2005 Chrysler 300C AWD Road Test

Where it's possible to shear the tread off a new set of tires in the RWD 300C with a few burnouts, there's no such drama to be

Chrysler claims that the AWD variant will hit 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, 0.1 seconds slower than the RWD version. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

had with the AWD. The system hooks up instantly, translating every jab of the accelerator pedal into a brief time-pausing warp and making every stoplight dash a perfect launch. Chrysler claims that the AWD variant will hit 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, 0.1 seconds slower than the RWD version, but the truth is, you'd be hard-pressed to separate the chest-compressing abilities of the two models. Pause for a second. 6.3 seconds? That's about as quick as America's mainstream modernized muscle machine, the new Ford Mustang GT. Whoa.

With massive dimensions including a 120-inch wheelbase and a 196.8-inch-long body, a portly 4,250 pound curb weight and a stocky, Americanized body, you might expect the 300 to handle more like a sumo wrestler than a sprightly ballerina, but the C does an incredible job when the road begins to twist and turn. Underpinned by the same multi-link suspension as featured in the previous generation E-Class, but with components cast of steel instead of aluminum to save cost, the 300C AWD stays confidently planted to the road, with its body movements precisely controlled. There's a surprising lack of body roll, pitch and dive, and even more surprisingly, when pushed, a lack of tire-squeal and squirm from overly soft dampers and mushy springs. Keep in mind that this is a car that essentially has the footprint of a BMW 7-Series sedan.

Since only 38 percent of the Hemi's burly 390 lb-ft of torque are directed to the front wheels, the 300C AWD maintains the

Only 38 percent of the Hemi's burly 390 lb-ft of torque are directed to the front wheels. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

rear-wheel bias of the regular rear drivers. Handling is, as a result, essentially the same - even with its standard electronic stability control (ESP) off, it requires extreme levels of ham-fistedness and an overdose of the throttle to land you in trouble, but lifting off the throttle and sharpening your aim will bring understeer quickly back in line. The addition of all-wheel drive doesn't change the 300's demeanor; it may not be as sharp as its donor-parent or the other mainstream German superstars, but it's light years ahead of Chrysler's best front-drivers and in motion, feels smaller that it actually is.