On the positive side, the A- and C-pillars support a roofline that is 2.5 inches taller than the 300M's, ergo plenty of
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| Despite its abundance of interior space, the new 300 is 2.5 cm (1.0 in) shorter in overall length than the outgoing 300M. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
headroom above the furniture. Despite its abundance of interior space, the new 300 is 2.5 cm (1.0 in) shorter in overall length than the 300M - a car that was designed for sale in Europe and therefore was already the shortest among the outgoing LH family (Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler Concorde, and Chrysler LHS). To emphasize my point, the 300 has half an inch more rear legroom than the behemoth Ford Crown Victoria, which is an eyebrow raising 38 cm (15 in) longer than the Chrysler overall. Although there is no quarreling with empirical evidence, the 300 can deceive one into believing that it's larger than it really is. Perhaps in the same way that TV adds 10-pounds to a person's physique, the new 300 seems to add size and substance to its look and feel. It may be its long hood, smooth ride, cavernous interior or elevated seating position
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| Large circular primary gauges are set upon white backgrounds that glow translucent-green when the headlights are switched on. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
that contributes to its larger than life persona, but whatever it is it's an effect I like. Also high on my list of likes is the new car's well-designed content-rich interior. My tester was dressed in Light Greystone Torino leather, beautifully contrasted against a dark gray dash, center console and upper door panels. In addition to the appealing interior hues and materials, the designers also focused on the 300's gauge cluster and dash layout. Large circular primary gauges are set upon white backgrounds that glow translucent-green when the headlights are switched on. These instruments feature very precise readouts and exhibit a retro look akin to an antique timepiece.
