The Passat CC has made a significant impact in the luxury sedan market. With its coupe lines and sporty performance, it became one of VW’s best sellers last year.

Many have called it a mini-Mercedes CLS, except without the unattractive price tag of the Benz. However, one of the biggest complains in the car was the individual rear seats. The only allowed room for four but that will hopefully change soon.

In Europe, the ’10 model will be available with an option rear bench to sit five. VW has added the feature in response to requests by several customers. The new rear bench fulfils all necessary safety aspects with its third head restraint and three-point seat belt at the center position. In addition, the folding backrest is split, so that larger objects can be transported effortlessly. The three-seat rear bench is available as an option for 100 euros ($142 USD).

We spoke with a representative from VW to see if the option is coming stateside. As of now, there are no plans for the ’10 or ’11 model but it could be a possibility for later models. That shouldn’t stop some Euro part importers from bringing in the bench but it could just prove more difficult and expensive.