2023 Chrysler 300C

Destined for the cutting room floor after model year 2023, the Chrysler 300 makes its swan song with the Chrysler 300C. It is the last year for the current generation of the large four-door sedans from Stellantis. At one point, Daimler Benz owned Chrysler Corporation and took the name Daimler-Chrysler. The 300 C dates back to the late 1990s Mercedes-Benz E Class vehicles that were under development at the same time. They have been successful sellers for many years. Napleton News had a chance to spend time in the last go-round of the Chrysler 300C. Here’s our latest look.

What moves the Chrysler 300C?

There is a variety of engines available for the 300 ranging from the 3.6-liter V6 engine. Order the Chrysler 300S and that number jumps another eight ponies to 300 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Second up is the 300 S with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8. It makes 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque.

Finally, there is the 300C with its 6.4-liter HEMI V8. It’s the same engine found in the Dodge Charger and Challenger Scat Pack models, but essentially converts the 300C to a four-door fire-breathing brute. We’re talking brute to the tune of 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. It mates to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The numbers are limited. Chrysler has set the run at 2,000 models for this final year, and as of now, they are all spoken for.

How does the Chrysler 300C look?

Back in 2004, people used to say the Chrysler 300 looked like a baby Bentley or Rolls Royce. Following a restyling in 2011 Chrysler designers smoothed things out a bit, resulting in a more aggressive stance, if you ask us. The 300S models have become more stylish and sporty.

In the case of the 300C, it has become more aggressive still. Add in a mesh grille, blackened exhaust outlets, red Brembo brake calipers, and other blackened trim around the exterior. Finally, set it off with a chrome, red and blue 300C badge at front for the final cherry on top.

Inside the four-door Challenger.

Back when this model was new in 2011, critics called the interior massive. Now that we are in 2023, it still is. It’s filled with all the things a discerning driver could want these days. These include a full leather interior, Uconnect 4C infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity is part of the package, as is a standard Alpine audio system. But since this is part of the 300C package, that means it will include a 19 speaker Harman/Kardon audio system.

On the flip side, we think the car looks pretty dated inside. After all, this is a 12-year-old design dating from 2011. It offers ventilated and heated front seats with plenty of rear seat head and legroom for even the tallest passengers. And you can’t help but fall in love with a big trunk, too.

Behind the wheel of the 300C

Positively old school, the Chrysler 300C is part of the last call series of HEMI-powered V8 muscle cars from the Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Ram divisions of Stellantis. Sure, it’s long-in-the-tooth, and in some eyes ready to be set out to pasture, but the reality is that it’s still a viable high-performance four-door five seater.

Thanks to its Mercedes-Benz-derived adaptable suspension with multilink rear kit, and its fire-breathing 6.4-liter engine, it’s still some of the most fun you can have on four wheels.

Tap the starter button and you’re instantly awakened by a gurgling gaggle of power from the Hemi engine. Turn the gear selector knob to drive, and you find you’re off in no time. Did we mention that if you step into it, you’ll be rewarded with a screaming bundle of thrust that will have you hitting 60 mph in under 4.5 seconds? It clips the quarter mile in 12.8 seconds at 114 mph. Car and Driver magazine notes that it’s one of the few cars in their recent memory “that use every bit of its 160 mph speedometer.

Well, we didn’t quite get there, but we worked the needle pretty well. It’s unfortunate, but after this model year, not many will get a chance to repeat this feat…in this car. We consider ourselves some of the lucky few.

Chrysler 300C specifications

	2023 Chrysler 300C SRT
Engine Type	6.4-liter V8 engine
Horsepower	485 hp @6,100 rpm
Torque	475 lb-ft @4,100 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Fuel Economy (Combined/City/Hwy)	18 avg / 15 city/ 24 hwy
Suspension F/R	Short and Long Arm/Multilink
Turning Circle	38.9
Also Available	Base Models
Specs
Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	4-star
Max Seating Capacity	5
Wheelbase	120.0 inches
Overall Length	198.6 inches
Width	75.0 inches
Height	58.7 inches
Cargo Room	16.3 cubic feet
Headroom, Front	36.9 inches
Headroom, 2nd	36.9 inches
Legroom, 1st	41.8 inches
Legroom, 2nd	40.1 inches
Shoulder room, 1st row	59.5 inches
Shoulder room, 2nd row	57.7 inches