Volkswagen CC sedan returns with new trim, Apple- designed interface
The 2016 Volkswagen CC sedan may be mostly unchanged from last year’s model, but where the new add- ons appear make this variation a stellar option for a luxury sedan.
The five- passenger CC offers a new entry- level 2.0T Trend trim as well as a highly anticipated upgrade to the Apple- designed Car- Net infotainment system that provides seamless interface with smartphones. Also making this CC a more impressive offering are forward- collision warnings and braking, lane- departure warnings and long- awaited adaptive cruise control.
On the outside, the CC is the sleek, sophisticated European luxury sedan it is intended to be. And while the diving roofline may cramp headroom for rear passengers on the inside, on the outside it delivers huge visual impact.
The CC offers five trim levels: Trend, Sport, R- Line, R- Line Executive and VR6 4Motion Executive. A turbocharged 2.0- liter four- cylinder engine, a six- speed manual transmission and front- wheel drive are standard, though a six- speed auto manual transmission is available.
My tester was the Executive 4Motion model that showcases a 3.6- liter V- 6 engine with the non-- DSG six- speed shiftable automatic transmission for 280 horsepower and 265 pound- feet of torque. You will pay more for the additional 80 horsepower, but it is noticeable and well worth the extra pop and the planted feel of all- wheel drive. The trade- off ( there’s always a trade- off) for the extra cylinders and standard AWD is a lower 17/ 25 mpg.
I found the VW CC’s ride to be firm yet very comfortable. The CC exhibited well- weighted steering with outstanding response and feedback. With the most popular treatment, the automatic transmission earns 22/ 31 mpg city/ highway.
Inside the cabin of the CC, you will find the expected contemporary design, premium materials and outstanding fit and finish. I had the chance to travel in the front and rear seats and found both to be easily adaptive with front power adjustments and spacious enough to accommodate everyone. That sloping roofline I mentioned earlier lessens rear headroom a bit, but it’s not a deal breaker.
I really appreciated the highly intuitive dashboard controls and new infotainment system. Sight lines are good, and the cabin is quiet and comfortable. The CC has 60/ 40 splitfolding rear seats and a pass- through for longer cargo. My tester had the new hands- free trunk feature that allows you to open the trunk by waving your foot under the bumper.
The five- passenger CC has standard leatherette upholstery and heated, 12- way power- adjustable front seats. My tester featured premium leather upholstery, a massaging driver’s seat, ventilated front seats and a power rear- window sunshade.
The CC has all the tech goodies you would expect from a premium sedan. A 6.3- inch touch screen offers easy control over interior comfort in one place. Look for iPod connectivity, dual- zone automatic climate control, rear- view camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and an eightspeaker audio system. My tester upped the ante by including a fabulous 10- speaker Dynaudio premium stereo and an upgraded navigation system with the larger, 6.5- inch touch screen.
It is easy to say the 2016 VW CC is a challenger to luxury models such as the Audi A4, the Acura TLX, the BMW 320i and the Lincoln MKZ. At a final price of $ 41,550, my tester and its upgraded interior had everything the others have while all differ in how they perform on the pavement.