Volkswagen revealed today the all-new Passat CC four-door coupe. And the first thing you need to know is that it’s not a Passat.

Nope.Volkswagen apparently thought this car looks too cool to be called a Passat. So for the new model they just dropped that name and simply called this thing the CC. It will be officially unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 16.

VW CC is a cheaper alternative for the Mercedes CLS. But it’s not like it’s a discount version of that. The CC is a great car in its own right. The new model of course follows the new CLS’ path in becoming more luxurious and losing some of its sportiness. It is still a great piece of design though.

At front the new bold grille and bi-xenon headlights give it a more ministerial look than the old CC. The bumper is different, too, with a new extra air intake, and silver-coloured ‘winglets’ that frame the fog lights. There is also new chrome detailing and some new LED at the back. The frame-less doors remain as the car’s party piece.

The new Passat CC goes on sale in early 2012. At launch, the CC will be available with 1.8-litre TSI 160 PS or 2.0-litre TSI 210 PS petrols and a 2.0-litre TDI common rail diesel with either 140 or 170 PS.  All models with 170 PS or more also now get a standard XDS differential, an electronic cross-axle traction control system for improved traction and handling.

As always, there is a long list of standard and available features, such as driver alert system, as found on the Passat, and front head restraints with four-way adjustment, to reduce the risk of whiplash, High Beam Assist, which automatically controls dipping of the headlights; Side Assist, which monitors the vehicle’s blind spot; Lane Assist and adaptive cruise control with City Emergency Braking function; front climate seats with massage function; and an electrically deployed towbar.