motions equipped but I don't know if it does have torque vectoring or no.
I love my Arteon, already tuned to 335HP; it’s awesome and still gets lots of compliments 3 years after I bought it from the showroom.
2.0 tsi by ABT? Or?
@@richardwagner7491 it’s been fitted with Racechip, it’s just as good as an ABT tune that I’ve had previously.
Did you do anything with the exhaust?
So your Arteon tune is just as good as the R?
@@sylent6 I was unable to compare side by side but I believe the tuner box gave it even slightly more power than the R
The best review from the best German Journalist !! Congrats man !!
👌👌
Always liked the Arteon. The R looks compelling. Would go for the estate.
Me too
13:45 hahaha ! Your synergy with the passenger is working so well! keep doing it this way.
😎
This is the Jetta the boys have all been waiting for. This car is freaking beautiful
The "shooting brake" is quite cool.
@@Alex..... ...And here we have an individual that knows nothing about cars.
(No offense bro)
@@Alex..... one is built on the MQB platform and the other is built on the MLB platform. Not related at all.
Agree👍
just got mine I confirm best feeling ever
Really does look good, especially in this white.
one of the most good looking car ever built! love it!
Always top content Thomas! I'm proper late, but can't miss it. Also enjoy seeing the old filming style a bit. Makes a nice change and I enjoy looking at you present the vehicle this way.
thanks! Yeah I thought let's mix it up from time to time.
Love the estate/shooting brake version, good looking car. Thanks Thomas.
Stunning ..what a great looking car..It looks like an audi etron gt, with the bonus of a hatchback.
And you can refuel in 5 minutes...who needs an ev..
Always gives the best in-depth reviews
🙏
My dog when the mailman shows up: 12:51 😂
First video I’ve seen from you and I just wanted to let you know that you’ve gained another sub :) love this car and your in depth review was compelling, keep up the great work
Welcome!!
Great review, Thomas! On this side of the Atlantic (US Washington state in my case) the Areton is tremendously underappreciated though not by me. Sadly, as is the case with almost all VWs we Americans don't have the options provided to Europeans. The basic Golf has been dropped in the US as a result of slow sales. Our Passat is larger, less expensive, and less well equipped than the European version. The US version of the Jetta is larger than its predecessor and not sold in Europe as far as I know. The same is true of our "midsize" VW SUVs, the Atlas and the Cross Sport. The Touareg disappeared when the Atlas was introduced. Our only Tiguan is what Europeans know as the "AllSpace" version. Even the fabulous EA888 2.0L engine lacks the dual injection found in Europe. Of all the vehicles VW offers in the US the GTI, the Golf R, and the Arteon are the closest to their European counterparts.
As far as the Arteon is concerned, there are a few noteworthy differences. We have no "Shooting Brake" version available here. Like other automakers VW has given up trying to interest Americans in what we once called "station wagons." A few versions from European luxury brands survive but even those are difficult to find on dealer lots and their prices are firmly in the "luxury" category. Among mainstream brands only the Subaru Outback survives and Subaru goes to great lengths to disguise it by calling it an SUV.
Other differences include the aforementioned lack of dual injection on the EA888 engine in the US Arteon. It's not a major issue (except as a weakness widely cited on the internet) and it's easily remedied with head cleaning mostly in high mileage engines. Still, it's an annoyance. In addition, the US version has a conventional 8 speed AT rather than the European 7 speed DCT. As a GTI owner I think that's a shame but VW has undoubtedly discovered that Americans are suspicious regarding the behavior of an automated manual transmission compared to a conventional automatic.
