Saying that it ranks “among the best upscale sedans” on the market today, the automotive experts at Consumer Reports had plenty of praise for the refreshed Chrysler 300 during a recent comparison test. Chrysler’s flagship sedan had been thoroughly upgraded for 2011, and the results drew CR comments like:
- “The 300 is the best Chrysler car we’ve seen in decades.”
- Its 5.7-liter HEMi V8, capable of 363 hp, is “quick, muscular,” and “delivers strong performance,” even as “many customers would be happy” with the car’s base Pentastar V6, which “provides better fuel economy with still-strong acceleration.”
- That performance “is now complemented by responsive handling and a more comfortable ride.”
- “Thanks to a major upgrade, its roomy interior is now quieter and more luxurious.”
- The cabin “is plush and well-finished with large and straightforward touch-screen controls.”
- “Driver visibility is much improved.”
But even after praise like this, Chrysler remains dedicated to continuously improving the 300, which offers a lineup that’s been fine-tuned to appeal to more customers for the new model year. Available in three different configurations—300C, with sophisticated yet avant-garde styling; 300S, for the ultimate in American luxury; and 300 SRT8, the flagship’s flagship that is also the most powerful, best-handling Chrysler sedan ever—the 2012 models offer a wide range of new standard and available content. And this includes the first automotive application of the premium “Beats by Dr. Dre” audio technology, as well as the first advanced eight-speed automatic to launch in a domestic vehicle.
The new transmission, from ZF, is particularly worth noting, as it helps the Chrysler 300 deliver V6 EPA ratings unsurpassed by any segment rival: 19 mpg city/31 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive and 18/27/21 with all-wheel drive.
The 2012 Chrysler 300 is in dealerships now.
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