For the record, I saw a number of 300 models while test driving the 2017 Chrysler 300s AWD. Each time another 300 passed me, I sensed a nod of approval from the driver. I test drove this full-size luxury sedan through city neighborhoods on bright sunny days and on long stretches of highway during late night thunderstorms. I have to admit. It’s a pretty cool ride.
This Sports Appearance Package, available in colors like Redline Red, offers a new sport front fascia, a black chrome grille surround, larger air intakes, premium LED fog lamps, body-color fascia, sports side sills and a body-colored rear spoiler. The latest 300 model, in general, offers nine different wheel designs in 18-, 19- and 20-inch sizes, from fully polished aluminum to dark bronze aluminum to alloy and hyperblack aluminum.
The interior boasts a standard leather-wrapped steering wheel as well as ventilated leather-trimmed performance seats in ambassador black, metal steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and blacked-out interior accents. The signature ambient blue-lit digital cluster display highlights a menu of real-time data, including audio selection, speed, compass, temperature, fuel economy, trip, speed control, system status and engine performance.
This lighting was much appreciated during the thunderstorms.
This voluptuous sedan, which features a 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission with rotary E-shift, paddle shifters and sport mode, offers some unique details for a pleasurable ride. I appreciated the felt material in the center armrest and the glove box. The analog clock with nickel finish adds a touch of yesteryear, letting you know that you are driving a vehicle that, yes, has the makings of a modern car, but one that hasn’t forgotten how a vintage look can create just the right mood for a classic journey.
With 300 horsepower at the ready, this spacious sedan also offers a host of safety features including airbags, electronic stability control and roll mitigation, lane assist departure, as well as all-speed traction control and rear back up camera. Also available is full-speed collision warning with active braking.
Big changes haven’t happened for the model since 2011, but this 2017 model is keeping in step with the times through strategic updates. The easy-to-use Uconnect system with an 8.4 inch full-color touch screen offers access to a litany of services from entertainment to navigation to control of the dual zone air condition. Technology includes two USB ports, audio jack and wireless charging pad.
When connected, an iPod mobile device or compatible USB device can play music on the sound system and be controlled by the radio or steering wheel-mounted audio controls. The available BeatsAudio™ Premium Sound System includes 10 premium speakers, a trunk-mounted dual-voice coil subwoofer and a 12-channel 552-watt amplifier.
There’s definitely more than one reason to give this 300s a nod of approval.
2017 Chrysler 300s AWD MSRP: $38,175; Combined MPG 21.
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