Finally, the US won't be getting a full-on "R" version of the Arteon. Rather, we have the "R-Line" in the mid and top trims of the Arteon with HP and torque figures of 268/258 from the 2.0L petrol engine (our only choice). That, too, is a shame but companies including APR offer a Stage I ECU tune that adds significantly to the Arteon's (as well as other VW's) engine performance . And for those who fear risking the loss of VW's factory warranty APR offers a backup warranty that matches VW's version for less than $1000. The HP and torque improvements come close to the European "R's" specs but lacking a brake upgrade it doesn't quite match the factory European specs. Still, it's a time tested ECU upgrade that improves performance tremendously with no discernible loss in reliability and surprisingly little loss in fuel economy. (My last GTI had the APR Stage I tune for 40,000 miles without a single issue.)
On the bright side for North American consumers, the price of an Arteon on this side of the Atlantic is tremendously appealing. The top two "R-Line" trims of the Arteon with AWD can be purchased for $40K to $43K here in the Seattle area. (Discounts of $6000 to $7000 from MSRP are common.) Even adding $1000 for a Stage I ECU tune and backup warranty puts the transaction price as low as $41,000 plus tax, title, and license (typically amounting to less than 10% of the purchase price.) Current conversion rates put $43,000 equivalent to less than 36,000 Euros. According to sources on the internet, the Arteon R has a starting MSRP of 63,000 Euros plus considerably higher charges for tax, title, and licensing. To be fair, however, Europeans pay in a number of ways including taxes to have excellent well maintained highways where the Arteon can be driven safely and legally at over 100 mph. Our crumbling infrastructure and speed limits allow for no such adventures. :)
All in all, even with the cost cutting and restricted choices for the Arteon in America, it's a fantastic automobile (imo). For the price the most obvious rival is the KIA Stinger with KIA's new 2.5L turbo 4 cylinder engine that's found in at least 7 KIA, Hyundai, and Genesis vehicles. As the owner of both a VW and a KIA (Sorento) I'm torn as I consider giving my teenager unfettered access to my beloved GTI and I get a new daily driver. The KIA has an advantage in terms of its RWD architecture but with AWD in each, that advantage is mitigated. The Stinger has a superior infotainment and embedded navigation system but in terms of other features and interior quality, the Arteon has numerous advantages. All in all, each is an excellent example of a relatively affordable GT (Grand Touring) sedan in the European tradition with the Stinger leaning more to the sport sedan side and the Arteon projecting a near luxury ambiance. A difficult choice.
Wow awesome assessment! 🤟
I feel you I would only get the R version of this car. R-line version doesn't interest me.
@@VonDarko In that case buy a KIA Stinger. Unlike the Arteon, the Stinger isn't a true European GT but it's an American-ized version that's more likely to fit your taste.
I love the nearly everything about the Arteon, if it came with the 3.6 engine as in my CC I would've bought one by now. Question is will the Arteon GT (300hp) or shooting-brake be coming to the States?
@@MrLarrylar It appears the 2022 Arteon sent to the US will include a version with more HP and a DSG in place of the conventional TQ automatic transmission. No chance for a V6, as in your CC, though. It will be a version of VWs venerable EA888 four cylinder engine. (BTW, I also own a CC as well as a GTI with the 4 cylinder engine and I love it.) Furthermore, no chance for the Shooting Brake for the US. VW has tried to interest Americans in wagons, both the Passat and the Golf, with no success. Sad, but unsurprising.
Thomas is such a nice guy
🙏 my friend
Looks awesome in this guise. Great review!
Thanks keep following ☺️
Very beautiful car!!!👏👏👏... Unfortunately, not available in Brazil yet. This is the best UA-cam channel!!!
I’m so happy and excited, but also angry because you don’t get this trim in the states.
VW is very risk averse in offering models in the US that are likely to cannibalize Audi sales.
The Arteon isn't selling well in the states because it doesn't have this power plant. Come on VW, the Arteon R will sell here!!! Just send it!
@@TheBigdaddy9448 I'm not sure why you believe the Arteon R would sell well in the US. In general the high performance versions of mainstream midsize sedans have minuscule sales. For example, Toyota says that fewer than 5% of all Camrys sold in the US have the 300 HP V6 engine. Toyota, Nissan, and KIA each offer AWD only on their midsize sedans with their smaller, less powerful powerplants. Why? Because sales are so low it makes no sense to invest more in those models.
