Chrysler 300C Sedan Review

Design and Engineering

Design and Engineering

 Good

Ever since the 300C arrived to our shores (October 2005 to be exact) it rightly has received attention. The minimal front overhang, bold grille and long wheelbase combined with the slab sided profile and blistered wheel arches, topped off by a ‘chopped’ roofline screams ‘don’t mess with me’! It often gets mistake as a Bentley - which must bring a smile to a 300C owner as you could buy roughly seven of these for the price of the least expensive sedan from Crewe (Bentley’s birthplace). The HSV fighting SRT8 grade does without a tacky bodykit (true restrained muscle?!) and just check out the understated size of this grades rear spoiler. February 2008 facelift = new tail lights, a restyled boot lid, and new alloy wheels.
Not so good

2009 sales were less than half of what was achieved in the 300C’s first (and also the second) full year of being sold in Australia – but not really surprising for a car that created a lot of initial hype. If you don’t fancy ‘bling’, this car might not be for you. The wagon bodystyle was discontinued in Australia early 2010 so it’s now only the sedan flying the 300C flag.
Interior and Styling

Interior and Styling

 Good

The 2008 facelift see’s a newly design instrument cluster (now more classy) and an improvement to some of the interior plastics (now softer to touch); the comfortable large front seats come standard with a heating function and alongside the steering wheel and side mirrors, the front seats feature a memory function - so after your partner spends time behind the wheel, only a quick flick of a button will return everything to your setting. All grades feature a premium touch screen audio system with a 20Gb hard drive (hopefully enough space for storing you’re favourite tunes). Lots of room up front as in the rear and the big boot will easily swallow a couple of golf bags.
Not so good

The cabin doesn’t feel as special as we’d hoped – but than again it’s hard to match that exterior styling; the fit AND finish could also be better (some panel gaps are a little too large) and the switchgear feels poor for a $50k plus luxury car. If you enjoy cornering you’ll wish for more support from the front seats (luckily the SRT8 grade features more supportive front pews) and the thin rimmed wood finished steering wheel is excessively oversized (especially considering the power on offer in the SRT8 grade). Rear seat space is good, but not considering the long 3050mm wheelbase (a Statesman / Caprice easily beat it for second row legroom). The shallow profile side windows and thick rear pillars ensures rear ¾ exterior visibility is only average (thankfully parking sensors come standard).
Performance

Performance

 Good

Four engines on offer – a turbo diesel, a petrol V6 and two petrol V8’s. The turbo diesel is impressively quiet on start-up, relatively refined (not at all truck like) and offers almost V8 levels of torque (pulling power). If you can afford the price difference over the petrol V6, go the CDI diesel. The 5-speed auto is a good match to the engines in all grades. The top dog 6.1L V8 (SRT8 grade) comes alive above 3500rpm and positively screams above 5500rpm – emitting a brutal deep metallic soundtrack. In a straight line the SRT8 will whip many far more expensive ‘sports’ cars and is the pick over the ‘regular’ 5.7L HEMI V8 grade.
Not so good

Chrysler's Autostick (semi-manual mode) is usesful when pushing hard however is positioned too close to the centre armrest (too easily getting in the way).
Ride and Handling

Ride and Handling

 Good

A relaxed and comfortable highway cruiser and compared to previous ‘American’ sports sedans the 300C isn’t afraid of corners. All grades are impressively quiet and even the SRT8 with its big 255/45ZR20 tyres emits relatively low levels of road noise into the cabin. The SRT8’s big Brembo’s work extremely well when hauling up the 300C from serious speed, with a real lack of brake fade.
Not so good

Nearing two tones so it’s not the most nimble of vehicles, but that’s not to say you can’t have fun driving it. Handling is a step behind that of a competing Falcon or Commodore sports sedan. The steering could be sharper, feeling overly light, and doesn’t provide sufficient feedback when cornering with enthusiasm and the turning circle is excessively big. The SRT8’s ride at low speeds is a tad firm – especially for second row passengers.
Buying and Owning

Buying and Owning

 Good

Ticks the necessary safety box with six airbags and electronic stability control as standard. CDI (turbo diesel) grade offers significantly better fuel economy than competing Statesman / Caprice, the official figure isn’t too far off a Toyota Corolla’s! The 5.7L Hemi V8 grade features cylinder deactivation providing better than expected fuel economy on the freeway (the 6.1L V8 doesn’t and yes, it’s one thirsty beast). Built in Austria under contract by a third party (Magna Styer) and we think the build quality is the best of all the current Chryslers.
Not so good

The current model is getting on in age with the next generation model due not too far away (we expect it to arrive Down Under in the first half of 2011); the CDI grade is significantly more expensive than the petrol V6 (so we wouldn’t buy it for fuel economy reasons alone, make sure you also appreciate the extra torque on offer); both V8 grades are thirsty around town.