2015 Chrysler 300
2015 Chrysler 300
Posted on March 22, 2017
The 2015 Chrysler 300 is a full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan. Now in its third generation, it offers a bold, thoroughly American alternative to its generally more staid and sedate competitors. When the first generation of the 300 burst onto the scene back in 2005, it was an immediate sensation. Its dramatic exterior - which featured a huge front grille, a long sweeping front end, and an imposing profile that reminded many people of a Bentley - set it apart from everything else in its class. Suddenly, here was a family sedan that folks actually got excited about.
This big Chrysler continues to offer everything that made the original a hit, including attitude to spare, traditional rear wheel drive driving dynamics, a comfy, roomy interior and a lineup of powerful engines.
Power to Spare
Plenty of horsepower is one of the 300's key selling points. Buyers can choice between two muscular engines: a base 3.6-liter V-6 and an optional 5.7-liter V-8. Both engines send power to the pavement via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The entry-level powerplant produces 300 horsepower at 6,350 rpm and 264 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. The big eight-cylinder engine puts out 363 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 394 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm. For drivers faced with snowy or frequently rainy roads, all-wheel drive is available as an option on all models.
A Roomy, Luxurious Interior
Chrysler has consistently refined the 300's interior over the years. The 2015's plush, sharp-looking cabin is the best yet by a significant margin. Both the front and back rows are roomy and comfortable in that classic, big American sedan way. The seats strike a good balance between soft and supportive. Standard leather upholstery provides a pleasingly upscale feel. The smoothly contoured dashboard is dominated by an impressively massive 8.4-inch touchscreen display, which handles the stereo system, climate control and assorted other features.
A Wealth of Trim Levels
The 2015 Chrysler 300 is available in four different trim levels, from the relatively basic and value-oriented up to the downright luxurious. In ascending order of cost they are: Limited, 300S, 300C and 300C platinum.
Despite being the base model, the Limited version of the car still comes quite well-equipped. Standard features include 17-inch aluminum wheels, a glass sunroof, fog lights, heated front seats and dual zone automatic climate control. The S - which is designed to have a sporty, performance-oriented feel - features special exterior trim, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels and adjustable pedals. The 300S includes niceties such as a GPS navigation system and real wood interior trim. Finally, the range-topping 300C premium adds buttery-soft Napa leather upholstery, along with a leather-wrapped center console and instrument panel.
Safety First
The 300 is loaded with safety features, from a multitude of airbags to a plethora of electronic assists. Regardless of trim level, the big Chrysler comes standard with four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, traction control and stability control. Also included are all the expected airbags: front, side, front side and full-length side curtain. A rear view camera is optional on Limited models and standard on all other trim levels.
High tech electronic safety aids are all the rage these days, and the 2015 300 isn't getting left out of the action. Available features include a blind spot assist, front and rear parking sensors, a blind-spot warning system, a rear cross-traffic alert, a forward collision warning system, a lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and adaptive bi-xenon headlights.
Solid Fuel Economy Numbers
The 2015 Chrysler 300 C is a large, powerful sedan. The 300 gets impressive fuel economy, thanks, in part, to its thoroughly modern (and very well-received) eight-speed automatic transmission.
The V-6, rear wheel drive model is rated at 19 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. With all-wheel drive, it received an EPA rating of 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The V-8, rear-wheel-drive car turned in 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel drive version was rated at 15 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.