Overview
The Volkswagen CC, originally marketed as the Passat CC, represents a distinct effort by the German manufacturer to enter the four-door coupe segment. Introduced to the North American market to bridge the gap between the standard Passat and the luxury-oriented Phaeton, the CC prioritized aesthetic appeal and interior refinement over the utilitarian focus of its sedan sibling. Its sloping roofline, frameless windows, and aggressive stance established a unique visual identity within the Volkswagen lineup during its production run.
Built on the reliable PQ46 platform, the vehicle shared much of its mechanical architecture with the contemporary Passat, yet it offered a more sophisticated suspension tuning and premium cabin materials. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine served as the primary powertrain for the US market, providing a balance of efficiency and performance consistent with the brand’s engineering philosophy of the era. By the time the 2013-2017 model years arrived, the vehicle had undergone a mid-cycle refresh that updated the front and rear fascias to align with the design language of the broader Volkswagen portfolio.
While the CC garnered praise for its exterior styling and high-quality interior finishes, it occupied a niche position in the market. It appealed to buyers seeking the visual flair of a coupe without sacrificing the practicality of four doors. Production concluded in 2017, with the model eventually succeeded by the Arteon, which continued the brand’s commitment to the fastback sedan format. Today, the CC is recognized for its enduring design and its role in diversifying the Volkswagen sedan offerings during the early 2010s.
| Vehicle Overview | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | CC |
| Model Year | 2013-2017 |
| Generation | 1st (Facelift) |
| Trim | Sport, R-Line, Executive |
| Body Style | 4-door sedan |
| Vehicle Segment | Mid-size |
| Vehicle Class | Compact Cars |
| Market | USA |
| Platform | PQ46 |
| Assembly Plant | Emden, Germany |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Production Start | 2013 |
| Production End | 2017 |
| VIN Identifier | WVW |
| Base MSRP | $32,000 |
| Destination Charge | $865 |
| Total MSRP | – |
| Powertrain | |
| Powertrain Type | ICE |
| Engine Family | EA888 |
| Engine Name | 2.0 TSI |
| Engine Code | CCTA/CBFA |
| Engine Configuration | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 2.0 Liters |
| Bore x Stroke | 82.5 mm x 92.8 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Delivery | Direct Injection |
| Valve Train | DOHC 16-valve |
| Engine Block Material | Cast Iron |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Oil Capacity | 4.9 qt |
| Oil Specification / Viscosity | VW 502 00 / 5W-40 |
| Horsepower | 200 hp @ 5100 rpm |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Redline | 6500 rpm |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S6) |
| Final Drive Ratio | 3.65:1 |
| Axle Ratio | – |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Recommended Octane | 91 |
| EPA City MPG | 22 |
| EPA Highway MPG | 31 |
| EPA Combined MPG | 25 |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 km) | 9.4 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (gal) | 18.5 |
| Estimated Driving Range | 460 miles |
| Annual Fuel Cost | $2,100 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 350 g/mile |
| Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 |
| Smog Rating | 5 |
| Performance | |
| 0-30 mph | 2.6 s |
| 0-60 mph | 7.2 s |
| 0-100 mph | 19.5 s |
| Quarter Mile | 15.5 s |
| Top Speed | 130 mph |
| Braking Distance (60-0 mph) | 128 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.84g |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.06 hp/lb |
| Dimensions & Capacities | |
| Length (in) | 188.9 |
| Width (Without Mirrors) (in) | 73.0 |
| Width (With Mirrors) (in) | 82.0 |
| Height (in) | 55.8 |
| Wheelbase (in) | 106.7 |
| Front Track (in) | 61.1 |
| Rear Track (in) | 61.4 |
| Ground Clearance (in) | 5.0 |
| Curb Weight (lbs) | 3349 |
| GVWR (lbs) | 4400 |
| Towing Capacity (lbs) | – |
| Payload Capacity (lbs) | 1050 |
| Passenger Volume (cu ft) | 93.6 |
| Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft) | 13.2 |
| Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft) | – |
| Turning Circle | 36.7 ft |
| Approach Angle | – |
| Departure Angle | – |
| Breakover Angle | – |
| Safety Ratings | |
| NHTSA Overall Rating | – |
| NHTSA Frontal Crash | – |
| NHTSA Side Crash | – |
| NHTSA Rollover | – |
| IIHS Award | Top Safety Pick |
| Small Overlap Front | – |
| Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
| Side Impact | Good |
| Headlights Rating | – |
| Front Crash Prevention | – |
| Technology & Connectivity | |
| Infotainment Display | 6.3-inch Touchscreen |
| Instrument Cluster | Analog with Multi-function Display |
| Apple CarPlay | Available (2016+) |
| Android Auto | Available (2016+) |
| Navigation System | Optional |
| Audio System | Dynaudio Premium |
| Speaker Count | 8 |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | No |
| OTA Updates | No |
| Digital Key | No |
| Warranty & Ownership | |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 12 years / 120,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Specs.Autos Exclusive Data | |
| Engine Assembly Plant | Győr, Hungary |
| Transmission Supplier | Aisin |
| Gear Ratios | 1st: 4.15, 2nd: 2.37, 3rd: 1.56, 4th: 1.16, 5th: 0.86, 6th: 0.69 |
| Differential Type | Open with EDL |
| Cooling System Capacity | 8.5 qt |
| Roof Load Capacity (lbs) | 165 |
| Safety Recall Count | – |
| Production Volume | – |
| Units Sold in USA | – |
Consumer Insights & Market Appeal
The Volkswagen CC remains a compelling choice for used car buyers who prioritize style and driving dynamics over maximum interior utility. Its primary appeal lies in its upscale cabin materials and refined road manners, which often surpass those of standard mid-size sedans from the same period. However, prospective owners should be aware of common maintenance requirements, particularly regarding the EA888 engine’s timing chain tensioner and carbon buildup on intake valves, which are well-documented issues for this generation. Regular oil changes using the manufacturer-specified synthetic lubricant are essential for longevity. While the frameless windows and sleek profile require extra care to prevent wind noise and seal degradation, the CC offers a distinct aesthetic that continues to age well, making it a value-oriented option for those seeking a premium-feeling vehicle at a lower price point.
