Overview & Reviews

The Volkswagen CC is a sedan for midsize car shoppers who want something with a bit more style and flair than your average rolling appliance. Following Mercedes' lead with its E-Class-based CLS "four-door coupe," VW took the Passat sedan and, with a nip here and a tuck there, transformed it into a sleeker and more eye-catching offering.

The current Volkswagen CC (the CC moniker stands for "Comfort Coupe") is based on the previous-generation Passat. It owes its striking stance to dramatically redesigned sheet metal and a lower, sloped roof line. The suspension has also been tightened up for sharper handling and the base engine is a torque-rich, fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder. The CC boasts high-quality furnishings and, during its first four years, featured a more sculpted two-person backseat instead of the typical three-passenger arrangement. The result is a suave and sporty European sedan that our editors have deemed an excellent antidote to mainstream mediocrity.

Current Volkswagen CC
The Volkswagen CC is a five-seat midsize sedan that's available in four trim levels: Sport, R-Line, Executive and VR6 4Motion Executive.

Standard power for all CCs except the highest trim level comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Sport and R-Line trims. A six-speed automated manual known as DSG takes the place of a conventional automatic transmission, and is optional on those trims and standard on the Executive trim. Front-wheel drive is standard on all four-cylinder models. A 3.6-liter V6 with 280 hp and 265 lb-ft is standard on the VR6 4Motion Executive. A conventional six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are also standard.

Even the base CC is nicely equipped, boasting such niceties as alloy wheels, foglights, automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, convincing leatherette (vinyl) upholstery, power heated front seats, VW's Car-Net telematics  system, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a navigation system and a touchscreen-operated stereo with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. If that's not enough, additional features and options -- depending on trim level -- include leather upholstery, a sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, front and rear parking sensors, a superb premium sound system and an upgraded navigation system with a bigger display screen and a rearview camera.

In reviews, our editors have taken a strong liking to the Volkswagen CC. Its combination of good looks, strong performance and upscale cabin with high-quality materials is tough to beat. The value leader is clearly the turbocharged four-cylinder model, which offers peppy pickup and plenty of standard luxuries for about the same price as V6-powered mainstream family sedans.

However, there's also an argument to be made for stepping up to the VR6 – it's considerably more expensive, but the six-cylinder delivers authoritative acceleration at all speeds, and the CC's finely wrought interior helps to support the VR6's elevated price point. Either way, the Volkswagen CC's sport-tuned suspension offers an excellent ride/handling balance, soaking up bumps in typically firm Germanic fashion and tackling tight corners with surprising verve. Just know that the CC's styling requires some compromises: Rear headroom is tight for taller passengers, and trunk space is down quite a bit compared to the much larger current Passat.

Used Volkswagen CC Models
The Volkswagen CC was first introduced for the 2009 model year. A used CC is pretty similar to a new one, though there have been a few changes over the years. In that first year, a conventional six-speed automatic was optional on the 2.0T model rather than the current car's DSG transmission. Bluetooth was an option and the standard stereo did not feature the touchscreen interface. The V6 came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive being optional. That changed for 2011, when all-wheel drive became standard for the V6.

Perhaps the most notable change occurred for 2013, when the CC swapped out its former, sculpted two-person rear seat for a more conventional and practical three-person setup. That year also brought a slight exterior styling refresh that included slimmed-down head- and taillights. Other than a minor shuffling of features and lacking the current lineup's Executive trim level and telematics system, these latter CC models are similar to today's offerings.

User Reviews:

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  Good choice for luxury on non-lux brand - 2016 Volkswagen CC
  By Pana Fan - April 2 - 5:00 am

  Ive owned Jetta, Passat, Phaeton and this CC, so I would say Im a loyal customer for VW. Given the Dieselgate dealership are putting quite good discounts on the CC and Tiguan, both scheduled to redesign in 2017.
  This CC shares the same EA888 2.0T engine you would found in the my 2008 Passat and last generation of EOS, though a little older and less efficient than the current 1.8T, I found my light city traffic 25MPG is still acceptable, given that my Passat used to have 22 in same condition. As still in brake in after 2 weeks of purchasing, I didnt rev it up but occasional overpass still feels adequate. The DSG is somehow strange when handling low speed, especially around 20 mph which seems it struggles to think if it should shift up to gear 3, creating rather jagged motions, definitely check it out during test drive.
  I almost never see rear seat passengers so the notorious rear headroom isnt a problem, but a smaller adult and children sure feel comfortable. Noise reduction is surprising good comparing to my aging 2004 Phaeton and the firmness of ride is also a plus.
  The new MIB II infortainment system has some problems connecting to my Sony Z2 but eventually find a way to do it. Google Maps still performs better than standard onboard navigation in terms of easiness to operate and finding locations you already looked up on your computer. I like the new instrumental cluster on European spec 2017 Tiguan but this old one still do its job fine. Build quality and material is good considering this is the only VW sedan still built in Germany.
  Headlight with curving is a plus if you drive on continuous curving road like me to get home, and the side light when turning is also good. Due to the styling rear and side visibility is somehow limited, but turning your head will do the trick. It is a shame that active safety features such as BLIS and active cruise controls are only available on 4Montion Executive and not available even as option like latest Golf Sportswagen. Other sedans like Accord, Mazda 6 all offers these safety features at least as options if not on top trim. Do look for others if this is important for you.
  Overall if you are looking for a non-BBA and near luxury European sedan, 2016 CC is a good choice if you can nail down some discounts to bring the price below $30K mark, or wait for the 2017 redesign, as Im sure MQB and 1.8T should do better job.