Finally, VW obviously believes that every high performance Arteon sold would risk losing a more expensive, more profitable Audi sale.
@@stephenhendricks103 Where I live, the Kia Stinger sells very well with it's high performance engine. BMW and Audi sedans are a dime a dozen in all models.
I just think that if VW is going to Promote the R line, do so with the real engine. Don't Just call it an R and put some badge on the car with a few lights and stripes.
@@TheBigdaddy9448 I don't know where you live but I doubt it's in North America. If you do live in US or Canada you seem to be suffering from what is known as "observation bias" (i.e. seeing what you're expecting/hoping to see.) Despite rave reviews for the Stinger when it was introduced in 2018, its sales have been dismal. The first year KIA dealers sold 17,000 Stingers, considerably below expectations and production. In 2019, that figure dropped to slightly less than 14,000. In 2020 sales declined again, down to 12,500. Sales were so slow last year that there were widespread reports that KIA considered withdrawing altogether it from the North American market. Perhaps your observation that "BMW and Audi sedans are a dime a dozen" comes from the fact that there are so many more sedans from those brands sold despite their significantly higher price tags. For example, the Audi A5/S5 alone, the model most comparable to the Stinger liftback design outsold the Stinger by 50% in 2020. And that Audi sedan is hardly a sales juggernaut.
Fortunately, KIA didn't give up. And US sales for the fist half of 2021 are up slightly to 6500 units compared to 4350 in the first six months of 2020. The strategy? It wasn't to focus on the high performance twin turbo V6 versions where the most significant change is an active exhaust and a gain of 3 HP. Instead, the entry level four cylinder Stinger was significantly upgraded with a 2.5L 4 cylinder turbo deployed in at least 7 other KIA, Hyundai, and Genesis models. And while twin turbo V6 Stinger sales have been flat the less expensive, less powerful GT-Line version with specs similar to the Arteon has experienced a significant increase in sales. The lesson? Scalding performance in a midsize sedan is not a ticket to strong sales.
As far as the Arteon is concerned, when Herbert Weiss took over as CEO of the Volkswagen division of VW in 2018 he decided to send the existing version largely unchanged to the US. At the time he said he didn't expect to sell many Arteons on this side of the Atlantic and he didn't care. He wanted Americans to recognize that VW was an automaker with a continuing commitment to European style vehicles including true "Grand Touring" sedans. The Atlas, the Tiguan, the Passat, and the Jetta might be uniquely "American" vehicles but the Arteon was aimed at American consumers looking for an affordable vehicle in the European GT mold. Not scalding 0-60 and quarter mile times but a "grand touring" sedan designed to carry 4-5 passengers and their luggage/gear in comfort at high speeds for hours on meticulously maintained highways, to negotiate twisting backroads, many of which were originally paved by the Romans 2000 years ago, and to fit easily into crowded urban environments.
Why not give Americans the same high performance "R" version as Europeans? First, as the Stinger example suggests, it likely would not appreciably improve sales, especially as it would significantly increase prices. Second, and even more importantly, if it was a major success it would likely come at the expense of Audi sales in North America. Trading a more expensive, higher profit Audi for a slightly less expensive, less profitable VW is hardly a strong business case from VW's point of view.
Want an Arteon with stronger straight line acceleration and overall performance? Your best bet is a Stage 1 ECU tune of the magnificently flexible EA888 engine. That would erase any advantage HP and torque the GT-Line Stinger enjoys for less than a thousand dollars. (And contrary to claims that doing so would invalidate the VW factory warranty, that is not an issue.*) With the typical discount of $4k-$6K off the Arteon's MSRP, the price would be virtually the same as the GT-Line Stinger and the vehicle would be significantly more upscale in terms of materials, ambiance, and interior space.
