The idea of a four-door with the looks of a coupe might seem at first like an automotive unicorn – something that can’t naturally exist. The Volkswagen CC begs to differ, and offers stunning, sleek styling that’s been updated for 2013, an interior that can now accommodate five passengers, plus a host of other changes that make this elegant sedan all the more attractive.

 

While the CC looks like a million bucks, its dramatic styling can be had affordably. There are five CC trims offered. The 2013 CC Sport with Lighting Package (MSRP $30,610) is the point of entry, and for that you get dramatic show-car looks that include elegant frameless side windows, Bi-Xenon headlamps that illuminate corners with the Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) and LED daytime running lights. Also standard are heated front seats, the Touchscreen Premium VIII audio system, Bluetooth^® connectivity, and dual-zone Climatronic^® climate control with pollen filter.

 

The CC Sport Plus (MSRP $32,850) includes all the features of the Sport with Lighting Package and adds 18-inch “Mallory” alloy wheels and the RNS 315 Navigation system. A 2013 CC Lux (MSRP $35,355) features 18-inch “St. Louis” alloy wheels and adds a power-operated glass sunroof, brushed aluminum interior trim, and ambient lighting. The V6 Lux (MSRP $37,730) switches the wheels again for 18-inchers with the “Interlagos” pattern. Also included in the V6 Lux is standard leather upholstery, the RNS 510 Navigation System, a rearview camera, auto-dimming heated power mirrors with integral turn signals, 12-way power-adjustable front seats with memory, and, of course, a 3.6-liter, 280-hp VR6 engine.

 

The VR6 4MOTION^® Executive is the flagship of the CC range. It features standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive, paddle shifters, ventilated front seats with driver’s-side massage, Park Distance Control, and a Dynaudio^® Premium Sound System.

 

The standard engine for the 2013 CC is the 2.0-liter TSI^® four-cylinder that features turbocharging and direct fuel injection to develop 200 hp. That’s a racy 100-hp per liter, and Volkswagen backs this mighty mite with either a six-speed manual transmission, or dual-clutch six-speed DSG^® (“Direct Shift Gearbox”) automatic. The quick-shifting DSG^® features a “Sport” mode and Tiptronic^® manual functionality, as well.

 

The 3.6-liter V6 is the latest version of Volkswagen’s unique, and groundbreaking, VR6 engine architecture that uses a narrow “V”-angle of just 15 degrees, allowing a lot of engine to fit in just a little bit of space. The gearshifting duties are handled by the DSG on Sport Plus and Lux models. The V6 Lux and the VR6 4MOTION Executive use a standard six-speed automatic with “Sport” mode and Tiptronic. Fuel economy for the 2.0-liter/manual transmission combination is 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway; 2.0-liter/DSG models return 19/29, and V6 models achieve 18/27.

 

The expressive new design of the Volkswagen CC includes details like frameless doors, a redesigned hood and new front bumper and grille. The new rear lights incorporate quick-illuminating LEDs that last longer and use less energy than conventional bulbs. For 2013, two new colors are available, Black Oak Brown and Fortuna Red.

 

Like the distinctive exterior, the CC interior has a striking design. For 2013, there are now seating positions for five, and occupants are greeted by luxurious materials and excellent comfort. The standard upholstery is V-Tex leatherette, and leather is available in single-color or two-tone schemes. Ventilated front seats are included for the VR6 4MOTION^® Executive model. Front head restraints now feature four-way adjustment to enhance safety and help occupants find optimal comfort.

 

Every 2013 CC features a sport-tuned suspension that delivers enthusiastic chassis responses. The independent MacPherson strut front suspension uses coil springs and lightweight aluminum control arms. The rear of the CC uses a fully-independent multi-link design that helps the wheels track the road surface accurately, keeps body roll to a minimum and serves up a comfortable ride. 4MOTION all-wheel drive enhances cornering performance by directing the power between the wheels as required for maximum traction, and it also takes the stress out of messy weather and road conditions.

 

The CC garnered an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick” for 2012 thanks to its active and passive safety features. The bodyshell is strong, with energy absorbing zones designed into the front and rear, and there are front, side, and side-curtain airbags. Every CC features the Volkswagen Intelligent Crash Response System, which will shut off the fuel pump, unlock the doors and activate the hazard lights in certain collisions. Electronic Stability Control, Anti-Slip Regulation, Electronic Differential Lock and Engine Braking Assist are also standard safety systems to aid drivers and keep the CC on the way to its destination safely. The icing is the Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program: three years or 36,000 miles of no-charge factory scheduled maintenance^™. CC drivers can also count on three-years/36,000 miles of Roadside Assistance, on top of the standard VW New Vehicle (three years/36,000-miles) and Powertrain (five years/60,000 miles) limited warranties.

 

Handsome, luxurious, and well-equipped – those are high points for many buyers, and that’s why the Volkswagen CC has carved out its own successful niche. With the changes for 2013, the CC is now more handsome, more luxurious, and more capable.