If you are an introvert then you probably won’t want to buy the Chrysler 300C; there is no way to avoid attention. But interestingly, people are largely complimentary about this big bruiser.
Some people said it looked like a Bentley, some assumed the driver must be a footballer. Whether they meant that as a compliment or an insult, there can be no denying that everyone felt it must be expensive. But on the nearly new market, this car is several thousand pounds less than other luxury cars of a similar size.
The rear leg and headroom is excellent – grown adults are able to stretch out properly. So there is no worry about deep-vain thrombosis over long journeys. The boot is big, square and easy to load. Upfront there is every gizmo you could want including a very easy to use Sat Nav, air conditioning, and two fabulous leather, heated, electrically-adjustable, armchairs.
Build quality is actually pretty average. No major problems, no definite failings as such, but some of the switches feel cheap and floppy: I was never sure if the air con switches were responding to my settings correctly; it was an annoying surprise that after a long period using CDs, the radio re-set all the stations. At least that was my view as someone who drives lots of different cars. To my Mum and her boyfriend who is considering changing his older Jaguar for a 300C, it was impressively well made. They are right, in comparison to the previous generation Jaguar, it is well made.
The top half of the steering wheel is in walnut-wood-effect, which is slim and cold to touch. It makes for a very pleasant driving experience and is in keeping with the car’s dynamics.
As you might expect this car hunkered down the motorway with such confidence that it bordered on conceited and everything moved aside. Inside, it is quiet, free from wind and road noise. Even if you really lean on the ‘gas pedal’ it still averages 30 MPG. Take it easy and you will make a combined average of over 34.
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But there are two things that will surprise you about this car.
One, whilst it is so spacious inside and has such a big presence on the road, it is actually very easy to park. Its square shape means there is good visibility, and no hidden or protruding curves to clip on the multi-story barrier. But it is also quite narrow and slots into bays with ease. Add in the parking sensors and its going to be really hard to scuff one of these.
Two, it is very nimble through the corners. English car journalists love to give the 300C a hard time as an American lump of metal. But look them in the eye as you ask how it handles and after a surreptitious glance to each side they will whisper, “It’s actually very good.”
The big engine and auto gearbox mean you need to be hard on the brakes before turning in, but provided you get that right, even on small b-roads, it will hardly roll in the corners.
Pulling onto roundabouts or into busy traffic was stress-free; the automatic gearbox hardly delayed at all before launching the car. Many more expensive cars still fail to deliver in this crucial area.
Then, having started to accelerate it seems rude not to let the 300C show you what it can do: 7.6 seconds later you have passed the 60 mph barrier, and it actually feels quicker than that, even with passengers and luggage aboard. So your licence isn’t in danger with this car, like it might be in some of the top-of-the-range Audis, but it is more than swift enough.
If you want a distinctive luxury saloon, that doesn’t handle like a boat or drink fuel then you want a 300C. But don’t go out and just buy any old one. If you do, you risk getting bitten by either depreciation or having to hold on to a car that won’t sell. You need to go for the leather trim, the 3.0 diesel engine and a sensible main colour: silver or dark blue.
Summary
A luxury, spacious cruiser, with nimble handling and distinctive looks. Terrific value on the used market as a nearly new car. Consider as a viable alternative to all the premium saloons like Jaguar XJs.
Road test car details:
Chrysler 300C 3.0 V6 CRD
OTR: £27,505 (new price – check out the used price)
0-62: 7.6 secs
MPG: 34.9
Co2 /KM: 215
By: Matthew Tumbridge