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I called dibs on
the Chrysler 300S just about the minute I heard one would be joining our
long-term fleet. The timing lined up well, with my Hyundai Elantra
long-termer set to go back as the Chrysler was to arrive. Well, the
Elantra stayed a little longer than it was supposed to, but the Chrysler
ended up fashionably late.
The S trim of the 300 eschews the flashy chrome
the big sedan is known for. Blackout and body-color elements give it a
classier, more old-fashioned look, one that goes well with our
long-termer's white paint job and contrasting black leather interior.
The S also comes standard with a subwoofer-equipped 10-speaker 552-watt
Beats sound system, continuing the trend of Chrysler vehicles offering
high-quality audio.
We wanted to try out the new ZF eight-speed auto, so we skipped the
optional Hemi V-8 and stuck with the Pentastar V-6 (which makes 300 hp
in the S) -- and then proceeded to check practically every option box
save for the panoramic sunroof. The $1995 Safety Tec package that
includes, among other things, adaptive cruise control, blind spot and
cross path detection, and forward collision warning? Check. The $795
Light Group that throws in auto-leveling HID headlamps with automatic
high beams? Check. The $2850 Luxury Group that includes a heated
steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, power adjustable steering
column, and power-adjustable pedals? You got it. For good measure, we
also opted for the $995 navigation system. Total price? Only $40,625 --
about 20 large less than our 528i, which doesn't even warm our buns.
Though I've had the car for only a couple
months, I've
already taken it for a day trip to the (in)famous Salton Sea, an impromptu adventure after a planned hike got rained out. This turned out to be a test of the 300's long-trip capability. Though it's no Passat TDI, it does have a 400-plus-mile range, and the seats are plenty comfortable to sit in for an entire day, something I plan to do often over the coming months.
Since I got the 300, many have told me 'That car is so you.' I don't disagree.
We wanted to try out the new ZF eight-speed auto, so we skipped the
optional Hemi V-8 and stuck with the Pentastar V-6 (which makes 300 hp
in the S) -- and then proceeded to check practically every option box
save for the panoramic sunroof. The $1995 Safety Tec package that
includes, among other things, adaptive cruise control, blind spot and
cross path detection, and forward collision warning? Check. The $795
Light Group that throws in auto-leveling HID headlamps with automatic
high beams? Check. The $2850 Luxury Group that includes a heated
steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, power adjustable steering
column, and power-adjustable pedals? You got it. For good measure, we
also opted for the $995 navigation system. Total price? Only $40,625 --
about 20 large less than our 528i, which doesn't even warm our buns.
Though I've had the car for only a couple
months, I've already taken it for a day trip to the (in)famous Salton Sea, an impromptu adventure after a planned hike got rained out. This turned out to be a test of the 300's long-trip capability. Though it's no Passat TDI, it does have a 400-plus-mile range, and the seats are plenty comfortable to sit in for an entire day, something I plan to do often over the coming months.
| Our Car | |
| VEHICLE LAYOUT | Front-engine, RWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan |
| ENGINE | 3.6L/300-hp/264-lb-ft DOHC 24-valve V-6 |
| TRANSMISSION | 8-speed automatic |
| CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) | 4110 lb (51/49%) |
| WHEELBASE | 120.2 in |
| LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT | 198.6 x 75.0 x 58.7 in |
| 0-60 MPH | 6.4 sec |
| QUARTER MILE | 14.9 sec @ 97.1 mph |
| BRAKING, 60-0 MPH | 115 ft |
| LATERAL ACCELERATION | 0.85 g (avg) |
| MT FIGURE EIGHT | 26.7 sec @ 0.66 g (avg) |
| EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON | 19/31 mpg |
| ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY | 177/109 kW-hrs/100 miles |
| CO2 EMISSIONS | 0.84 lb/mile |
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