“Great vehicle - I just wish I could have gotten it with a 6 speed manual transmission. Only problem is the mud flaps scrape over every speed bump - minor annoyance.”
Volkswagen CC: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Volkswagen CC is a large four-door sedan with a coupe-like roofline, an upscale cabin, and a more stylish personality than a typical family car. It is known for its comfortable front seats, controlled driving feel, and punchy turbo power.
The CC spent its 2009-2017 U.S. run as Volkswagen’s sleeker, more upscale alternative to a conventional sedan. Its low roofline and refined cabin gave it near-luxury appeal without a luxury-brand badge. A 2013 refresh modernized the styling and replaced the original four-seat layout with a five-seat rear bench, but the style-first character remained.
Strengths
- Its coupe-like roofline gives it a more distinctive look than a conventional four-door sedan.
- The cabin has a near-luxury feel without carrying a luxury-brand badge.
- The turbocharged engine delivers punchy power for everyday driving.
- Front-seat comfort makes it well suited to commuting and longer trips.
- Later cars became easier to live with thanks to five-passenger seating and more phone-friendly touchscreen technology.
Who it's for
The CC suits someone who wants a distinctive used sedan for commuting, road trips, or everyday driving and values style more than maximum rear-seat or trunk space. It is especially appealing to shoppers who like a near-luxury atmosphere but prefer a Volkswagen badge.
Volkswagen CC lineup
Sport was the core CC, pairing the model’s sleek shape with turbo power and the most straightforward equipment level. R-Line was the style-focused step, so it suits shoppers who want a more assertive look without moving to a different engine. Executive trims emphasized cabin comfort and technology, while the former VR6 4Motion Executive added V6 power and all-wheel drive for buyers who wanted the most substantial version. The lineup changed over time, and by 2017 it had narrowed to the front-wheel-drive 2.0T Sport and 2.0T R-Line Executive.
Volkswagen CC generations
From 2009 to 2017, the CC spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2009.
1st Generation (2009–2017)
The CC debuted as a lower, sleeker four-door alternative to the Passat, with turbo four-cylinder or VR6 power and an original four-seat cabin. A substantial 2013 refresh redesigned the front and rear and replaced the two rear seats with a three-person bench, but it remained the same generation through its final U.S. model year.
12 In Stock
2017Trim changes
The lineup shrank to Sport and R-Line Executive. Both used the 200-hp turbo four-cylinder engine, six-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive.
2016Trim changes
Trend and R-Line Executive joined the lineup. Every trim received a newer touchscreen system with USB and smartphone integration.
2015
The four-trim lineup and turbo four-cylinder and VR6 engines carried over.
2014Trim changes
A new 2.0T Executive trim joined a simplified four-trim lineup. Navigation became standard across the range.
2013Mid-cycle update
The CC received redesigned front and rear styling, updated lights, and a five-seat cabin in place of the previous four-seat layout.
2012
The cabin gained an analog dashboard clock, while upper trims received darker wood trim.
2011Trim changes
The front-wheel-drive VR6 left the lineup, and V6 power became exclusive to the AWD VR6 4Motion Executive. The turbo four-cylinder trim range was reorganized.
2010
Touchscreen audio and Bluetooth became standard. Turbo four-cylinder models also switched to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
2009New generation
The all-new CC launched in the U.S. as a coupe-shaped midsize sedan with a four-seat cabin and turbo four-cylinder or VR6 power.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Volkswagen CC.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Volkswagen CC a sedan or a coupe?
The Volkswagen CC is a four-door sedan with a low, coupe-like roofline. Volkswagen designed it as a sleeker, more upscale alternative to a conventional midsize sedan.
What is the Volkswagen CC known for?
The Volkswagen CC is known for distinctive styling, a near-luxury cabin, comfortable front seats, and strong turbocharged power. It puts design and German road manners ahead of the traditional family-sedan look.
Is the Volkswagen CC a hybrid?
No. The Volkswagen CC was sold with gasoline engines: a 200-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and, in some years, a 280-hp VR6. No hybrid version appears in the U.S. lineup described here.
Does the Volkswagen CC have all-wheel drive?
Some Volkswagen CCs do. All-wheel drive was tied to VR6 4Motion models through 2016. Turbo-four models and the simplified final-year lineup used front-wheel drive.
Does the Volkswagen CC seat four or five people?
It depends on the year. CCs from 2009 through 2012 have four individual seats. The refreshed 2013-and-newer CC uses a five-seat rear bench, making it the better fit when a middle rear seat matters.
Who is the Volkswagen CC a good fit for?
The Volkswagen CC suits someone who wants a distinctive used sedan with comfortable front seats, useful technology, and an upscale feel without a luxury-brand badge. Its style-led shape sets it apart from a conventional family sedan.
How many generations of the Volkswagen CC were sold in the U.S.?
The U.S. Volkswagen CC had one generation from 2009 through 2017. A major refresh arrived for 2013 with updated styling and a five-seat layout, but it remained the same basic generation.
Volkswagen CC Reviews
What owners are saying about the Volkswagen CC.
4.3
Volkswagen CC
(124 reviews)
“Tight to get in and out of, but comfortable once in. Needs another 40-50 horsepower, but a very smooth and engaging drive which shows the wonder of German engineering.”
“I love the vehicle choice!!! It is practical, sleek, smooth, sexy, affordable, and great value for options!”
“I owned a 2010 VW CC, and I liked the front design better than 2014, especially the front grille.”
“Car is very stylish but lacks some key safety features such as lane departure warning, cross traffic alert, HomeLink.”
“I love my CC. It has classic lines and is a beautiful car when it is freshly washed. I have been stopped and asked about the car on numerous occasions.”