2005 Chrysler 300C AWD Road Test

The 300C AWD is at its best when cruising, something that Chrysler has got down to an art. The car itself is simply so

The 300C AWD is at its best when cruising, something that Chrysler has got down to an art. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

relaxed, its long wheelbase, high-profile tires and slightly softer suspension are up to the task of absorbing ruts and bumps which would otherwise disturb. Windows down, sunroof open, and HEMI V8 lazing about at slightly above idle, the only real thing that prevents this laid-back machine from being the ultimate cruiser is the high belt line which makes resting one's arm on the window ledge a rather uncomfortable affair. That said, nothing short of turning the 300C into a four-door convertible (Chrysler, take note of the ASC Helios, please) could make a better cruiser.

Over the eleven days on which I drove the 300C, I had the (mis)fortune of good weather. Great in that it helped keep the 300's deep, metallic black paint clean, but not so

Both V6- and V8-powered 300s use an adapted version of Mercedes-Benz's 4Matic system, as seen on the C, E and S-Class sedans. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

great in that I wasn't able to test out the new all-wheel drive system in adverse road conditions.

Here's the lowdown: both V6- and V8-powered 300s use an adapted version of Mercedes-Benz's 4Matic system, as seen on the C, E and S-Class sedans. However appealing all-wheel drive sounds, the system isn't as modern or advanced as those used on Audi vehicles equipped with quattro, or even Subaru's famed symmetrical all-wheel drive. Instead, a more primitive, permanently-fixed ratio is used to deliver 38 percent power to the front and 62 percent power to the rear. Simple it may be, but it gets the job done without fuss or muss.