2016 Volkswagen CC 2.0T R-Line Executive with Carbon Review

By David Colman

Hypes: Bauhaus Stark and Efficient
Gripes: Dump the Turbo for a V6

This VW comes with a longer name than any vehicle in recent memory. Let’s try to break down the mystery of a title that requires 5 separate descriptors. The first and most important is “CC” which refers to a sedan that originally derived from the Passat line but now stands on its own as a spacious mid-size product that will seat 4 adults luxuriously, 5 in a pinch. The “R-Line” descriptor refers to a stealthy looking trim package that differentiates the CC in the following ways: special front bumper, model-specific exterior and interior trim, including chrome plated threshold strips emblazoned with discreet “R-Line” logos. The “Executive with Carbon” finery consists of extensive carbon fiber inserts on the dash face, and all four door panels. VW has integrated the subtle look of the carbon weave into the upholstery design as well. The bolsters of both front and rear seats are stamped with a matte black cross hatching (called “Carbon Seat Cover Inserts”) that replicates the look of carbon weave. All in all, this multi-titled, baronial German aristocrat looks much more expensive than its sticker price of $38,685. In the long history of VW, few products – with the possible exception of the short-lived Phaeton – have come close to matching the current CC for unadulterated beauty of line, or elegance of design.

Unfortunately, the 2.0 inline turbo straight four which powers our test version of the CC fails to provide the kind of acceleration you would expect from such a sleek package. Even if you manually select first gear for a traffic light getaway, the CC is hesitant to cover the initial 30 yards of pavement with dispatch. While the DSG gearbox does better at managing acceleration as the rpm and boost level of the turbo increase, the CC is slow to gather speed. That’s because VW has tasked this 200hp motor with the job of moving 3,370 pounds. The resultant power-to-weight ratio stands at 16.85lb/hp. Better you should opt for the available 3.6 liter V6, which makes 280hp and gives you a power-to-weight ratio of 12.0lb/hp.

Certainly, the chassis and suspension of the CC is up to the task of sports sedan performance. The Executive package includes a very handsome set of 5 made-in-Germany ATS alloy rims (including a full size spare) that mount 235/40R18 Continental (Conti Pro Contact) tires. The rims measure 8J x 18, so you know the footprint of this car is solid. Considering the minimal sidewall height of the 40 series Conti tires, the ride of the CC is surprisingly tame. VW has selected shock absorber settings that damp out unwonted road incursion while still maintaining good control when you’re zipping through the bends.

Although VW markets the CC as a sports sedan, it’s really more of a mini-limousine than a 3 Series BMW. Standard comfort niceties include a 3 position memory system for the driver’s seat, spacious map pockets behind each front seat, an ingenious rear armrest that contains two beverage holders, a hidden storage compartment, and a flush fold feature that permits carriage of long objects like skis or boards. The headrests on the front seats slide fore and aft for optimal positioning, and the interior features two separate key locks to secure the spacious 13.1 cubic foot trunk from interior access. One is located on the driver’s door, the other inside the rear armrest.

New for 2016 is a 6.3-inch touchscreen for navigation which also doubles as a rearview camera monitor. The DSG twin clutch shift system utilizes small paddles located next to the steering wheel to accomplish up shifts and down shifts. The central info display on the instrument panel records the gear you have currently selected, but it’s virtually inconspicuous due to the small 15-point size of the number displayed. A handy trip computer is standard fitment and displays the following information – elapsed travel time, instant fuel consumption, average fuel economy, range, distance covered, average speed, current speed. You can access all these bits by wiggling your thumb on a steering wheel mounted recall button.

Despite the fact that VW has been lambasted of late with endless bad press about the diesel fuel imbroglio, the company still manages to churn out lovable, handsome, efficient products like the long-lived CC, which gets better looking and more accommodating with every passing year.

2016 Volkswagen CC 2.0T R-Line Executive with Carbon