For 2015, the Chrysler 300 sedan—the marque's objet d'art for the mainstream—becomes even more elegant, thanks to a styling overhaul and a substantial powertrain upgrade.
What is it?
This is the sedan that led Chrysler's renaissance in the full-size sedan market, now in its third-ish iteration. The second-generation 300 bowed almost four years ago, making this update a mid-cycle refresh prior to the introduction of a brand-new model. Keen eyes will note revised headlights and grille treatment, as well as full-LED taillights and more brightwork outside. (Even keener eyes will spot the winged Chrysler emblem taking flight within the blackout grille of the uplevel 300S.)
The interior received a much greater upgrade, including a new steering wheel, graphics, center stack, and rotary-style transmission dial. According to chief interior designer Chris Benjamin, the 300 borrows heavily from the smaller and less expensive 200 sedan, which was instrumental in pushing the brand to be more design-focused. We found the design to be quite sharp and appealing, something you can't say about the interior of a Honda Accord, although fit and finish was lacking—despite high-quality materials throughout the cabin.
How does it drive?
We had the chance to drive all variants of the 300 sedan, from lowly 300 Limited to 300C, and spent the most time with the V-8-powered, midlevel 300S and a Limited AWD test car.
A 292-hp V-6 is standard, offering plenty of power and a lot of refinement, and that power figure is boosted to 300 if you spring for any trim but Limited. Step up to the 300S and 300C, and a 363-hp V-8 Hemi engine is available. This is the engine you want. At full throttle, it provides power that a Chevolet Impala could never imagine delivering, and four cylinders cleverly deactivate at consistent cruise. The V-6 was comfortable cruising at 80 mph, although we imagine that the V-8 would enjoy the occasional spurt of power.
Everything about the driving experience is above average, from steering and braking to suspension comfort, but you'll never confuse the 300 for a Jaguar. (A late-model Mercedes-Benz, maybe.)
What's its specialty?
The 300 maintains its position as the only American sedan to offer V-6 and V-8 engine, elevating it above the fold. Beyond powertrain, the 300 excels in "surprise and delight" moments, with cheeky detailing built in.
How's the competition?
Against the 300, most competition pales—including the Ford Taurus and Toyota Avalon, which offer floatier rides and less competent driving dynamics. Chrysler also lists the Nissan Maxima as a competitor, but that model is due for imminent replacement. The closest front-wheel-drive competitor to the 300 is the excellent Chevrolet Impala, which offers four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines instead of a V-8.
But Chrysler was mum to mention the elephant in the room, which takes automotive form as the superb Hyundai Genesis. Aside from sister company Dodge, Hyundai is the only other automaker to offer a V-8 option in this segment, and the Genesis' pricing couldn't be closer to the 300's. The 300 excels in design, but falls short of the fit and finish and overall refinement of the Genesis, regardless of trim level.
Overall
A blue bonnet in a thicket of beige flowers.
Highs
Smooth powertrain, plenty of space inside, even more elegant than before.
Lows
Inexpensive-feeling interior fit and finish, wider-than-necessary door openings, some confusing interior ergonomics.
The ideal setup
300C V-8: The most luxurious of 300 models pairs the decadent V-8 with your choice of themed interiors. Black and linen for us, please.
By the numbers
MSRP: $32,390 (includes $995 destination charge)
Power / drive wheels: 3.6-liter, 292-hp or 300-hp V-6 engine / rear- or all-wheel drive; 5.7-liter, 363-hp V-8 engine / rear-wheel drive
Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission
EPA fuel economy: 19 city / 31 highway (V-6), 16 city / 25 highway (V-8)
In showrooms: January
See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?
