
There is no difference between the Arteon and the CC. The Arteon is the name of the overseas version, while the CC is the name of the domestic version. The Arteon is essentially the new domestic Volkswagen CC, which has been well-received by many consumers since its launch. The new CC features a more stylish exterior, a wider body, and retains the frameless door design. The interior of both the Volkswagen Arteon and the new CC has been enhanced in appearance. They are equipped with two types of engines: a low-power 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a high-power 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

I’ve been keeping an eye on these two cars lately, and honestly, the relationship between the Arteon and the CC is quite interesting. The domestic new CC is essentially a rebadged version of the overseas Arteon, with a more youthful and sporty design. The frameless doors and fastback styling are particularly eye-catching. Both are powered by a 2.0T engine with high and low power outputs, which is more than enough for city driving. The biggest highlight is the domestic version’s Shooting Brake model, which offers a massive trunk space—perfect for stuffing all your weekend camping gear. The imported Arteon Shooting Brake was available for a while, but it’s pretty much gone now. If you want to try something fresh, the domestic Shooting Brake is a much better deal, costing about 100,000 yuan less. If you’re into German coupe style, the domestic new CC is definitely the way to go.

Having worked in car repairs for over a decade, I've frequently handled these two models—both the old and new CCs, as well as the Arteon. In fact, the new CC currently available at 4S shops is essentially the domestically produced Arteon. Its chassis has been upgraded to the MQB platform, making it much more stable than the older CC. The older version used the PQ46 platform, which had numerous transmission matching issues. The new model comes with a 2.0T engine across the lineup, boasting a low failure rate and significantly upgraded electronic configurations. However, the full LCD instrument panel is prone to poor contact, so be cautious. Parts for the imported Arteon Shooting Brake are exorbitantly expensive—replacing a bumper can take up to half a month. With domestic production, parts supply channels are smooth, cutting costs in half. Ultimately, the technical foundations are similar, but post-domestication, the cost of ownership is far more user-friendly.

Last year, I upgraded my family car to the new CC Shooting Brake, having compared it with the imported Arteon Shooting Brake. The space is perfect for family use—the rear seats can easily accommodate two child seats, and there's still room left in the trunk after fitting a stroller. The power is significantly better than the old CC, and the 2.0T low-power version is more than sufficient for school runs. The imported version is overpriced and lacks the rich configurations of the domestic model. The main difference is that the domestic new CC has a longer wheelbase, making the rear seats much more spacious. The issue of limited headroom in the rear of the old CC has been completely resolved, so even elderly passengers won't feel cramped. Now, the domestic Shooting Brake comes standard with an electric tailgate, making grocery shopping and loading items incredibly convenient.

From a generational perspective, the Arteon is the global successor to the CC. In the Chinese market, SAIC markets the domestically produced Arteon as the new CC, essentially the same vehicle. The mechanical configurations are identical: MQB platform, EA888 engine paired with the DQ381 transmission. The difference lies in the domestically produced version having a 50mm longer wheelbase, offering more practical rear seating space. The previously imported Arteon Shooting Brake came with the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, which was discontinued in the domestic version. The infotainment system has been localized to support more Chinese applications. Simply put, it's the localized version of the same car, with no fundamental technical differences.

I was really torn between choosing the imported Arteon and the domestic CC, but ended up the domestic CC Shooting Brake. The front fascia design is way sharper than the old CC, and the streamlined light strip totally won me over. The interior quality is on par with the imported version, and the ventilated leather seats are a summer lifesaver. After test-driving my friend's old CC, I noticed the new model's noise insulation is significantly improved, with much less wind noise at high speeds. The Shooting Brake's trunk can easily fit three or four suitcases, making trips with my besties a breeze. The imported version costs 150,000 more but isn't worth it—features like ACC cruise control and automatic parking are all available in the domestic version. After six months of driving, I feel choosing the domestic version was a brilliant decision.


