Author Topic: Test Drive: 2015 Chrysler 300C (Read 16203 times)

Autos_Editor · « **on:** November 03, 2015, 06:30:48 am »

mixmanmash · « **Reply #1 on:** November 03, 2015, 08:31:52 am »

The platform, while refreshed, is 20+ years old. Mercedes Benz designed the platform in the early 90s, first used it in 1995 on the E-Class and replaced it in 2002.

OliverD · « **Reply #2 on:** November 03, 2015, 08:56:57 am »

Quote from: mixmanmash on November 03, 2015, 08:31:52 am

The platform, while refreshed, is 20+ years old. Mercedes Benz designed the platform in the early 90s, first used it in 1995 on the E-Class and replaced it in 2002.

Not quite.

Quote

The LX was developed in America to supersede the previous Chrysler LH platform, which had been designed to allow it to be easily upgraded to rear and all-wheel drive. Many Mercedes components were incorporated, including the Mercedes-Benz W220 S-class control arm front suspension, the Mercedes-Benz W211[1] E-Class 5-link rear suspension, the firewall and floor pan, the W5A580 5-speed automatic, the rear differential, and the ESP system.

mixmanmash · « **Reply #3 on:** November 03, 2015, 09:17:42 am »

Quote from: OliverD on November 03, 2015, 08:56:57 am

Quote from: mixmanmash on November 03, 2015, 08:31:52 am
The platform, while refreshed, is 20+ years old. Mercedes Benz designed the platform in the early 90s, first used it in 1995 on the E-Class and replaced it in 2002.

Not quite.

Quote
The LX was developed in America to supersede the previous Chrysler LH platform, which had been designed to allow it to be easily upgraded to rear and all-wheel drive. Many Mercedes components were incorporated, including the Mercedes-Benz W220 S-class control arm front suspension, the Mercedes-Benz W211[1] E-Class 5-link rear suspension, the firewall and floor pan, the W5A580 5-speed automatic, the rear differential, and the ESP system.

Thanks for the clarity. I knew there was a connection and Chrysler dealers in the past told me it was based on the W210 platform car. I guess they fibbed.

OliverD · « **Reply #4 on:** November 03, 2015, 09:56:01 am »

Apparently they ditched the AWD Hemi combo in the Charger and 300 because the take-rate in the U.S. was very low but that makes these models much less appealing in Canada.

EV-Light · « **Reply #5 on:** November 03, 2015, 11:56:19 am »

The day FCA replaces this car - which should happen in a few years - is the day I am going to slap a black on black Hemi unit and park in my garage. Still love the design up to this date.

Noto · « **Reply #6 on:** November 03, 2015, 12:43:35 pm »

another great Brendan write-up.

It's a car that surely appeals in its own right, and I think Tauri hits the nail on the head with it.

Fobroader · « **Reply #7 on:** November 03, 2015, 12:45:52 pm »

I've always liked this vehicle. So sinister and distinctive in a world of bland, non offensive shapes, this thing was definitely unique!!! Great write up!!

SXT · « **Reply #8 on:** November 03, 2015, 12:50:53 pm »

Why is the performance three stars?

It does 0-60 in 5.3 seconds and the 1/4 mile in 13.9 seconds, that deserves at least 4 stars.

tooscoops · « **Reply #9 on:** November 03, 2015, 02:18:55 pm »

write up is right on...

a really nice car... but in a category no one is asking for. large rwd sedans are not flying off the shelves... add in the 50k price tag, and it is a car that grandpa buys to have in the driveway to go 5000km a year to the doctors office as a throw back to the good ole days.

nice car.... cool package...

but as others have said... i'll take a more base one (or whatever i can find) in the lightly used market.

evil_twin · « **Reply #10 on:** November 03, 2015, 02:56:49 pm »

Quote from: tooscoops on November 03, 2015, 02:18:55 pm

write up is right on...

a really nice car... but in a category no one is asking for. large rwd sedans are not flying off the shelves... add in the 50k price tag, and it is a car that grandpa buys to have in the driveway to go 5000km a year to the doctors office as a throw back to the good ole days.

nice car.... cool package...

but as others have said... i'll take a more base one (or whatever i can find) in the lightly used market.

Agreed.

The 300 is a guilty pleasure of mine (300S, V8, dark colour specifically). But $50k is a lot of cheddar. It's hard to say it isn't worth it given the sheer amount of car and engine you're buying. Still, at that price point there aren't a ton of interested buyers.

