Did I find it at all ironic that on the same day I was driving a refreshed 2015 Chrysler 300 the brand's parent company, FCA, announced it would no longer utilize "Chrysler" as part of the corporation's official name? Maybe a little. But the truth is, names in this industry seem to have as much staying power as the price of oil. Just when it seems like things have stabilized, everything changes. And while dropping "Chrysler" from the corporate title feels like putting down the last vestiges of a once-pround American icon, that name will continue to appear where it matters most to consumers, in advertising messages, on dealership signs, and adorning the bodywork of vehicles coming from the Chrysler division of FCA. And if these vehicles display substantial improvements in the areas of styling, performance, fuel efficiency and quality, the Chrysler brand will become a more respected global brand regardless of corporate naming conventions. We're already seeing the effect of improved Chrysler product at Kelley Blue Book, where brand sales and consideration have risen in recent months.
Which brings me back to the 2015 Chrysler 300, a nameplate celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. As a fan of automotive history I've always appreciated the philosophy behind Chrysler's 300 (a premium car offering both luxury and performance) even as the nameplate's reality underwent some uninspired growing pains over the past six decades. But ten years ago the 300 entered it's most promising era yet, returning to a V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive platform offering the kind of performance and luxury inspired by the original model. The 300 experienced a substantial makeover four years ago, at which time the exterior styling, interior quality and drivetrains were all updated. For 2015 all three areas have been reworked again, starting with updated styling that includes a 33 percent larger mesh grille, a new 'floating" Chrysler 300 emblem within that grille, and a new lower grille to tie it all together. Lighting elements have been improved as well, with LED daytime running lights and full LED tail lights (these now sit flush with the trunk lid) as standard equipment. Reduced exterior chrome accents and optional LED fog lights and headlights round out the exterior changes.
The 2015 Chrysler 300's updated interior reflects a similar design philosophy, combining the best of modern technology with a straightforward approach. The most obvious change is the 300's new rotary shifter, which attaches to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The rotary knob replaces the large autostick shifter, streamlining the center console's appearance and effectively coordinating with a cleaner, simpler center stack featuring fewer buttons and knobs. The gauge cluster also benefits from updated technology, with a new 7-inch digital display screen between the analog gauges. Everything from system warnings to odometer and fuel status information to navigation guidance can be shown here, while new steering wheel controls make it easy to configure the screen. This gauge cluster display is in additional to the standard 8.4-inch central touchscreen, which returns for 2015 with updated UConnect access features like a mobile app that let's drivers start the engine and lock or unlock the doors while away from the car. Perhaps the biggest news for techies is the 300's new mobile wifi hotspot, making internet access available for passengers without a cell phone.
That 8-speed transmission attaches to either a 3.6-liter V6 or 5.7-liter V8. Both powerplants are carry-overs, and both benefit from the transmission's wide range of gearing to maximize acceleration and fuel efficiency. The 3.6-liter V6 still makes 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, but fuel efficiency jumps to 19 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for rear-wheel-drive models (18/27 mpg for all-wheel-drive versions). A bit more performance is offered on the 300S, with the V6's output moving up to 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of peak torque. Buyers wanting to maximize the 8-speed's benefits can opt for the 5.7-liter V8 and get 363 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque while achieving 16 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway. When outfitted with the V8 a Chrysler 300 should hit 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. However, starting in 2015 the V8 isn't available with all-wheel drive. Chrysler reps told us demand for that combination was too low to justify offering it going forward, though we're still sorry to see it go.
Yet even without a V8/AWD option the Chrysler 300 remains unique in the large sedan category. Rear-wheel drive and an available V8 are almost unheard of (the Dodge Charger is the only other choice), and this year the 300 gets electric power steering to improve fuel efficiency and allow for variable steering effort, depending on which driving mode (Normal, Comfort or Sport) is chosen. We sampled both V6 and V8 versions of the 300 and can confirm the V6 should satisfy most large sedan shoppers looking for the occasional neck snap. The V8 adds a fabulous exhaust note and serious acceleration capabilities, plus the option to smoke the 300's rear wheels whenever traction control is disabled. The 300 isn't all about hooliganism, however, with excellent crash test scores and the latest optional safety tech, such as forward collision warning, brake assist, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist and 9-1-1 calling in case of an emergency.
Pricing for the 2015 Chrysler 300 starts at $32,390 for the Limited model and includes leather seats, push-button start, 17-inch wheels, heated exterior mirrors, a 12-way power driver's seat, Bluetooth, voice-command UConnect Access with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control and a six-speaker audio system with SD card reader, iPod control and USB input. The 300S costs $35,890 and includes black exterior accents, LED fog lamps, piano black interior accents, remote engine start, a 10-speaker BeatsAudio system with 552 watts, magnesium paddle shifters, sport-tuned steering, suspension and exhaust systems and 20-inch aluminum "Hyper Black" wheels. For $38,890 the Chrysler 300C adds chrome exterior mirrors with auto-dimming, a dual-pane sunroof, black olive ash burl wood trim, chrome door sills with a "Chrysler" logo, 6-speaker Alpine audio system, a 12-way power passenger's seat, heated and ventilated front seats with driver's memory, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and 18-inch wheels.
The $43,390 Chrysler 300C Platinum is the top-line version for 2015, adding platinum finish exterior mirrors and chrome trim, hand-finished open pore Mocha wood trim, a leather wrapped center console, instrument panel and door panels, power adjustable pedals and 20-inch wheels. This model can also be equipped with a contrasting "Indigo/Linen" interior design theme, featuring quilted Nappa leather on the door panels and front and rear seats. The steering wheel in the 300C Platinum features this contrasting leather as well, and looks like something you'd see in a premium or exotic luxury car. Buyers can add all-wheel drive to any of these models for an additional $2,000. The V8 costs $3,000 and isn't available on the Limited trim. This combination of models and prices is unprecedented in the large sedan category, making the 2015 Chrysler 300 the most versatile model in the segment, and among the most versatile models in any segment. Like the all-new Chrysler 200, the updated 300 will elevate Chrysler's brand -- even as FCA removes it from the official corporate name.
