The Lux is the top of the CC range that utilizes the 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine. Because the 2.0-liter unit is about 220lbs lighter than the 3.6-liter VR6 and the Lux retains the 6-speed automatic transmission DSG double-clutch system (the VR6 runs through the standard 6-speed transmission) its 0-60mph time and overall performance remain about the same. The 2.0-liter engine also offers far better fuel consumption (22/31mpg vs. 17/27mpg). This makes the Lux a very tempting proposition. Carrying over the Sport plus’ equipment, the Lux adds on 18” St. Louis alloy wheels, ambient interior cabin lighting, power tinted-glass sunroof with tilt, and brushed aluminum trim for the center console, dashboard and doors.

The base model CC Sport is nicely equipped with such niceties as pollen filtering automatic dual-zone climate control, 12-way power seats with heating, rain-sensing wipers, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights (that illuminate in ‘CC’ shaping), bi-xenon high-intensity headlights with low-speed corner-illuminating feature, leatherette seats, Bluetooth technology and iPod connectivity, although it should be noted that the range does not feature any USB ports for non i-devices. The Sport also features 17” alloys, an 8-speaker audio system and VW’s 5-inch touchscreen LCD that has a pretty poor resolution. On the plus side the 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine is superb, delivering 200 hp and taking a mere 6.2 seconds to go from 0-60mph. The Sport also has a 22/31mpg EPA rating and is the only model to offer a manual transmission option as well as the 6-speed DSG double-clutch system that gives faster, more responsive gear changes.

The Sport Plus model’s trim lineup is essentially identical to the standard Sport with the simple addition of 18” Mallory alloy wheels and VW’s RNS 315 navigation system. Critics have noted that the VW sat-nav system is comparatively slow (low processing power being the culprit) and the 5-inch touchscreen’s resolution is poor at best. The wheels certainly look nice, but the CC is already a good looker so it’s questionable as to how much of an improvement they actually contribute. It’s also questionable as to whether these two rather mediocre changes justify the additional $2,200 in price from the CC Sport model to Sport Plus.