The Chrysler 300 family comes in Limited, 300S, 300C, 300C Platinum and 300 SRT8 trim. The standard engine is a 3.6L V6, while the optional engine is a 5.7L Hemi V8. Power is delivered to the rear wheels or, optionally, all four. The rear-wheel-drive SRT8 comes with a tire-melting 470-hp 6.4L V8.
With the different powertrains available, the Chrysler 300 spans a wide range from an affordable, spacious and powerful sedan to a serious luxury and performance tourer. The base powertrain on the Chrysler 300 is a 3.6L V6 that makes 292 horsepower. The optional 360-hp 5.7L Hemi V8 engine is flex-fuel compatible. All models come equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The available all-wheel drive system combines an active transfer case for seamless response when traction is needed and front-axle disconnect to help improve fuel economy when grip is sure.
In any of its variants, the 300 is a spacious sedan with a comfortable ride, supportive seating and a back seat with enough headroom and legroom for adults. Trunk space is cavernous, and the interior is very well isolated from road and wind noise.
The base 300 Limited model is the definition of affordable luxury. It comes well-equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated power mirrors, a UConnect stereo with an 8.4-inch touch-screen display, an electronically auto-dimming rearview mirror and leather trimmed seats. The 300's strong safety feature list includes traction control, stability control, brake assist with Ready Alert and Rainy day brake support. Front, side and a driver's knee airbags are also standard.
The 300S comes standard with a slightly more powerful version of the 3.6L V6, making 300 horsepower. Power driver and passenger seats, a 522-watt stereo and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels are all standard on the 300S. The 300S, like the 300C is also available with the bigger 5.7L V8 engine.
The 300C adds exterior chrome trim, standard Garmin navigation, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, heated rear seats, 18-inch wheels and a ParkView rear back-up camera.
The top of the line 300C Platinum comes with several notable features, including a more comfortable premium suspension setup, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, quilted leather trimmed seats and luxury floor mats.
The SRT8 returns with a track-tuned suspension and gobs of power. The outside of the SRT8 is appropriately mean-looking with 20-inch wheels, a lowered stance and a unique grille. Capable of 0?60 mph in less than 5 seconds, the SRT8 is unmatched in its combination of luxury and breakneck speed.
Athletic V8 Engines
Roomy Interior
Comfortable Ride
Luxury-style Interior Touches
Available All-wheel Drive
The Chrysler 300 gets a fairly major update for 2015. Both the interior and the exterior of the car have been refreshed. A new grill and front fascia are the most immediately recognizable changes, but new wheels have also been added along with a few other minor cosmetic enhancements. Inside, a new steering wheel greets the driver along with a 7-inch full color driver information display.
On the technology front, the Chrysler 300 improves with the addition of a "Sport" button to tighten things up on twisty roads. Improved functionality from Chrysler's Uconnect system is also new for 2015, with roadside assistance, theft alarm notification and an improved navigation system.
The 300 presents a luxury big-car design and style at an affordable price. The car retains its Audi-like appearance and presence, but features prices starting around $30,000. The lineup of powerful engines and available all-wheel drive mean the 300 also has performance credibility to match its style. Inside, a comprehensive list of standard equipment as well as safety technology means the 300 competes above its class in both features and price.
