The base engine on the CC is a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged unit that makes 200 horsepower. The optional V6 engine displaces 3.6 liters and makes 280 horsepower. While the 2.0L turbo offers plenty of power for most circumstances, the V6 transforms the CC into a genuinely fast car. Both engines are mated to a variety of 6-speed transmissions, the most interesting of which is the DSG dual-clutch unit available with the 2.0L turbo. It takes many of the best attributes of manual transmissions and combines them with the best attributes of a traditional automatic. Able to change gears in .04 seconds, it is none-the-less nearly seamless in its operation. It also operates more efficiently than a traditional automatic and is one of the reasons the 2.0T CC's are rated at 21mpg city and 32mpg highway.
The Volkswagen CC comes in six different trim levels: 2.0T Sport, 2.0T Sport Plus, 2.0T R-line, 2.0T Lux, VR6 Lux and VR6 4Motion Exclusive. The 2.0T Sport is the most basic model but still comes nicely equipped with bi-xenon headlights, rain sensing wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, a 12-way power adjustable driver seat and a 6-disc CD-changer with iPod connectivity, satellite radio and Bluetooth. The standard transmission with the 2.0T sport is a 6-speed manual, but a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic is an option.

The 2.0T Sport plus model builds on the 2.0T Sport by adding a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, a navigation system and the DSG transmission.

The 2.0T R-line is the sportiest CC in the lineup and features a unique front bumper and side sills, as well as 18-inch wheels and smoked taillights. A 6-speed manual is available as is a 6-speed DSG.

The 2.0T Lux on the other hand is offered only with a DSG. Everything included in the Sport Plus trim level is also standard on the Lux, however the 18-inch wheels on the lux feature a different design than the ones seen on the sport plus. The Lux version of the CC also adds a power glass sunroof, ambient lighting and brushed aluminum trim for the interior.

New for 2013 is the VR6 Lux, which is of course powered by VW's 6-cylinder engine rather than the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powering all 2.0T models. The VR6 Lux is more than just a V6 version of the 2.0T Lux and features a rearview camera, a navigation system with 6.5 inch touchscreen, memory seating and mirrors and a headlight washer system with heated nozzles.

The VR6 4Motion Executive is the top trim level available for the CC. It features everything available on the VR6 Lux but adds front seat ventilation, a driver's seat massage function, park distance control, rear proximity sensors, a premium 600 watt sound system and a power rear sunshade. It also comes with VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, making this the version for people who like winter sports or who live in a very cold climate.

Safety in the CC has been addressed with a few different systems. Airbags are numerous and include front and side thorax airbags for front seat occupants and side curtain airbags for both the front and the rear seats. Volkswagen Intelligent Crash Response System takes things one step further by switching off the fuel pump, unlocking the doors and turning on the hazard warning lights if the on board computer detects certain types of collisions. Of course the best accident is one that doesn't happen, so all CC's include stability control, traction control, engine braking assist, anti-slip regulation and electronic differential lock and of course anti-lock brakes.

Stylish

Sporty

Upscale With Available All-wheel-drive

The VW CC has been given a pretty serious update for the 2013 model year, including dropping the "Passat" part of its name. The front and rear of the CC have been restyled, giving the "4-door coupe" a more muscular appearance. The interior has also been reworked to allow seating for five people and bi-xenon headlights are now standard across all model ranges. Those model ranges are now even more extensive with a couple of new options and updates, including the VR6 Lux model that pairs front wheel drive with VW's excellent narrow angle V6 engine.

With a starting price at just over $30,000, the Volkswagen CC is a unique vehicle, virtually alone in its segment. Volkswagen saw the success of large "4 door coupes" from Mercedes and BMW and thought there might be a market for a similar vehicle at a much lower price point. The CC seats five in relative comfort and quiet with a touch of sporting flair. The exterior design makes the car's 4 doors appear to be only two-- a bodystyle unavailable on anything else costing this side of $60,000.