* The reasons that Stage 1 tuning is not an issue are complicated. But suffice to say that any warranty issues encountered would have to be directly related to the tune in order for a dealer to cancel warranty coverage. Further, some tuning products, such as those from APR can be purchased with a backup warranty that covers the same features as the VW factory warranty for about $500.)
Oh yeah. That’s stunning. Tough choice between this and the Tiguan r
If you don't need high seating position, get Arteon R. Looks miles better and cooler. Especially the shooting brake. My 2 cents
It’s an easy choice if you live in the US - neither is available.
@@obidean3964 I never understood the love for estate cars, god they look so awful no matter whether its a skoda octavia or amg e63s.
Practical? absolutely, just terrible looking.
@@obidean3964 no one interested in the Kia Stinger?
@@dragospahontu Yes I love the Kia too, it is direct rival to this VW, it also just got midlife cycle refresh
Personally, I enjoyed the passenger treatment
🙃
Great review of an amazing VW! I hope it comes to the U.S. as well. May help Arteon sales on this side of the pond.
While BMW and Mercedes are in a fierce competition on who makes the ugliest cars, VW and Audi are doing a great job .
Not really the Golf 8 is ugly
@@billx4266 it's cool
Hahahah. The A class, CLA class etc look way more sexy than this
True
I prefer BMW's newer designs. In the past, I would ignore them cus they lacked anything distinct. The new ones look fantastic to my eyes, though I can see why you'd disagree. Each to their own though.
The only problem that I had with this vehicle was power. This one has added to what is a very nice package.
Brave choice of matching trousers Thomas!
🤟
18:31 Hahah look how he laughs at her. so sweet!!! Thomas who is this woman? your girlfriend? Nice vw Rrrrrrr
😁
This car is starting to grow on me Thomas,thanks to you.👍😍
🤟👍
VW could really have a home run here with the most beautiful VW ever build of high quality and Audi level features and luxury. I would love to see the rumored twin turbo V6 putting out 409 HP in an R or RS version come to be and please try and keep the price reasonable just below the brands like Benz, BMW, Audi. That car would blow away the competition from many competitive brands and higher in America, Japan and Germany. This car has beautiful lines in German tradition and engineering. Throw on a beautifully deigned set of wheels that complements the car and it looks like nothing else on the road. I have a 2013 (low mileage) 4Motion, V6 Executive CC 280 HP (a rare car in America) and I have loved it, fun to drive. I would get an Arteon R but need that power over a base 4 cylinder, haven't seen the 320 hp here in America, only the 268 hp version. A little more please for a car that size and weight. Hopefully the tire wear issue on the CC has been corrected on the Arteon. I hope VW will continue this flagship car and market it!!! Put commercials on the airways showing this car's beauty and capabilities in an aggressive marketing campaign, it will work in America. Show it on the back roads ripping through corners, hear the engine roar, show it on a track and show it's beautiful looks. I bet many don't even know much about it. I am an auto enthusiast and why I do not see a lot more in America baffles me as it is much more beautiful than many cars on the road, and many Americans love performance luxury cars.
This has been my favorite car. I really love it.
Oooh that car is gorgeous, elegant and sporty looking! Just right power, excellent family car
I always give Thomas a thumbs up.....before he starts talking.
Excellent review. Thank you! 👍
👌
great review from a great reviewer , peace from cairo
Really impressed with the Arteon,went with a 440i in the end mainly due to a 6 cylinder,no 4 can compare at this level.In other ways it was surprising close.The VW badge means it will be great to buy after a few years,I have seen a 2017 TSI 30k with warranty nudging 15k in the UK
Great review as usual.
🙏🙏
Its insane how all these R cars never make it to US
Blame your consumer market that praises SUV that cannot take a corner well
And now it’s discontinued in the US
Super exhaust sounds, the rest is quite nice 😊
Very nice car! 🎶✨
You got Style in your reviews, Thomas! Keep it up, very cool and in deep review, yet in only 25 minutes! Cheers🍻🎵
🙏🙏🙏
It's a nice looking ride hopefully they will use some of the design elements of this car into their ID cars.
