2005 Chrysler 300C AWD Road Test

The 300C also features a unique EVIC unit (Electronic Vehicle Information Center), which displays its heading, the

A killer 380-watt seven-speaker-plus-subwoofer Boston Acoustics sound system turns the 300C into a private orchestra - or rock concert. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

exterior temperature and a trip computer. Also integrated into EVIC are memory-saved personal settings including those for exterior light delay, mirror tilt during reverse maneuvers, audio options and more.

And then there's the sound system. Standard fare is a six-disc CD/MP3 player integrated into a standard Chrysler-Infiniti head unit, linked to a killer 380-watt seven-speaker-plus- subwoofer Boston Acoustics sound system. Clear, distortion-free sound hails from around, easily turning the 300C into a private orchestra - or rock concert - made even better by the car's silent interior, which borrows tricks from its German relatives such as advanced noise insulation and triple-sealed doors. The only downside that I can think of with the 300's sound system is that the car's natural sound system - the low-pitched rumble of its twin-spark V8 - is absent.

My tester had the optional navigation system upgrade, a steep $2,130 option, but well worth the cost. Turn-by-turn directions are shown on the bright seven-inch

The optional navigation system upgrade is a bit pricey at $2,895, but well worth the cost. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

LCD display and on the EVIC center so the driver doesn't have to take his eyes off the road. Voice guidance can be turned on and off. The system is invaluable if you're inept with maps (like me), or can't stand getting lost, but it does have its flaws, as the system calculates routes based on the shortest distance, rather than the fastest route. While it's useful if you're completely unfamiliar with the area, the system has a habit of sending you on your way via surface streets rather than the highway. Finally, the navigation package groups with the DAB (digital audio broadcast) AM/FM, displaying news feeds, song credits and weather conditions (where available).