
The 2012 Volkswagen CC competes more with entry-level sport sedans, such as the Audi A4, Acura TL, or Volvo S60, than it does with conventional mid-sizers like the Camry, Accord, and Sonata.
Most of those luxury models also have tight back-seat space, but in other respects the CC is a bit more comfortable; however compared to conventional mid-size sedans, the interior--compromising practicality for style--isn't as useful.
The Audi A4 is curvaceous and sporty, but its back seat is even smaller.
Another new entry to consider is the Honda Accord Crosstour, a new hatchback version of the Accord that feels like a completely different model, with its own sleek fastback look but the rest of the Accord's predictable goodness intact.
Perhaps the most direct rival with which to compare the CC is the Nissan Maxima, though.
Like the CC, the Maxima is a dressed-up, more fashionable sedan based on a mainstream one (the Altima, in the Maxima's case).
Acura's TL manages a very stylish appearance and stronger performance, without compromising seating in the way that the CC does--but it's more expensive.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS sedan looks quite a bit like the CC from a distance, at least in profile, but the CLS costs tens of thousands more.
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Quick Specs | ||||
Value-minded sedan shoppers who are willing to sacrifice a little practicality in the name of style will find a lot to like in the 2012 Volkswagen CC. |
The 2012 Acura TL is a surprisingly well-rounded luxury sedan, with a host of advanced tech features, and in top SH-AWD trim morphs into a complete and compelling sport sedan. |
The 2012 Audi A4 provides an engaging driving experience, impressive in-cabin technology, and surprisingly great fuel efficiency—making it a good everyday driver among premium sedans. |
Still a fashionista at heart, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is cut from a more masculine pattern book these days--especially in powerful AMG trim. |
The 2012 Nissan Maxima is a great pick if you want a stylish, sporty, comfortable, and lavishly trimmed sedan; serious sport-sedan enthusiasts should look elsewhere, however. |
MSRP From | ||||
$28,515 | $35,705 | $32,500 | $71,300 | $32,420 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
17 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas V6 | Turbocharged Gas I4 | Gas V8 | Gas V6 |
EPA Class | ||||
Compact | Mid-Size | Compact Cars | Compact | Mid-Size |
Style Name | ||||
4-Door Sedan Manual Sport PZEV | 4-Door Sedan Automatic 2WD | 4-Door Sedan CVT FrontTrak 2.0T Premium | 4-Door Sedan CLS 550 RWD | 4-Door Sedan V6 CVT 3.5 S |
Drivetrain | ||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | Sedan | 4 Door Sedan | 4 Door Sedan |
Transmission | ||||
Manual | Automatic | Continuously Variable Ratio | Automatic | Continuously Variable |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2012 Volkswagen CC vs. 2012 Acura TL | 2012 Volkswagen CC vs. 2012 Audi A4 | 2012 Volkswagen CC vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class | 2012 Volkswagen CC vs. 2012 Nissan Maxima |