The Chrysler 300 family comes in Touring, 300S, 300C, 300C Luxury and 300 SRT8 trim. The standard engine is a 3.6L V6, while the optional engine is a 5.7L Hemi V8. The SRT8 comes standard 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. V6 models come equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while V8 models come equipped with a more robust 5-speed automatic. 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 Touring 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, power front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows and locks, dual-zone air conditioning and Keyless Go. 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 300C adds SmartBeam headlights, rain-sensitive wipers, exterior chrome trim, standard Garmin navigation, heated rear seats, heated and cooled cupholders, wood trim and power adjustable pedals and a ParkView rear back-up camera.
The 300S comes standard with a slightly more powerful version of the 3.6L V6, making 300 horsepower. Leather seating, power driver and passenger seats, a 522-watt stereo and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels are all standard on the 300S. Like the 300C, the 300S is available with the bigger 5.7L V8 engine.
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 grill. Capable of 0-60mph in less than 5 seconds, the SRT8 is unmatched in its combination of luxury and breakneck speed.
The SafetyTec Group, available on the Limited and the 300C, adds high-tech safety equipment, including adaptive speed control, HID headlamps, blind-spot and cross-path detection, ParkSense front and rear park assist system, rear fog lamps and rain-sensitive wipers.
Athletic V8 Engines
Roomy Interior
Comfortable Ride
Luxury-style Interior Touches
Available All-wheel Drive
2013 brings relatively minor changes to the Chrysler 300 model lineup. The Limited model has been dropped, consolidating the lineup and making things a bit simpler. All-wheel drive is now available across the entire model range with the exception of the high performance SRT8 and the V6 has been given a slight boost in power for 300S models. 300S and SRT8 models also get an optional black painted roof.
The 300 presents a luxury big-car design and style at an affordable price. The 2011 redesign gave the 300 an Audi-like appearance and presence, but prices still start around $30,000. The lineup of powerful engines and available all-wheel drive mean the 300 also has performance credibility. Inside, a comprehensive list of standard equipment as well as safety technology means the 300 competes above its class in both features and price.
