Chrysler set the standard for American luxury. Their “letter cars” were a decade of hits starting with the C-300 in 1955. It culminated with the 300L in 1965, and each one is a valued collectible today. Back when Daimler Benz merged with Chrysler, they decided to resurrect the 300 as a 2005 rear-wheel-drive sedan.
Aimed at the Cadillac CTS, it shares the same LX chassis as the W211 Mercedes E-Class. Riding on the same solid foundation as the Dodge Charger, we were happy to spend a week with a 2018 300S. It is the 3rd model in this year’s lineup, with more standard features than the Touring and Touring L examples.
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Under the hood is the venerable Pentastar V6. It is the same V6 shared across Jeep and Dodge brands, making 300 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Given the weight and amenities of the 300 series, it comes in a bit underpowered. Thankfully the 5.7L Hemi V8 is an option on the 300S and higher trim levels. The V6 does offer smooth running and 30 mpg highway.
Styling is 1st class, inside and out. Starting with a large grille, Walter P Chrysler would be happy to see his emblem floating in 3D. The 300S also arrives standard with black-chrome wheels and an absence of chrome. It also borrows the performance-tuned suspension of the SRT models. Turn-in is predictable and steering feedback is great. Just the right amount of body roll will allow the tires to warn you at the limit. AWD is also an option if you live in northern climates, and Chrysler even builds AWD V8 cars for undercover law enforcement, ask me how I know…
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