Chrysler 300 2007: New Luxury Sedan

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Introduction

 The Chrysler 300 marked a return to rear-wheel drive for large American sedans, and we consider that a benefit. Rear-wheel drive adds to the driving pleasure, which is partly why luxury sedans and sports car have traditionally used it. The traction and stability electronics are well sorted and effective on this car, delivering good all-season performance. All-wheel drive is an option for those who live in the snow belt. With the big-torque V8, it also allows something buyers have been seeking through sport-utility vehicles: enough towing capacity to pull a lightweight trailer.

Full Review 2007

Offered Model Lineup

The 2007 Chrysler 300 lineup includes seven models: two V6 engines, two V8s, all-wheel drive, and two long-wheelbase models.

The base 300 comes with air-conditioning, a power driver seat, a CD player, cruise control, remote keyless entry and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. The high-performance SRT8 model features a more powerful V8; a rear spoiler; sport-tuned suspension; a stability control system that allows more aggressive driving; 20-inch alloy wheels; and Brembo performance disc brakes with four-piston calipers. Options, depending on trim, include xenon headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, a sunroof and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. A navigation system is available on Touring and 300C models, as is all-wheel drive.

The 300 Touring ($28,320) upgrades to a 3.5-liter single-overhead-cam V6 making 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, with a five-speed automatic and Chrysler's AutoStick manual-shift feature. The Touring also adds leather seating, 17-inch aluminum wheels and fog lamps.
The 300 Limited ($31,005) adds 18-inch chrome wheels, heated front seats, a power passenger seat, automatic headlamps, automatic temperature control and an electronic vehicle information center.

New for 2007 is the W.P.Chrysler Executive Series, or long-wheelbase option ($10,600). The long-wheelbase is offered on the 300 Touring and 300C with rear-wheel drive, and must be ordered from a dealership through the Acubuilt coachworks, which finishes the cars in partnership with Chrysler. The package extends the wheelbase six inches, and gives the 300 more rear-seat leg room than executive-class stalwarts such as the Audi A8L, BMW 750Li and Jaguar XJ-8L, at a substantially lower price. This is a true high-performance sedan, in the mode of BMW's M models or Mercedes' AMG brand, and it features loads of performance tweaks, unique design features and most of the luxury gear. The SRT-8's centerpiece is a 425-hp, 6.1-liter Hemi V8.

The high-performance SRT-8 may be the coolest-looking 300 of all. Its unique features include body-color front and rear bumper inserts, mirrors and door handles, and the modifications are more than aesthetic. The front and rear ends direct air flow through unique ducts that cool the brakes, while a specially designed rear spoiler increases rear downforce by 39 percent, helping keep the rear tires firmly planted at high speed without increasing drag. Yet the coolest thing about the SRT-8 might be its 20-inch, forged aluminum wheels and asymmetrical high-performance tires. These maximize that visual power, and they're staggered in the classic track-performance tradition, with the rear tires slightly wider than the fronts.

Comfort on the Inside

The Chrysler 300 models offer a relaxing 40 inches of rear legroom and outboard passengers will find plenty to like, including a folding center armrest with integrated cup holders. Of course, rear-wheel drive means a prominent driveshaft tunnel down the center of the car, so anyone sitting rear-center must straddle the tunnel or sit with knees pushed up toward the chest.

The rear seat in long-wheelbase 300 models is cavernous. These cars are aimed at the chauffeur-driven executive class long dominated by European makes. It remains to be seen if they succeed from the marketing perspective, but they certainly succeed in the practical sense.

The adjustable pedals were welcome in this car, because the steering wheel also telescopes. The Chrysler 300 models offer a relaxing 40 inches of rear legroom and outboard passengers will find plenty to like, including a folding center armrest with integrated cup holders. The wheelbase is long but the overhangs are short, offering a visual sense of power. The front and rear ends direct air flow through unique ducts that cool the brakes, while a specially designed rear spoiler increases rear down force by 39 percent, helping keep the rear tires firmly planted at high speed without increasing drag. Yet the coolest thing about the SRT-8 might be its 20-inch, forged aluminum wheels and asymmetrical high-performance tires.

First Drive

On the road, the Chrysler 300 feels as solid as it looks, having inherited significant mechanicals from Chrysler's parent company, Mercedes-Benz. From a handling standpoint, the 300 is heavily and positively influenced by a design borrowed from the Mercedes E-Class: five-link rear suspension mounted to a sub frame, and the short-arm/long-arm front suspension, modified for the 300's longer wheelbase, wider track and bigger wheels.

Handling

The handling on this sedan is precise, even the base model performs well. The Chrysler 300 marked a return to rear-wheel drive for large American sedans. Rear-wheel drive adds to the driving pleasure, which is partly why luxury sedans and sports car have traditionally used it. Chrysler 300 models are comfortable. For buyers who are wary of rear-wheel-drive sedans for everyday driving, and particularly those who live in the Snow Belt: With all-season tires, the 300C performs in snow and slush as good as the typical front-wheel-drive sedan.

Powertrain

Base models of the 2007 Chrysler 300 come with a four-speed automatic transmission; all others have a five-speed automatic with auto-manual functionality. The base model comes well-equipped with a frugal V4. The Touring model adds leather, amenities and a more powerful V6. The dual-overhead cam 2.7-liter V6 engine delivers 190 horsepower, enough to handle big-city rush-hour traffic. The 300 Touring upgrades to a 3.5-liter single-overhead-cam V6 making 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, with a five-speed automatic and Chrysler's AutoStick manual-shift feature. The 300C's Hemi V8 can dust expensive luxury cars in performance and value. The SRT-8 delivers outstanding performance in civilized style at a price that's hard to beat.

Available Safety Features

With a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for front-impact crash protection, in side-impact tests, four stars for front-occupant safety and five stars for the rear, this Chrysler offers a safe ride.

Conclusions

The 300 brings commanding exterior styling, vast interior room and a top-notch V8 trim with competitive pricing. Caranddriver.com praises the fabulous look of the 300. Other safety-related options include the rear park-assist, HID headlamps, a tire-pressure monitor, and all-wheel drive."It may even turn out to be a product that defines a new automotive epoch. In short, the bracingly different 300 makes us excited again about American family cars."  adds Detroit News Features like ABS, traction control and stability control are optional on the base 300 but standard on all other trims. The Chrysler 300's one-of-a-kind look is the main reason people buy it.