Volkswagen CC

Lore & Background

The CC debuted in January 2008 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and was discontinued after the 2017 model year. At its launch in 2008, Volkswagen forecast 300,000 sales over seven years, expecting 60% of these (about 26,000 units per year) to come from the United States. In China, the CC was released by FAW-Volkswagen on July 15, 2010, available in 1.8TSI and 2.0TSI trims.

A facelift presented at the LA Auto Show began production in January 2012, revising the front and rear to align with contemporary Volkswagen design while leaving the midsection unchanged. Interior updates included minor center console changes and an updated A/C control panel. Features added included improved Adaptive Chassis Control, Bi-Xenon headlights with Advanced Front-Lighting System curve lights and Dynamic Light Assist, fatigue detection, Front Assist with city emergency braking, Side Assist Plus, Lane Assist, Rear Assist, Park Assist, traffic sign recognition, and Easy Open. The XDS electronic differential brake from the Golf GTI was available as standard or optional.

A specially-prepared CC was raced in the 2013 British Touring Car Championship season and later events, with drivers including Warren Scott, Tom Onslow-Cole, and Aiden Moffat. With only 3,900 units sold in 2015, the CC was one of the lowest selling models in the Volkswagen range. During November 2016, Volkswagen announced the Arteon would replace the CC; China would continue production on the CC name starting in August 2018 for the 2019 model year.

Reader's Guide

The Volkswagen CC occupied a niche as a four-door coupé based on the Passat, distinguished by its lower, wider stance and sweeping roofline at the expense of headroom and cargo space. Automotive journalists described its ride as nearly sports car firm, with every bump and undulation sent directly to the occupant. Edmunds evaluated the 2013 model as an attractive and higher quality alternative, though noting its smallish backseat and trunk could be deal-breakers and the sport-tuned suspension was on the firm side.

Its significance lies in offering a more stylish alternative within the midsize sedan segment, yet sales never met initial expectations. The forecast of 300,000 units over seven years proved optimistic; by 2015 annual sales had fallen to 3,900 units, making it one of Volkswagen's lowest-selling models. The CC was ultimately replaced by the Arteon in most markets, though the CC nameplate continued in China. Its legacy includes a brief motorsport appearance in the British Touring Car Championship and a facelift that brought advanced driver assistance features ahead of many competitors.

Did You Know?

• Volkswagen forecast 300,000 sales over seven years, with 60% expected from the United States.
• China continued production of the CC nameplate starting in August 2018 for the 2019 model year.