Out of the rear-wheel-drive sedan business for more than a decade, Chrysler hasn’t just returned to it in 2005; but returned to it with conviction in the form of the all-new 300. Going the way of the push-button transmission, the cab-forward design Chrysler trumpeted during the 1990s has been supplanted with the 300’s classic lines. Factoring an available Hemi V-8 into the mix only adds to the allure. A flagship sedan any car company in the world would be proud to brand as its own, the 300C has gobs of personality, power and luxury.
On the highway the styling is nothing short of compelling. The 300 simply doesn’t have a bad side. It screams elegance from every angle. Chrysler’s crest and wings cap the distinctive egg-crate grille. Ample wheel blisters surround 17-inch (18-inch on the 300C) wheels. The snout is long and the tail bobbed, while the roofline is flight-deck flat. This is an instant classic.
There are four 300 versions offered. Anchoring the series at the entry level is the vanilla 300. Even in its least opulent and least potent form, the 300 is loaded with unexpected features such as an eight-way power driver’s seat, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a CD player. It is powered by a 200-horsepower 2.7-liter V-6, the smallest of three available engines. Moving up to the 250-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 requires also moving up to the 300 Touring. In addition to the extra oomph under the hood, the Touring comes with an antilock brake system, all-speed traction control, emergency brake assist and leather seating. Both V-6s come standard with a four-speed automatic transmission. The third member of the quartet is the 300 Limited. It also comes with the larger V-6, as well as adding a power passenger seat, auto headlamps, dual-zone automatic temperature control and an electronic information center with trip computer.
At the top of the model lineup is the 300C. In the tradition established by the 1955 300, the first letter-series car, the new 300C is powered by an updated Hemi V-8. It uses aluminum cylinder heads with hemispherical combustion chambers to maximize airflow. It produces 340 horsepower and a whopping 390 foot-pounds of peak torque. A driver-shiftable five-speed automatic transmission directs power to the rear wheels. Reaching 60 mph from a standing stop requires just over six seconds. All-wheel drive is available on 300s with either the V-8 or the 3.5-liter V-6.
Despite its fired-from-a-cannon performance, the 300C gets respectable fuel economy, earning an Environmental Protection Agency rating of 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway. This bit of magic primarily results from some engineering technology Chrysler calls MDS (Multi-Displacement System). It’s the first such setup on a production car. In simple terms, it shuts down four of the engine’s eight cylinders when V-8 power isn’t needed and instantaneously spools them back up again when a foot is put into the accelerator.
Providing an ideal blend of comfort and handling, the all-new suspension architecture shortchanges neither ride nor control. The short- and long-arm front suspension improves cornering and grip, while the five-link rear suspension can be meticulously tuned to enhance both ride quality and handling. The end result is a driving experience that combines confidence-building cornering with a high degree of passenger comfort.
A great deal of attention seems to have been paid to the passenger compartment. The fit and finish are exceptional. All of the pieces fit snuggly. The look of the cabin is elegant, but not overstated.
There are a few reminders of Chrysler’s relationship to Mercedes-Benz such as the cruise-control stalk protruding from the left side of the steering-wheel column. The center stack is a wonderful bit of styling with the analog clock flanked by two air vents placed above the navigation unit/audio system. The four round knobs controlling the climate-control system are below. It’s a handsome arrangement.
The seats are well-bolstered, providing plenty of support. There is no shortage of head or legroom and the trunk is spacious as well. Chrysler has kept the use of wood grain to a minimum. Tortoise-shell style accents are found on the steering wheel, shift knob and door panels.
The new entry-level 300 has a base sticker with delivery charge of $23,920. The 300C stickers out at $32,995. The base prices of the Touring and Limited models cover the middle ground.
With rear-wheel drive and available V-8 power, Chrysler isn’t messing around. The 300 is a sedan worthy of flagship status.
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