The Chrysler 300 has two engine choices: the 3.6 L Pentastar V6 with 8-speed automatic transmission, and the 5.7 L Hemi V8 with FuelSaver MDS Technology coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The 5.7 L V8 (0-60 time of 5.85 seconds and the 1/4 mile stretch in 14.2 seconds) delivers 363 hp and a surprising punchy 394 lb-ft of torque. Suggested EPA fuel economy is 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. My weekly drive netted me the 19 mpg combined average.
Chrysler comes in 4 trims: 300 Limited, 300S, 300C, and 300C Platinum. The Platinum base price is $42,395. Several options will be mentioned later.
This new 300C Platinum looks, feels, and responds, but never disappoints.
A new black grille wing-pattern gridwork with Black Chrome surrounds on the S, as well as a Bright Chrome surround with Granite Crystal grille on the C models frame the floating Chrysler wing design focal point.
This attractive grille goes well with a new front and rear fascia that brings a smooth curve and modern athletic twist. The larger grille reminds one of the early ancestors of the modern 300.
Advanced new LED lighting turns up exterior accents. The new taillights and HID headlights are complemented by the new LED fog lights to provide good lighting for a clearer road ahead, regardless of the surrounding condition.
The dual panoramic sunroof crowns the roof smartly as the dual rear exhaust bright tips announce a swift “Goodbye.”
The interior has a fresh layout with soft, attractive textures and is highlighted by distinctive accents. The new two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel with linen stitching, paddle shifters, and leather wrapped accents-stitched instrument panel, and doors present luxury and style.
The heated seats and heated leather wrapped steering wheel are matched by everything surrounding them. Wrapped leather dash with deep storage are nearby.
A new gauge cluster with a 7-inch Driver Information Display screen and new Rotary E-shift brings a modern and streamlined look. The E-shift dial is located on the integrated center console and electronically selects gears.
Other than selecting gears, this dial also allows the driver to select Sport mode, which sharpens the response and handling dynamics, and also allows manual gear shifting with paddle shifters.
Parkview rear backup camera and Remote Start System add to safety and convenience, while Alpine 6-speaker audio system encourages the entertainment.
The Uconnect 8.4AN system is a part of the galaxy of standard features located within the 300C Platinum’s orbit, and it houses AM/FM/HD Radio/SiriusXM, SD card slot, USB ports, AUX in, Bluetooth, voice command, and navigation.
There are two optional packages worth mentioning specifically. Both are prices at $1,695. Safetytec 1 includes items like Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection, exterior mirrors turn signals, and Park Sense Park Assist System. Safetytec 2 has items such as Lane Departure Warning Plus, Advance Brake Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop.
The Chrysler 300 offers ten exterior colors such as Ivory Tri-coat Pearl, which was my test car color. Indigo/Linen perforated Nappa leather seats provided texture and coloring inside.
Seats were wide and comfortable. The steering wheel was thick and felt strong, with numerous control buttons easily accessible. The cabin was air-tight quiet—no singing tires or whistling windows were heard. The 300’s ride was smooth, and handling was optimized regardless of road surface, corners or big ole bumps.
The auto-temperature dual-zone AC was really a blast. Even with Texas temperatures nearing the 105-degree mark, it took the cabin only a few moments to become comfortable. You couldn’t exactly “hang meat,” but it was nicely cool.
Fiat Chrysler has recently issued a recall for 1.4 million vehicles to address a security issue in its software. Certain models of the 300 are also affected.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected]
Warranty
3-year/36,000-mile Basic Warranty
5-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty
5-year/100,000-mile Roadside Assistance with certain restrictions