North America has gone CUV crazy and it's generally accepted that every family MUST own one. And yet, in my case, with just 2 kids....would we be happier equipping my wife with a murdered out 300S (assuming you could still get AWD) over some comparably priced SUV? Get her some big hoop earrings and embrace the Real Housewives of New Jersey image?

Would be plenty of space and a much more appealing vehicle to drive IMO.

Firm · « **Reply #11 on:** November 03, 2015, 03:22:51 pm »

I love these. If I was in the market for a sedan I'd hit up the used market for a slightly used black or white 300 with a HEMI and AWD. One of the best highway cruisers I've driven to date, and it looks great inside and out. Definitely my favorite recent Chrysler product and I hope it doesn't stray too far from the current formula.

mixmanmash · « **Reply #12 on:** November 03, 2015, 04:34:16 pm »

Quote from: SXT on November 03, 2015, 12:50:53 pm

Why is the performance three stars?

It does 0-60 in 5.3 seconds and the 1/4 mile in 13.9 seconds, that deserves at least 4 stars.

Straight line acceleration and 1/4 mile times are not the complete metrics to determine performance.

SXT · « **Reply #13 on:** November 03, 2015, 06:30:18 pm »

Quote from: mixmanmash on November 03, 2015, 04:34:16 pm

Quote from: SXT on November 03, 2015, 12:50:53 pm
Why is the performance three stars?

It does 0-60 in 5.3 seconds and the 1/4 mile in 13.9 seconds, that deserves at least 4 stars.
Straight line acceleration and 1/4 mile times are not the complete metrics to determine performance.

Let me know what "performance" measures besides what I mentioned?
Is it a feel for handling/braking/steering without numbers?

JacobBlack · « **Reply #14 on:** November 03, 2015, 07:07:19 pm »

Performance is the reviewer's subjective rating of the car's performance aspects, and yes, it includes more than 1/4 mile times and 0-100 km/h times.

Focusing only on the snap shots provided by widgets like the star ratings will never give you a good picture of the car. I encourage to read Brendan's entire review for a better understanding of how he feels the car performs.

tooscoops · « **Reply #15 on:** November 03, 2015, 07:08:29 pm »

likely, yes. and the 300 is a traditional large sedan. big engine, but some roll and not the most spirited of suspension/steering components.

that little snapshot doesn't tell the whole story, but probably isn't that far off when compared against the genesis or other big v8 sedans.

SXT · « **Reply #16 on:** November 03, 2015, 08:50:51 pm »

Quote from: JacobBlack on November 03, 2015, 07:07:19 pm

Performance is the reviewer's subjective rating of the car's performance aspects, and yes, it includes more than 1/4 mile times and 0-100 km/h times.

Focusing only on the snap shots provided by widgets like the star ratings will never give you a good picture of the car. I encourage to read Brendan's entire review for a better understanding of how he feels the car performs.

Thank you for the feedback.

Having read the entire review again, not much besides a bumpy ride which could be categorized for "comfort" vs performance because of the 20 inch wheels. Secondly, traction off the line isn't the best especially if conditions such a dusting of snow. Not a clear reason why it loses 2 points/5 for performance. Obviously he would rate the performance to other full-size sedans with similar pricing not comparing it to a sports car.

JacobBlack · « **Reply #17 on:** November 03, 2015, 09:00:17 pm »

Hopefully Brendan will chime in, but in the meantime, I think you might agree with Jame Bergeron's rating of another 300c V8 more than you did with this one:
http://www.autos.ca/car-test-drives/day-by-day-review-2015-chrysler-300c/

lebowski · « **Reply #18 on:** November 03, 2015, 09:04:21 pm »

Another great Brendan review. Shame about nixing AWD with the Hemi. Still like the 300 a lot, even if it's just a sore reminder they don't make the Magnum anymore

SXT · « **Reply #19 on:** November 03, 2015, 10:33:01 pm »

Quote from: JacobBlack on November 03, 2015, 09:00:17 pm

Hopefully Brendan will chime in, but in the meantime, I think you might agree with Jame Bergeron's rating of another 300c V8 more than you did with this one

Yes, I agree with James review.
What a difference in opinion!

Even though I drive a Mazda 6 have rented a 300C 5.7L and found the performance pretty good.
Sure it doesn't have the steering feedback/cornering ability of my 6 but it's a fun highway car.