2012 Volkswagen CC: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2012 Volkswagen CC is a light interior refresh led by a new analog clock above the center controls. Upper trims also get darker wood accents, while the exterior, four-seat layout, engines, and transmissions carry over.
About the 2012 Volkswagen CC
1st generation CC (2009-2012), final year before the 2013 front and rear refresh and the switch to a five-seat rear bench.
Volkswagen positioned the CC as a "Comfort Coupe": a lower, sleeker alternative to a regular midsize sedan that blended coupe-like styling with sedan usability. Its pitch centered on frameless doors, a dramatic roofline, a richly trimmed cabin, heated power seats, and lively turbo power at a price below many luxury-brand rivals. The tradeoff was built into the design: the CC favored style and a more intimate four-seat cabin over maximum rear-seat practicality.
The 2012 CC remains a style-focused four-seat sedan, with Sport serving as the well-equipped starting point and R-Line adding a more aggressive appearance. Lux Plus and Lux Limited emphasize navigation, a sunroof, and richer cabin trim, while the flagship VR6 4Motion Executive combines a 280-hp VR6, all-wheel drive, leather, ventilated front seats, and premium audio.
What changed, by category
2012 Volkswagen CC specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd DSG w/Tiptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 200 hp | 200 hp | 200 hp | 200 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft | 265 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2 cu-ft | 13.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.3 in | 37.3 in | 37.3 in | 37.3 in | 37.3 in | 37.3 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Volkswagen CC?
The 2012 Volkswagen CC gets a small cabin update rather than a major overhaul. Every trim adds an analog dashboard clock, upper trims receive darker wood accents, and Sport and R-Line gain HD Radio.
Is the 2012 Volkswagen CC a redesign?
No, the 2012 CC is not a redesign. Its body, four-seat cabin, engines, and transmissions carry over; the larger exterior and seating update arrives for 2013.
Does the 2012 Volkswagen CC have five seats?
No, the 2012 Volkswagen CC has a four-seat layout with two individual rear seats. The five-seat rear bench arrives with the 2013 update.
Did the 2012 Volkswagen CC get new engines or transmissions?
No, the 2012 CC keeps the same powertrains as the prior year. The lineup uses a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder or a 280-hp 3.6-liter VR6, with the same transmission pairings by trim.
Which 2012 Volkswagen CC has all-wheel drive?
The 2012 CC VR6 4Motion Executive has all-wheel drive. It is the flagship trim and pairs that system with the 280-hp VR6, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, parking sensors, and premium audio.