Vehicle: 2011 Chrysler 300C Base with sunroof, Sound Group and Safetytec Group
Price as tested: CDN$45470
Performance: As with most “new era” Chrysler, the 300 comes either with the excellent Pentastar V6 or the hallmark V8 engine in our tester. As expect from a Chrysler 300C, its Hemi V8 is sweet-as-a-nut. If you aren’t worry about hefty fuel bill, Pentastar’s 292hp and 260 lb/ft of torque through a 3.5 liter DOHC with variable valve timing is certainly enough for most occassions. As the Pentastar has to be considered as one of the finest V6 engines on the planet. In terms of refinement and NVH, Pentastar is as good as anything from Nissan’s wonderful VQ engine series without breaking a sweat. Our tester comes with Chrysler’s exceptional Hemi V8. It comes in the form of a 5.7 liter variety, while adding variable valve timing and fuel saving MDS technology. This sort of technology would ensure the engine runs on 4-cylinders until driver really hammer the vehicle. As for the Hemi itself, it has a good 363hp and 394lb/ft of torque to move this heavymetal. 4270 lb of it. This engine is not only impressive on the low-range. Its mid and upper ranges are even more impressive as driver push through it paces. The only gearbox that mated with Hemi is the 5-speed manumatic. While the manumatic function works exceptionally well, in order to get most of its Hemi power. Its best to leave it in “Drive” for most occassions, as it provides low enough gear ratios for those 1st and 2nd gears. Leaving 3rd and 4th gears to keep the engine sweetspot and 5th gear for amazingly comfortable highway cruising. Chrysler has both Pentastar and Hemi as their major powertrain sources right now. Whether you should take Pentastar or Hemi depending on whether you value best in performance or getting performance without huge gas bill.
Handling: It isn’t surprise 300C always provides decent dynamic abilities, as it rides on a superb platform which is completely free of cracks and rattles. The result is a modular platform that has a nice place for suspension components to hang its heads. While 300C’s forte has always been its serena ride comfort, which has a sort of Germanic suppleness dials in through the whole equation. Its handling certainly lives up to its dynamic image generated through its ancestor. You can either opt for the optional AWD, which works exceptionally well through Canadian winter thanks to its proactive approach. Or stick with RWD, which provides near perfect weight distribution of 50/50. That means the 300C handles as good as any rear-drive rivals. The suspension is comfortably compliant, which absorbs all the bumps and patholes with ease. It also provides excellent damping when pushed the 300C through twisties. The steering provides decent enough feel and feedback, while precise enough without feeling twitches. Its ESP remains uninstrusive until driver rears its ugly heads. When it comes with 300′s AWD system, it acts as second line of defence before it starts to activate. That left the AWD as first security before it starts to save driver from over and understeer. Body rolls are minimal when pushed hard through corners.
Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, 300C has offered of what we expect from a luxury car. The stopping distance is short, while pedal always feels well-modulated and solid. Its very reassuring, unlike Chrysler brakes of the old days. The brakes are fade-free while ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily.
Interior: Except for the lack of proper handle for the trunk, which one has to get inside the vehicle to use the release button or through the remote keyfob. 300′s luggage space is well layout. The trunk floor is layout with nicely carpet with a low lift floor for lugage loading.
What is most impressive is how Chrysler improves its interior quality. In the past, Chrysler interiors were patented from Rubbermaid. That means its made of hard rotten plastic and leather material which is paper-thin. Ever since the introduction of the class-leading Grand Cherokee, Chrysler’s interior has been a radical depature from the past. The latest iteration of 300 speaks the same story. Its use of materials are world-class. There are plenty of soft-touch plastic materials on the dashboard, the switchgears have a high-quality tactical feedback which put any BMW ashamed. The leather hides are thick, supple and soft to the hands. Stylistically speaking, its far more inspiring and classy than 300 of the past. It really is a huge leap forward for Chrysler, when it comes to interior execution.
The rear area is equally spacious, as it has plenty of head and legroom. The same goes for the materials on the back. Instead of looking at those cheesy plastic on the door panels, rear passengers can have a chance to sit on quality chair while resting their hands on door panels which made of nice materials. Finally, you don’t have to feel like a torture box in a Chrysler.
Conclusion: There are lots to love in the new 300C. Both powerplants are world-class. Whether you choose Pentastar or Hemi won’t go wrong. It handles exceptionally well, for both RWD and AWD. What really makes me impressed is the interior execution, which finally makes 300C worthy of its luxury car status. What seals the deal for me its the price. For a loaded 300C, you get everything from a heated steering wheel, dual zone climate control, Bluetooth capabilities with all the necessary for your i-Pod and adaptive cruise control. That’s lots of car for your hard earned money. 
Competitions:
Acrua RL
Dodge Charger
Infiniti M37
Lexus GS350
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 Chrysler 300C
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5
Overall rating: 4.5/5