Great Car Arteon R. The R division is doing some great stuff
Not really being a VW fan, but this one looks phenomenal.
Im with you i don't like the touch sensitive buttons. VW please bring back tactile buttons and knobs.. .its a lot easier for drivers especially in high traffic countries like Singapore.
👍
The shooting brake looks awesome
Shooting brake looks stunning
They both do. These are the best looking cars VW has ever produced. The interior notwithstanding.
Just bought a new 2020 R Line in Canada. Preferred it over the 2021 because of price but also because I dislike most of the interior controls and appearance changes made in 2021.
Agree with you, I have a 2019 Arteon and the interior really looks and feels better
Me encanta el diseño en su totalidad y su mecánica 2.0 es explosiva al momento de acelerar y sentir como ruge ese motor ...
Nice, I'm glad to see an estate version, too, with stretched roofline as Porsche did with the Panamera.
VW has always been delusional in the US. If Kia can have the Stinger with 368hp for 50k then this should top out at 44k-45k here.
I mean you can get a Passat with the same engine for 40k
I think the issue in America is that anything European frightens them, therefore they must find fault with it and rationalise their thoughts. Such a sad country.
@@jimjasper9851Well said!🎉
In love with Arteon. Want all electric
Very beautiful and modern car
2011-2016 CCs were the sexiest VW ever made..we all know this ❤
Digital cockpit good. Capacitive buttons on the steering wheel, not good. I have drive a few cars with these and it easy to set them off when turning corners.
6:30 Not a fan of the capacitive touch controls for all of the car's main functions. There is no argument to be made for them, they are objectively worse in every way to physical buttons and the only thing i'm wondering is how long it'll take Volkswagen to walk back this feature and go back to normal buttons. I have yet to see a single reviewer praise these buttons and i can't understand why VW continues to push these capacitive buttons.
Handsome exterior design, interior is so-so & price is not compelling enough Great review
Ikr, the Stinger gt has a V6 at this money
@@dragospahontu Not in the US. But we don't get the Arteon R here.
@@stephenhendricks103 it's a good car for 50k
@@dragospahontu Agreed. But my VW dealer in the Seattle, WA area has the mid-level SEL R-Line trim with AWD for under $40,000 plus tax, title, and license. It lacks only 20" wheels (19" instead) and a premium sound system compared to the top SEL Premium R-Line version that's discounted $4000 under the $48,000 MSRP.
The Stinger is a fine automobile but the $40,000 price asked for it around here is for the 2.5L four cylinder AWD version. That, by the way, is the same engine offered in at least 7 other KIA, Hyundai, and Genesis models and is itself an excellent engine. In the Stinger its 5.2 second 0-60 time trails the V6 by only 0.5 seconds.
@@stephenhendricks103 i would rather than Arteon if i had to choose between 4 cylinders.
But win Europe you can get a new Stinger with the right engine for less than this Arteon R!
Superbeautiful car! And with that engine and spec. My dreamcar for sure ❤
It should have had the Audi 5 cyl ;(
It would have suited a car of this size brilliantly.
Audi would’ve never given it away anyways so there’s no really no chance this would’ve ever happened
@@JanM2 VW owns Audi but the engine is limited to Rs3
3:03 Akrapovič exhausts coming? I would love that! 👌
Prolly not...
It looks so good!!
I think the Arteon in a slick sedan in a world filled with SUV's (which I love as well, or some of them anyway).
Its interesting how VW and others offer certain product here, some there and in-between.
The haptic controls are not my choice either, technology can in certain cases interfere with the driving joy, specially in a GT or an R.
Simplicity rules when properly applied.
Be safe and Cheers.....
Arteon R looks amazing...and Thomas...you ..you ...
I feel like this car needs more power. Perhaps with the use of the five cylinder engine, or even possibly a six cylinder engine.