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  Great car alternative to many higher-priced luxury vehicles! - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By spindrmario - March 1 - 4:07 am

  I had been looking for a while and was in the market for an Audi A4, a number of BMWs, Infiniti and Lexus vehicles. I test drove this on a whim (the 2011 Sports model actually) and fell in love. I couldnt believe how nicely styled the car is and how much fun it was to drive. Two weeks later I went out and leased a 2012 Lux model, which added a bigger GPS screen, a harddrive for MP3s and a tilt-only panoramic sunroof. I drive quite aggressively and regularly get nearly 30 MPG. The car is unique and I receive many compliments on it from strangers and have seen only a handful on the road so far. It drives, feels and sounds like a much more expensive car and I wholly recommend the CC.

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  Happy new CC owner! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Tallahassee Lassie - February 27 - 4:43 am

  Ive had my new black CC Sport/R-Line for about 2 weeks & JUST LOVE IT! I researched MANY cars to fit my needs as I travel by car extensively in my job. I drove all the high-end options including BMW, Mercedes, Infiniti & Lexus. I chose the CC because it looks great & gave me all the options I wanted with out the big price tag. The great mileage this car gets was the icing on the cake. I got 30.4 MPG on my first road trip & thoroughly enjoyed the ride! Now I actually look forward to going "on the road again"!

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  Great Car - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Tigran - February 23 - 6:46 pm

  Best for the money, loaded, more extras than expected, rain sensor, auto lights, and so force, two tone leatherette is super nice and does not get dirty at all unlike the real leather, very practical way of spending, base model trully rolles!!

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  Excellent Car - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Danilo - February 20 - 5:40 pm

  This car is wonderful, it has a very powerful 4 cylinders engine, I would say it has more power and acceleration than many V6 engines on the market. The interior and exterior design are impressive. I really love this car. Its the best car I ever had.

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  perfect so far - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By reverseswing - January 27 - 12:08 am

  Absolutely love this car. I had a 2008 Passat that I returned (lease) and purchased a 2012 CC. It really does feel expensive than it is and the build quality seems to be outstanding so far.

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  I love it!! - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By visinew - January 3 - 9:52 am

  I really wonder how smooth feel when driving. I had Infiniti and really happy to change it.

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  2012 Lux Plus - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By ron1945 - December 26 - 11:19 pm

  Dont pay attention to the reviews claiming a hard ride. The shocks smooth out around 1500 miles in this car and its smoother than the BMW 550 and Infinity M. Friends have both and Ive been in them on the same bad roads. I have 6000 miles now and it keeps getting smoother. Ive experienced that in other good cars too. Very good build quality. The seats are very comfortable and adjustable. Power is adequate, gas mileage averages 27 mpg with half on the freeway. The 19" wheels and tires improve handling and steering and are worth the extra money in my opinion. Youll be happy with this car.

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  Love the car - but prefer stick shift - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By joey - December 20 - 11:50 am

  Having recently moved from Germany, this is my first car in the US. And while I really love the CC -- kudos for the other reviewers who I concur with on all the pros and favorites -- I had to make a hard compromise: In Germany, all VWs have manual transmission by default, automatic being an option. Here, stick shift isnt even an option (except in the Sport trim, which doesnt allow the selection of sunroof, dynaudio or navi options). Yes, were in the US but I would like to give VW a gentle nudge about heritage! As soon as VW fixes this, Ill replace my current CC! Side note: Why is a headliner called headliner? Maybe because your head touches it if you exceed 6 feet on the back seat :-)

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  Are you kidding me?!!! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By CCrazy Good!! - December 16 - 12:23 am

  This car is incredible! I cant believe all the car you get for the price! Plus, the 0.9 percent interest rate for 66 months is just way too good to pass up! For the price, no other car out there compares to this one. It puts Toyotas and Hondas to shame. The Mercedes C300 isnt even as nice as the CC. The Buick LaCrosse is a great ride that is beautiful inside and out but it is bigger than what I wanted. The CC just hits all the right spots!