If rumors are true that North America will be only getting the V6 4Motion version, then the Passat CC will follow the Phaeton's sadfull path.
I disagree. The Phaeton fought the S-Class and 7-Series. This brings CLS-style against much more humble cars, particularly the Acura TL. Would someone consider buying a "humble VW" instead of an S-Class? Not a chance. Would someone consider buying a posh VW instead of an Acura? Certainly.
Are you sure that many customers would pay $50,000 for a V6 4Motion Passat CC instead of getting a SH-AWD TL-S?
The normal TL (which is almost 5 yrs old) outsells the current Passat V6 FWD by a huge margin.
AT $50k or thereabouts I'd buy either a 328xi or a M-B C class Awd. I would not consider a Japanese car at that price range.... thats just me... I have no reason to doubt that they are great cars... just would rather have a Euroland car
That's the exact mentality that we get with our higher priced purchasing customers.
They look at the Touareg, nice looks, good power, we tell them the price (mostly leasing).
They give us an Italian gestured "WTF", and go for an X5 with lower/same month payments.
The best selling Passats are 2.0T with luxury packages around $35,000.
Once it passes the 40K threshold, they go for S60/A4/3 series.
I really doubt the Passat CC could sell well if equipped and priced over $40,000.