[citation needed] It is a variant of the Volkswagen Passat that trades headroom and cargo space[5] for a coupé-like profile and sweeping roofline.

[6] The CC debuted in January 2008, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and was discontinued after the 2017 model year.

[11] Compared to other midsize sedans in the marketplace, the 2013 Volkswagen CC was evaluated by Edmunds as "attractive and higher quality alternative ... though its smallish backseat and trunk may be deal-breakers ... [and] the sport tuned suspension is on the firm side.

"[12] Automotive journalists describe the CC sedan's ride as "nearly sports car firm, with every bump and undulation sent directly to your backside.

"[13] The car has a 2,710 mm (106.7 in) wheelbase and was available with a 1.4 L E85 TFSI (Finland and Sweden), 1.8 L petrol inline-four, 2.0 L petrol inline four, a 2.0 L inline four TDI engine in various drivetrain configurations, as well as with a 3.6 L VR6 engine producing 220 kW (299 PS; 295 hp) with 4motion four-wheel drive and a six speed Direct-Shift Gearbox transmission.

For the 2011 model year, the 2.0T in Europe was upgraded to 155 kW (211 PS; 208 hp) by using the engine variant introduced in the Golf VI GTI.

In 2015, this was again uprated to 184 PS (135 kW; 181 hp), this time from the new EA288 engine complying with the Euro 6 emissions standard that replaced the previous EA189.

[20][21] In May 2017, Volkswagen Australia announced the specifications for its new Arteon to replace the discontinued CC at the top end in the car maker's model line up.