The same can be said for its commodious interior. OK, I wouldn't go so far as to say it comes anywhere near the hand-built execution of a Bentley Arnage, but at about $300,000 less it's pretty impressive and easily rates beside much more expensive premium luxury sedans. All the plastic surfaces are soft to the touch, metallic surfaces are beautifully executed and switchgear again, very well done. The 300 represents a level of refinement never before achieved by a domestic carmaker, and like I said equal to many top-tier cars. It completely outclasses anything I've ever driven from Cadillac or Lincoln, all of which once again cost thousands more.
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| The 300 represents a level of refinement never before achieved by a domestic carmaker. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
It outclasses the pack when it comes to driving dynamics too. OK, the BMW 545i is the midsize luxury benchmark, about 115 kilos (250 lbs) lighter than the 300C and near double the price. I wouldn't go so far to say that the Chrysler could out-handle the BMW, especially considering the very thought is equivalent to sacrilege in many circles, but the fact that the Bimmer was there as a comparison car said enough. And when it comes to real world excitement, the Chrysler might even be more engaging.
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| The HEMI V8 sends the 300C from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, and at highway speeds, stepping on the gas leaves passengers breathless. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Before I receive a thousand threats via email, let me explain. In North America, where there's a traffic cop around every corner and speed limits rarely exceed 90 to 100 km/h (55 to 60 mph), zero to 100 is what matters. There's not much that can compete with the 300C's 340-hp HEMI V8, when you factor in the 390 lb-ft of torque that, if the standard ESP traction and stability control system is shut off, will spin the rear wheels for time immemorial. Considering the car is no lightweight at just over 1,800 kilos (4,000 lbs), it's a literal rocket ship, shooting to 100 km/h in what seems like a very conservative 6.3 seconds. My bet is its faster, but even that number puts it at a tie with BMW's 7-Series, Audi's A8 and just about every other large premium sport/luxury sedan. At highway speeds though, where power is most useful, there's no comparison. The HEMI blasts to unspeakable speeds so quickly it leaves driver and passengers breathless. And it's sneaky about it, feeling so stable that it could be very troublesome.
