Review: Volkswagen Arteon Malaysia – Saying goodbye to VW’s last of its kind
Contrary to the title, this isn’t a review. Not really. Because this car isn’t new, and soon, it won’t even be on sale anymore. The Volkswagen Arteon has already bowed out globally, and while it still quietly exists on our Malaysian price lists (the Wolfsburg Edition is currently offered at an introductory RM 266k OTR without insurance), we all know what’s coming.
This is a goodbye. And a bit of a love letter.
Volkswagen Arteon Design – A Concept That Turned to Life
The Volkswagen Arteon has always felt like the car that didn’t really have a reason to exist. It’s in a niche blend of sleek, elegant design with grand touring comfort, all hiding under the shell of a mainstream brand badge. It was the beautiful sibling to the sensible Volkswagen Passat. It had presence, that long, wide stance that turned heads without shouting.
It didn’t need to prove anything. It just looked… right.
Volkswagen Arteon Interior – Airy, Practical, and a Touch of Premium
Step inside the Arteon and you are greeted by a cabin that feels solidly built, with soft-touch materials, faux stitching that lifts the perceived quality, and contrasting metal trims. Space in the rear is cavernous, particularly in the legroom department, while headroom is just about sufficient for adults, given its sloping roofline. And I just adore the massive boot space and practical hatch opening.
Annoying bits? Well, I kept unknowingly pressing the capacitive buttons on the steering wheel and swiping between display items. But Volkswagen has already addressed this globally by saying that it will revert to physical buttons for the steering wheel. Then again, the Arteon won’t be around to see that, sadly.
Driving the Volkswagen Arteon – Poised, Polished, but Restrained:
Behind the wheel, the Arteon is exactly what you expect from a matured European grand tourer. It’s calm, composed, and almost too refined for its own good.
The ride quality in comfort mode is sublime, soaking up road imperfections with that “continental” sense of unbothered grace. Noise insulation is excellent. You could drive the Volkswagen Arteon from KL to Penang and still get out fresh.
But if there’s one thing I wish the Arteon had, it’s a touch more urgency. The throttle and gearbox calibration can feel lazy, like it’s too proud to downshift unless you really prod it. Even in Normal mode, it seems reluctant to react, as if asking, “Are you sure you want to accelerate?” Sport mode wakes it up, but then holds on too long for daily use.
Some might call it “mature.” I call it a little detached. A little too safe. Why aren’t the 280 PS and 350 Nm dispensed hastily upon request?
Looking at its German rivals, BMWs nail that calibration. They give you smoothness and urgency when needed. The Arteon feels like it’s made for a different kind of driver who wants serenity, not sharpness.
And that’s okay. Because once you understand its rhythm, the Arteon rewards you with kilometre-munching comfort, a feeling of solidity that few cars in this segment can offer, and surefooted grip from its 4Motion all-wheel drive and XDS traction wizardry.
The Volkswagen Arteon won’t dance in the corners, but it will hold its line with quiet confidence. It’s not adjustable, it won’t rotate but it never flinches either.
Why The Volkswagen Arteon Will Be Missed
The Volkswagen Arteon was never a car for the masses. It was for those who didn’t want a BMW or Mercedes, but still craved something more special than a Camry or Accord. In a world racing towards SUVs, EVs, and screens and software updates, the Arteon feels like a last stand for the kind – a statement car.
So here’s to the Arteon. The one that tried to bring style back into the everyday. I don’t know what will replace it. At the moment, it seems like nothing will. It didn’t ask to be noticed, but I did, and I’ll miss it. Goodbye, Arteon.
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