• 2013

• 2012 Volkswagen CC

• Used Volkswagen CC
• Repairs Volkswagen CC

Scorecard

Overall:	2012 Volkswagen CC U.S. News Best Cars 8.5
Critics' Rating:	8.6
Performance:	8.5
Interior:	8.1
Safety:	9.8
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Sleek, stylish exterior
• Beautiful two-tone interior with high-quality materials
• Class-competitive base turbo four-cylinder engine with good fuel economy

• Expensive V6 and AWD on upper trim level
• Only seats four people
• Small trunk for its class

Research Other Years

• 2013 Volkswagen CC
• 2011 Volkswagen CC
• 2010 Volkswagen CC
• 2009 Volkswagen CC

The 2012 Volkswagen CC sacrifices function for style with its four-door coupe design and seating for four, but test drivers agree its looks inside and out help it stand out from the rest of the class.

Though you may see more Jettas and Passats on the road, the 2012 Volkswagen CC is a car you should consider if you value style over practicality.

The Volkswagen CC is a good choice for shoppers who want four doors, but rarely seat three in the back. Because it only seats four, it may not be the best family sedan. However, reviewers say the compromise is worth it, and frequently compare its looks to the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.

The 2012 Volkswagen CC’s base turbo four-cylinder engine is well-liked by reviewers, who often say that the powerful V6 option isn’t worth the extra money. All-wheel drive is available, but you’ll pay more than $10,000 for it, since it comes standard only on the top-of-the-line six-cylinder model. If you want all-wheel drive and a four-cylinder engine on the CC, you’re out of luck.

Overall, test drivers think the 2012 CC’s lower trim levels are a good value for the money, with their class-competitive turbo four-cylinder engine, good fuel economy, smooth transmission and upscale interior. However, most think the pricey V6 trim isn’t worth the extra dough. Other cars in this class offer more powerful V6 engines for less money.

Other Cars to Consider

If a V6 engine and all-wheel drive are must-haves, you should test drive the 2012 Acura TL. The TL SH-AWD trim comes standard with V6 power and all-wheel drive, and is about $1,000 cheaper than the CC’s VR6 Executive trim level with standard AWD, and is just as powerful. Both produce 280 horsepower.

If you need to seat three people in the back, you should take a look at the Buick Regal. It has a comparable optional turbo four-cylinder engine and sufficient back seat room with seating for three. The Regal CXL Turbo is only $205 more than the base 2012 VW CC.

Volkswagen CC: The Details

The 2012 VW CC starts at $28,515 and is available in four trim levels: Sport, R-Line, Lux and VR6 4MOTION Executive. The V6, which comes with the all-wheel drive Executive trim, is overly expensive according to test drivers. The VR6 is almost $12,000 more than the base trim, a price the automotive press can’t justify, even though it comes standard with features like dual-zone climate control, premium sound system, panoramic moonroof, 12-way power adjustable front seats, driver’s seat massage, leather seats, rearview camera, navigation and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. 

The 2012 Volkswagen CC remains mostly unchanged from 2011, except for fewer trim levels, a new analog clock on all trim levels and real wood trim, which is part of the $2,445 plus package available on the Lux trim and standard on the VR6 Executive trim. Standard features include heated and power adjustable front seats, Bluetooth, satellite radio and iPod connectivity.

• "The CC is a more stylish and refined alternative to family sedans like the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata and Passat, while a loaded-up CC can match entry-level luxury-branded vehicles like the Acura TL, Audi A4 and Infiniti G Sedan. For the right kind of buyer, this VW ‘relic’ will be just the thing." -- Edmunds
• "Sleek looks, Germanic road manners, handsome interior, punchy and fuel-sipping turbocharged four-banger from the GTI." -- Car and Driver
• "Head-turning styling, a classy interior, and engaging driving dynamics are some of the CC's fine points. Seating for four might limit this sleek four door's usefulness for some families, but CC is high on my list of favorite cars." -- Consumer Guide
• "Still, the beauty of the CC Lux Limited lies in its striking looks, relative rareness (you’ll not see one on every corner) and a sticker in the mid-30s (our test car nets out at $35,485)." -- Road and Track