Topic: Test Drive: 2013 Chrysler 300C Luxury Series AWD

[Autos_Editor]

Chrysler delivers a touch more sophistication and good value with their Luxury Series trim but falls short of European luxury import standards.

Read More...

[JohnM]

"off-the-rack Le Chateau."

A little less wine bar lingo please.  The use of the phrase does serve to underline the differences between 300C buyers and higher end Euro buyers but I'd associate it more with Roller owners.

Cheers,
John M.

[Snowman]

I rented a 300C a few months ago and calling it a luxury car is a federal offense IMO. A fine example of a poorly engineered and manufactured car that is a decade behind the times.

[sailor723]

"off-the-rack Le Chateau."

A little less wine bar lingo please.  The use of the phrase does serve to underline the differences between 300C buyers and higher end Euro buyers but I'd associate it more with Roller owners.

Cheers,
John M.

In keeping with the suit analogy I think he meant the (somewhat) low end clothing store.

[Ex-airbalancer]

Garmin navigation – $450;
Wow that is a good price for a built in nav

[Snowman]

I rented a 300C a few months ago and calling it a luxury car is a federal offense IMO. A fine example of a poorly engineered and manufactured car that is a decade behind the times.

Really?  That seems harsh to me.  I think it has some things going for it.

Help me out here. All I can come up with is the HEMI V8. The ergonomics in the Sierra 2500 I rented two weeks ago were MUCH better

[safristi]

..is Two Buck Chuck banned in Hokeyville.................Audi doo dat........ .................

[hemusbull]

What a mess as a concept is this car! Short living chopped top design with old five links MB rear suspension, archaic big V8 pushrod ...with 8-speed ZF tranny.

[aaronk]

This is a luxury car for people who don't think of themselves as luxury car buyers. They don't care what kind of exotic animal their seat material came from, what kind of Brazilian trees their dashboard is gleened from or how many people hand-stitched the leather on the shifter. It's just a big car with a bad-ass V8 that happens to have lots of luxury interior bits. Nobody should be pretending this is a BMW-competitor, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's a car for a 'regular guy'.

[Snowman]

For $47k I can have a C 350 4MATIC Sedan. Not a Hemi but I will pass on the V8 for the "real" luxury component.

[redman]

Tough call at that price point.
After all most shoppers now are not just value shoppers but all about the bling.
The Chrysler name simply does not offer the cache of a similarly priced German car, no matter what perceived value it may have.
Stay within your pond Chrysler if you want to play.
But, best of luck.

[aaronk]

For $47k I can have a C 350 4MATIC Sedan. Not a Hemi but I will pass on the V8 for the "real" luxury component.

The V8 IS a luxury component    

[greengs]

For $47k I can have a C 350 4MATIC Sedan. Not a Hemi but I will pass on the V8 for the "real" luxury component.

No you couldn't.  Not even close.  Base C350 4matic is $50k with Freight (so we compare same things).  If you don't want plastic seats and want it equipped with some options similar to the car reviewed here it would be around $60k before taxes and you'd have a car that's on par with Civic interior room wise. 

I love the C class myself.  I think it's the best looking car in its class but, it is an expensive ride when you think about what you actually get for the money. 

[Snowman]

For $47k I can have a C 350 4MATIC Sedan. Not a Hemi but I will pass on the V8 for the "real" luxury component.

All that that establishes it that you prioritize certain features over the Hemi.  The combination of the Hemi with at least some premium content is what makes the 300C a unique offering.  There is not much else that combines swagger with some soft touches.  You obviously are not the target market.

Not that I would pay $47k for one though.  If you compare the same two cars on the 18 month old lightly used re-sale market, the 300C becomes a compelling option (IMHO).

Agreed, I am defiantly not in the target market. I don't need a gaps to stuff my collection of 8-tracks between the interior panels 

[Snowman]

If I had to go with a domestic flagship sedan the Taurus AWD SHO is a much better option.

[Rupert]

I think that this took the place of the old LHS which was FWD and could seat five comfortably whereas this only seemingly seats four...with the high central divide and seemingly narrower body. So in effect, it did not replace the LHS and is a different category...sporting 4 seat sedan. I agree with the statement that the Hemi would be the attraction for most buyers but think that the latter day 3.6 Pentastar engine and RWD would make for an interesting offering here...not as good winter traction not withstanding. The 3.6 has 285HP...great HP not so long back. Reduced weight over the front wheels and less weight without AWD. Keep IRS and throw in decent wheels and Nivomats and tires. Could make a nice car for...who knows...quite a few folk. Perhaps there is a version like this.

[whaddaiknow]

If I had to go with a domestic flagship sedan the Taurus AWD SHO is a much better option.

Charger SRT8 would be my choice. Killer looks and killer engine at the same price level.

[opg210]

Rented one in the Maritimes last summer, it was pretty decent for a rental. One thing that shocked me was the susceptibility to cross winds - on a few gusty days it really got tossed around, requiring constant steering corrections. That was unnerving.

I guess if you like the style and the image it's your car. For me I'd buy a 4 door sedan for the practicality, and if i was buying it for the practicality it would certainly need more glass than this. Outward visibility is brutal. You sure need that backup camera.

[canuckystan]

Near 400hp, rear drive (plus AWD), big interior for a family, cheap repairs compared to the Euros - what is not to love?

Me thinks there are a few German engineered snobs on here.

[Snowman]

If I had to go with a domestic flagship sedan the Taurus AWD SHO is a much better option.

Ok, now you are just being provocative.  $47k for the 300C is too much but $49k for the Taurus SHO is not?  I like my Ford products but just can't see the appeal of the SHO over the 300C.

Go sit in one for fun  it will be obvious.