Just give a 6 cilinder yeah, we even had a W8 Passat for sometime.
Dunno, if that would make a problem for audi. Why get the premium audi if ya can get all that in a vw?
But agree. The tasty 5cyl tfsi would be awsome or a v6 diesel option
@@someguy9520 it would give Audi a problem. we would demand VW to make more of those engines/Cars
Yes it’s underpowered. I’m gonna tune mine
I'm so confused about why this isn't coming to the US. This is literally the one thing that we all wanted for the Arteon. More power.
USA only wants SUVs
@@Astke If that were true then the Golf R wouldn't sell so well here.
@@blue-ck9ns yea my wife is looking to upgrade from her 2013 GLI next year, and it is between the Tiguan and Arteon. We had the Arteon as a service loaner back in January and we loved it but it is lacking power. When I heard the Arteon R rumors, I was excited but then they decided its not for the US, same as the Tiguan R. With software from APR, you can get power but it's insane that a 2.0T with the IS38 turbo that the Golf R has, aka a Golf R engine, is detuned so badly. I hope they change their minds.
@@timothysimmons9441 They won't change their minds. To do so would seriously risk cannibalizing Audi sales in the US. The Arteon R MSRP starts at the equivalent of $75,000 in Germany. However, with a Stage I APR tune, the performance of the EA888 engine can be brought to near "R" levels and with AWD the problem of overwhelming the FWD with so much power is largely eliminated.
@@stephenhendricks103 Never convert Euros to USD when shopping for a VW. Cars in America are nowhere near as expensive as they are in Europe. For example, the ID.4 starts at the equivalent of $50k in Europe, but starts at $40k in America. The equivalent Golf R mk7.5 model (2018-2019) we got in America for $40k was €60k (about $70k USD) in Europe. With the fully loaded Arteon SEL Premium being $47k, I'd say the Arteon R would be in the $55k range if it were being sold in the states.
Paying extra money for digital instruments is really a rip off. The screen is cheaper to produce than the analog gauges.
Das haben sich die Autohersteller schlau ausgedacht. Einen einfachen Bildschirm einbauen und dann den Innovationsaufpreis kassieren. Ähnliches gilt für die überteuerten Navi Lösungen. Wie lange da noch mit einen 30GB HDD geworben wurde als es schon SD Karten in Größe für ein paar Euro gab.
Jedenfalls wieder ein schöner Test.
TOP & BEST
VW Arteon ~nice car
really very very good
Finally a Volkswagen that looks good...
Wow, sounds good! Thankfully, nothing like the new S3
Wow! Amazing car both in design and performaces :) Awesome!
Two things...
1. Yes, I think the most attractive VW for sure. So sleek from any angle. I noticed the 'old' transmission lever, is it a different transmission to the nugget shifter by wire in the Golf MK 8?
2. Okay Thomas, who is she...and no more of your sole smiley replies. C'mon lads pile on him for disclosure.😁😂👍
😂😂
@@autogefuehl two smiley replies... Okay, very droll, I'll pay that.😂
Thomas nice job. I have as a company car a 2019 arteon r line 2.0 tsi with 4 motion and 272 hp. It looks great but i must admit this R with the extra performance and styling and tech is ewen better.
@13:45… you’ve taken this driving thing for granted Thomas. If the lady wasn’t scared on the previous frame, we’ll….. she was definitely concerned here.
though this arteon is magnificent, the scirocco is still one of the sexiest cars ever
I think the Scirocco and Arteon are aimed at different buyers at different stages of life. I bought the Scirocco when i was 26 and single but at the time i really appreciated the look of the passat CC (predecessor to the Arteon) but was not practical for me. Now 13 years later with a wife, kid and dog, The Scirocco isn't practical for me any more and the Anteon make more sense.
Both great cars. No Doubt the Scirocco is a super unique sporty design
Great review and great car but the lack of physical controls is a deal breaker. Gonna pick up the new 330e soon, hopefully will save me some gas money. Thomas, have you considered using drones for some exterior motion shots?
