Chrysler's full-size 300 is a big sedan that makes a big statement. Rival to the Chevy Impala, Buick LaCrosse, Genesis G80, and Toyota Avalon, it offers a spacious cabin loaded with intuitive technology and safety equipment. But what truly sets it apart from other vehicles in the segment is its bold and imposing retro styling, confident road manners, and all-American V8 power.
For 2017, Chrysler has given the 300 a tech infusion in the form of the latest generation Uconnect infotainment technology, which comes standard on all models. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provide full smartphone interactivity, while vehicles fitted with factory navigation add tablet-style swipe and pinch controls. The Uconnect system's graphics have also been improved, as has its responsiveness.
Other tweaks to the 300 range include the deletion of the mid-grade Limited trim, and the addition of the new 300S Alloy Edition, which adds Dark Bronze exterior accents and a black Nappa leather interior with caramel stitching and liquid titanium accents.
Buyers of the 300S can now outfit their vehicles with a new Exterior Sport Appearance Package; it includes sculpted side sills, an aggressive front fascia, unique LED fog lights and a deck-lid spoiler. It's standard on V8-powered vehicles, and optional with the V6. The Interior Sport Appearance Package, also newly available adds sports seats with suede bolsters and optional seat ventilation.
Last but not least, a new exterior colour, Ceramic Grey, is now available, while a two-tone Black and Smoke Grey interior colour scheme is available on the 300S.
Most 300s sold are powered by Chrysler's Pentastar V6. The 3.6-litre DOHC engine serves up 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque for Touring and 300C trims; the 300S generates slightly more power - 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque - due to its performance exhaust system.
Optional on the 300C, 300C Platinum, and 300S is a 5.7-litre V8. The 300 is one of the last remaining full-size non-premium vehicles to be available with a V8 engine, let alone a naturally aspirated one. The 16-valve Hemi mill generates 363 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque and is capable of propelling the 300 to 100 km/h in less than six seconds backed by a refined muscle-car soundtrack. This engine features standard cylinder deactivation, but with eight cylinders and plenty of weight to move around, this isn't a particularly economical powertrain.
Both V6 and V8 300s receive an eight-speed ZF-designed automatic as standard equipment which is controlled by a rotary knob, with the 300S and 300C Platinum trims receiving metal paddles for manual shifting. Unlike most models in the segment, the 300 comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is an option. Unusually, the all-wheel-drive system is part time, and is automatically activated and deactivated depending on driving conditions, the car's drive mode, and weather conditions.
The 300 is available in four trims: Touring, 300S, 300C, and 300C Platinum.
Standard equipment on the Touring includes dual an 8.4-inch infotainment system with dual USB ports, 12-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors, LED tail lights, 18-inch polished alloy wheels, proximity key with push-button start, and comfort-tuned suspension.
The 300S adds 20-inch black-finish alloy wheels, performance exhaust, a 552-watt BeatsAudio sound system, black exterior accent trim, Nappa leather upholstery, reverse camera, sport-tuned suspension, remote start, and a garage door opener.
The 300C adds heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, a heated wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, power rear sunshade, power tilt and telescoping steering column, driver memory, LED interior lighting, and chrome mirrors and door handles. It rides on 18-inch wheels and has a 276-watt six-speaker sound system as standard.
The 300 C Platinum includes 20-inch wheels, adaptive HID headlamps, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, heated and cooled cupholders, premium floor mats, quilted Nappa leather upholstery, touring suspension, and Platinum Chrome exterior accents.
Pricing for the 300 starts at $40,545 for the Touring RWD and tops out at $48,445 for the 300C Platinum.
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