2013 Volkswagen CC Review

The 2013 Volkswagen CC is a well-built mid-size sedan with great features, coupe-like looks far from vanilla styling. But is it worth the higher price tag?

The Volkswagen CC (Comfort Coupé) is based on the venerable mid-size Passat, but features a chopped roofline in an effort to give this rather interesting sedan a very coupe-like profile. Interestingly, the slinky 2013 VW CC offers more headroom front and rear, despite being slightly shorter and lower than the traditional Passat sedan, but all other interior and exterior dimensions are slightly smaller on the 2013 VW CC. 

The mid-size sedan’s aerodynamic body was revised front and rear for 2013 to bring the car up to date with the company’s current design portfolio. Bi-Xenon headlights, LED taillights, and LED daytime running lights are now part of the long list of standard equipment, and the end result gives the CC a more upmarket look when compared to rival offerings.

2013 Volkswagen CC Interior Impressions

2013 Volkswagen CC interior
2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line. Photo: Russell Purcell

The layout of the passenger cabin is clean, and rather simple, and the quality of fit and finish is very impressive for a car in this segment of the market. Most of the surface materials and trim pieces are pleasing to both the touch and eye, but the taut, leather seating is rather firm for my liking. There is now seating for five, but the rear compartment is still best suited for two if plans call for extended travel.

2013 Volkswagen CC interior front seats
2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line. Photo: Russell Purcell

The front seats offer sufficient room for all but the tallest folks, but the rear passenger compartment is best reserved for small adults and children as the sloping roofline and narrow door openings make ingress and egress a bit of a challenge.

2013 Volkswagen CC interior gauge cluster
2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line. Photo: Russell Purcell

I managed to smack my head, but at six-foot, two inches tall I am not designed to be a rear seat passenger in many mid-size offerings. Once seated however, I did find sufficient room for my big feet and the seating position was comfortable and supportive. I would have to duck down and forward to take in the view however.

2013 Volkswagen CC rear trunk space
2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line. Photo: Russell Purcell

2013 Volkswagen CC Power and Performance

Specification2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder3.6L V6
Horsepower200-211 HP280 HP
Torque207 lb-ft265 lb-ft
Transmission6-Speed Manual/Auto6-Speed Automatic
DrivetrainFWD or 4MOTION AWDFWD or 4MOTION AWD
0-60 mph Acceleration7.5-7.8 seconds6.3-6.6 seconds
Fuel EconomyVariedVaried
HandlingResponsive and balancedResponsive and balanced
2013 Volkswagen CC engine
2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line. Photo: Russell Purcell

There are two power plants available, including Volkswagen’s 3.6-litre V6, which produces 280 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of torque, and the 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder which offers 200-horsepower and 207  lb.-ft. of torque. My test vehicle was fitted with the latter, and although I found it to be a little noisy at highway speeds, I never found myself wanting more power.

The turbo spools up quickly and gives the CC a rather athletic performance for such a small engine. The 6-speed, dual-clutch (DSG) automatic transmission proved to be a smooth operator, and I was able to navigate up and down the gear ratios to attempt to extract the most driving pleasure possible from its broad power band.

2013 Volkswagen CC Review
2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line. Photo: Russell Purcell

All CC models utilize a strut-type, sport-tuned suspension, and electro-mechanical steering with variable assistance based on vehicle speed. Handling is far from sporty, but the steering is precise and the ride composed. Stopping power is impressive, as there are big, disc brakes at all four corners backed up by ABS.

The 2013 Volkswagen CC Trims, including R-Line

Here are the 2013 Volkswagen CC trims across North America:

United States:

  1. Volkswagen CC Sport
  2. Volkswagen CC Sport Plus
  3. Volkswagen CC R-Line
  4. Volkswagen CC Luxury
  5. Volkswagen CC VR6 4Motion Executive

Canada:

  1. Volkswagen CC Sportline
  2. Volkswagen CC Highline
  3. Volkswagen CC Highline 4Motion
2013 Volkswagen CC R Line logo on grill
2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line. Photo: Russell Purcell

VW CC Sport: entry-level model

Standard features on the CC Sport (Sportline in Canada) include the 2.0l TSI engine, 6-speed manual transmission, 12-way power adjustable driver seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, auto-dimming mirror, automatic headlights, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth phone integration, chrome exterior trim, automatic climate control, cruise control, airbags (front, front side, curtain), electronic parking brake, fog lights, heated front seats, LED taillights, MDI with iPod connectivity, multifunction trip computer, power heated side mirrors, 8-speaker premium audio with auxiliary input and satellite radio, push button start, rain sensing wipers, rear-view camera, sport suspension, and TPMS.

VW CC Luxury: higher-grade model

Splurging for the Luxury trim (Highline in Canada) will add 18-inch alloy wheels, brushed dark aluminum interior trim, Homelink, sport leather seating, memory driver seat and mirrors, and a panorama sunroof.

If you must have the 3.6-litre V6, it is only available in Luxury trim, and it comes mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. Other highlights include a 600-watt Dynaudio system with 10 speakers, power rear sunshade, and navigation.

VW CC R-Line

2013 Volkswagen CC Review
2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line. Photo: Russell Purcell

The 2013 Volkswagen CC R-Line stands out with its sporty and dynamic design, featuring unique R-Line styling elements such as distinctive front and rear bumpers, sport-tuned suspension, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Its performance-oriented features, including responsive handling and the option for a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, make it an appealing choice for those seeking a more spirited driving experience within the Volkswagen CC lineup.

Takeaway: is VW’s coupe-like CC 5-passenger sedan worth it?

Pros

  • Excellent fit and finish
  • Stylish, coupe-like profile

Cons

  • Seems expensive when compared to similarly equipped cars in this category
  • Rear seating area is cramped for taller folks

The 2013 Volkswagen CC is a well-built automobile with a lot of great features and far from vanilla styling, but I have to admit it seems to be a bit pricey when compared to similarly equipped automobiles in the marketplace, including the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Acura TL, Lexus ES, Ford Fusion, and Honda Accord.

2013 Volkswagen CC Specs

Vehicle TypeMidsize Sedan
Seating Capacity4 or 5 passengers
Base Engine2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
Available Engine3.6L V6 engine
Horsepower200-211 HP (2.0L) / 280 HP (3.6L V6)
Torque207 lb-ft (2.0L) / 265 lb-ft (3.6L V6)
Transmission6-speed manual or automatic (2.0L) / 6-speed automatic (3.6L V6)
DrivetrainFront-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (4MOTION)
Fuel Economy (City/Highway)Varies by engine and configuration
0-60 mph AccelerationVaries by engine and configuration
HandlingResponsive and balanced
Cargo CapacityApproximately 13.2 cubic feet
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Author:
Russell Purcell
Russell Purcellhttps://www.flickr.com/people/autoexposurecanada/
Russell Purcell is an award-winning automotive journalist and photographer based in Vancouver, B.C. His passion for automobiles was sparked at the tender age of six, when a family friend gave the wide-eyed first grader a ride to school in a track prepared Porsche 911 RSR. He continues to fan the flames by building an impressive library of automotive related books as well as a vast collection of interesting automobilia and motoring artefacts. Russell is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, and is active on Twitter as RoadTestRuss.