Volkswagen to Debut 2013 VW CC R-Line

Although the VW Passat has now been fully Americanized for U.S. buyers, those still looking for a relatively affordable premium German sedan—complete with sophisticated “four-door coupe” styling—will soon have an upgraded alternative: The 2013 Volkwagen CC R-Line. Recently introduced at Auto Mobil International in Leipzig, Germany, the CC R-Line will build on the 2013 model-year changes for the CC proper with a more aggressive approach to design, and it's scheduled to launch in this country before the end of the year.

2013 VW CC: What’s New

Before getting to the R-Line version, let’s first get up to speed on the what’s new with the “regular” 2013 CC, which has been enduring a notably slower sales pace in recent months. With the redesigned VW Jetta and Passat, on the other hand, delivering impressive volumes, Volkswagen designers have restyled the front and rear of the CC to show more of a family resemblance. A three-bar grille with integrated headlights and lower air intake, along with a smoother, cleaner hood design, are instantly notable, as are the lights themselves, now featuring bi-xenon technology and integrated LED daytime running lamps for a more up-scale look.

A similar approach was taken at the rear of the car, also featuring LED-enhanced taillamps and cleaner lines, and those changes, combined with more distinctive sculpting on the CC’s flanks, keep the car looking sharp and swoopy.

The big change on the inside is that the 2013 CC will have standard seating for five—as opposed to past models that had rear bucket-style seats and only fit four. The rest of the cabin continues to showcase the kind of world-class attention to detail that has long been a hallmark of Volkswagen’s European-designed interiors.

The 2013 VW CC is on sale now with an MSRP that starts at $30,610.

2013 VW CC R-Line: What’s Different

The R-Line package, as mentioned, is solely an appearance upgrade; unlike the R models you may have heard about, there are no actual go-fast improvements in the mix here. In fact, the enhancements aren’t even available with V6-powered CCs, only those with VW’s turbocharged TSI I4 engine. That engine does pack a 200-hp punch, however, and the R-Line enhancements are many, including a distinct front bumper design with a larger lower air intake, projector-style foglights and a tasteful application of chrome. An R-Line grille logo is, of course, included, as are aero side skirts, shaded taillights, R-Line stainless-steel scuff plates and bigger, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Drivers will be able to choose from either a six-speed manual transmission or one of VW’s acclaimed six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatics, and the R-Line also bundles some of the top features from across the CC family, including: 

• Adaptive front lighting
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• An eight-speaker Premium VIII touchscreen sound system
• Bluetooth technology for hands-free calling and music streaming
• Leatherette seating surfaces and 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats

Pricing for the 2013 VW CC R-Line is unavailable at this time, but Autobytel will have that information and more for consumers before the car goes on sale in the U.S. late in 2012.