Volkswagen Arteon, 2017 - present
The new Arteon is another attempt by Volkswagen to enter the “top” league. The first attempt with the Phaeton model was unsuccessful. This time, not the best strategy was chosen - Phaeton competed directly with the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Needless to say, the Volkswagen model failed. This time, the test is smarter - primarily Arteon designed as a four-coupe, and such cars are now extremely popular. This is evidenced by the Audi A7, Audi A5 Sportback or 4 Series BMW Gran Coupe. Plus, the Volkswagen model has a really great design. The car has all the right lines - an aggressive front end made up of many stylish lines, wide rear wheel arches, a solid rear end. In addition, Arteon, being 4,862 mm long and 1,871 mm wide, is larger than its predecessor, the Volkswagen Passat CC, which it actually replaces and is larger than its other competitors. And while the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is definitely better to handle and the Audi A5 Sportback more comfortable, the Arteon delivers more positive emotions. The newcomer is equipped with a new VW Group 148 hp 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, which you will also find in the SEAT Ibiza model. The other petrol engine is a 2.0-liter VW Golf GTI engine with 276 hp. There is also a 2.0-liter 237 hp turbocharged diesel engine. The 276 hp and 237 hp versions are equipped with a seven-speed two-clutch automatic transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. Despite the huge 20-inch wheels, the Arteon rides comfortably and stably. But no matter what mode you drive, don't expect the stability and fun of the BMW 4 Series. The Arteon is a stylish cruiser, but not a sports car. In terms of practicality, the Volkswagen Arteon is not as capacious as the Passat model, but VW has tried to outperform its competitors. The 563-liter Arteon's boot is 87 liters smaller than the Passat, but you'll find only 480 liters of space at BMW and Audi's competitors. So this time, there is more than one reason for Volkswagen to finally succeed in the premium segment.