Thanks! Yeah these capacitive buttons are annoying. We sometimes use drones in allowed areas
Must have been a bring your girlfriend to work day ;)
she is flying left and right like a flag 😂
Best VW i've ever seen
The shooting break Looks the business
it will be more 'thrilled' if you asked your partner not to hold the scream out 😂😂😂😂😂
yesss
yes that would be so entertaining if she screamed or?
Owned Passats since 2002, current a R line bi-tdi wagon. VW keep trying to pry me into a Alltrack 162 which is the new one here. If VW NZ don’t bring in the Arteon R shooting brake I’m off the Europe to get my bloody own 😜
My Jetta back up camera is unusable in the rain, the water distorts to view badly. How is the backup camera when it is protected by the logo?
Good review 👍 good car 🚗
Beautiful!
Thanks Thomas...Struth wot a car...such a good looker.
I find it extremely obnoxious vw wont sell wagons in America. What am I gonna do if something happens to my golf wagon?
your car market is 50% suv what do you expect lol
I bought the same one as the one you show here 14 days ago. I am curious and hopefully it will not take too long to deliver.🙂
Nice product presentation. I'll take the Golf-'R, thank you.
Fair enough but they're really apples and oranges.
Good Review (as it always is with Thomas🤗). Don' t like the design at all, although it' s obviously a good car. Of course only my personal taste, so it s totally subjective. But nice motorization...
Appreciated!
Congratulations Thomas your lady looks very attractive and you look happy! I would be very happy if it can be seen more often in videos because it will keep it exciting to watch m8!!!
I think this would be a very good alternative option if you can’t afford an Audi S5. That one has (if I’m not mistaken) a 3.0 V6 with 354 HP. I don’t know the price of the Arteon R but the S5 could easily go over €100K+
Ja! Bring this to the U.S. please! We want the power!
VW we need a new Scirocco that looks like the Arteon !!!
we need a 4 wheel drive scirocco 2.0 or 2.5 l 😎
and one 1.5 .. honestly scirocco is cooler than the golf why the hell they camcelled it
@@ios8720 Dieselgate fees! They had to cut out the Scirocco for costs, and the Scirocco wasn’t the best seller so it made sense in a financial sustainability standpoint, but I absolutely adored the Scirocco, definitely will be my first car!
Great video as always. I'm now waiting for my Arteon R Shooting Brake which should be delivered end of 2021. I wonder If you could make a video like this with Shooting Brake also? With driving experience and the feeling, it would be great. Greetings!
thanks! Yeah we can do that!
Heads up? I have a 2018 Jetta, so I do not understand the value of heads up unit, I imagine it might be like glare. Could you demonstrate and decribe pros and cons? Can you get a manual transmission in Germany?
Very good video 😁🚗😃👍
🙏🙏🙏😎
Hi Thomas, i heard that suspensionwise and comfort, the Arteon is not as smooth as a B8 Passat and leans more towards the previous CC with a more bumpy-sporty suspension. Do you confirm?
Lovely looking car inside and out vw got this one right real head turner
I’m gonna pick up this car next week but can I place a akrapovic exhaust on it same one on the golf 8r?
6:13 Do you know why are they using sensors buttons in all new cars now?
Not because sensors are cooler but because the are way cheaper to make than physical hard buttons!
Yes indeed
Really??? Do automakers really consider production costs in design? I, for one am SHOCKED!
When is this beautiful beast coming to the US?
I really like this. Not sure about the plastic head up display, really don't like that! And if I had a choice, I would choose the shooting brake, purely on looks alone 😎
Great rEview, thanks a lot Thomas.
The GTlooks amazing but I still prefer the kombi version of it. :-)
*the manual shade is a shame. The Leon does this electronically for half the price with a way bigger panoramic roof...
*I agree the plastic for the HUD is not acceptable at this price range