2005 Chrysler 300C AWD Road Test

Another more major concern is the 300C's thirst for medium-grade fuel. Though it proudly boasts Multi Displacement System

This is the new contemporary American luxury car, reborn in a package that's as much Mozart as it is Mos Def. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

(MDS) which deactivates four cylinders, turning the engine into what might be the world's largest V4 when little or no throttle is present, consumption is still an issue. According to the car's on-board computer, I averaged 15.3 mpg for a steady mix of highway and city driving, a figure well off the mark of its 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway rating. Though MDS is claimed to knock 15-20 percent of your total fuel bill, it makes me wonder if the system actually ever came into play. I'll never know - it is completely undetectable, activating within 40 milliseconds of the application of the throttle.

As it is, the Chrysler 300 is able to dip its toes into many different classifications of cars. Depending on what model you choose, it can compete against midsize sedans such as the Camry and Accord, to high-end executives like the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It even makes an excellent alternative to the traditional American limos, namely the Lincoln Town Car and Cadillac DeVille.

This is the new contemporary American luxury car, reborn in a package that's as much Mozart as it is Mos Def - and it's a very appealing package indeed.

Specifications:

• Price Range (300C AWD MSRP): $34,455 - $40,280
• Price as Tested (MSRP): $40,280
• Body Type: 4-door sedan
• Layout: Front engine, AWD
• Engine: 345 hp, 390 lb-ft, 5.7L, OHV 16-valve HEMI V8 with MDS
• Transmission: 5-spd auto, AutoStick
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 196.8/74.0/58.4/120.0 in
• Tires: 225/60R18
• Trunk (seat up): 15.6 cu ft
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 21 / 31 mpg
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/36,000 comprehensive; 60/60,000 km powertrain
• Competitors: Acura TL/RL, Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Buick LaCrosse/Le Sabre/Lucerne, Cadillac CTS/STS, Ford Five Hundred, Hyundai Azera, Infiniti G/M, Kia Amanti, Lexus ES/GS, Lincoln LS, Nissan Maxima, Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4Matic, Nissan Maxima, Pontiac Bonneville, Saab 9-5, Toyota Avalon, Volkswagen Passat, Volvo S60/S80
• Website: www.chrysler.com