Back in the 1950s and early 1960s, the Chrysler 300 letter cars offered overt muscle car performance in the guise of luxury coupes and convertibles. Although Chrysler didn't have the prestige of Cadillac or Lincoln, the athletic 300 was as plush as Hemi-powered performance got.
The tradition of high-performance luxury continues today with Chrysler's 300C, which provides best-in-class rear-seat volume for the comfort and roominess expected in a world-class flagship sedan.
What's New for 2014
With the exception of some new color choices and minor trim upgrades, the 300C remains unchanged for the 2014 model year.
Choosing your Chrysler 300C
At the heart of a 300C is its engine:
- Standard is Chrysler's excellent Pentastar 3.6-liter mated to an advanced eight-speed transmission. It's good for 19 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, while still delivering excellent performance.
- An optional 5.7-liter Hemi is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. With a healthy 363 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque, it still manages 15 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The engine has four-cylinder Fuel Saver Technology, along with sport mode and paddle-shifters.
Regardless of trim level, the 300C has few standalone options, and only a couple option packages:
- The Light Group ($895) includes bi-xenon headlights and automatic high beam control.
- The Beats Audio Group ($995) features a premium sound system designed by Dr. Dre.
- SafetyTec ($1,995) bundles driver assists like adaptive speed control, blind spot and cross-path detection and parking sensors.
- The Harman Kardon Audio Group ($1,995) is a premium stereo alternative.
When it comes to the 300C, we're suckers for the Hemi engine. We'd choose a base rear-wheel drive model with the mighty V8.