Chrysler 300’s new look

‘Heritage styling’ offers classic look of the ’50s. Inside, 300 has the latest technology, best in class interior space.

For 2015, the Chrysler 300 brings some updates for the first time in four years, including refinements to the front and rear fascia harking back to the more classic 1955 and 2005 models, in what the design team calls “heritage styling.”

The upgrade also includes mechanical enhancements, segment-exclusive innovations and more technology, especially inside, while keeping the starting price at $31,395 (plus $995 freight) for the base Limited model. With a variety of models to choose from, prices range up to $42,395 for the 300C Platinum model.

The base engine is the Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 with 292 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque. There’s also a 300horsepower version of this engine with 264 foot-pounds of torque, standard in the 300S model.

Optional is a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 363 horsepower and 394 foot-pounds of torque, but the V-6 in my tester provided all the power I needed, and then some, for this big sedan.

New advanced technology includes electric power steering and cast-aluminum axles and housing to reduce weight, ener- gy demand and friction. Chrysler says the 300 is the most technologically advanced vehicle in its class.

The new bolder “face of Chrysler” mesh grille, sitting in the more-sculpted front fascia, is one-third larger, and the Chrysler wing has moved down toward the center of the grille. The corner lights have moved from the headlight cluster to the lip of the wheel well. The lower grille is outlined in chrome, which extends to the corners to outline new optional LED fog lights, providing consistent white lighting in the front.

Adaptive forward lighting is available with bi-functional headlights to illuminate curves, while integrated LED daytime running lights form an unmistakable Chrysler “C.”

Strong shoulder and belt lines continue the heritage styling theme and define the connection between the front and rear wheel arches. Chrome window surrounds and available chrome mirrors hint at the interior luxury.

The 300 rides on a choice of seven new wheel designs, ranging from standard 17-inch painted aluminum to wheel-well-filling 20-inch wheels. The rear fascia redesign includes new sculpted LED taillights with an illuminated halo, a more-fluid surface and chrome trim across the middle accenting the more prominent outer bumper edges.

The Chrysler 300 has the distinction of having best-in-class highway fuel economy on the V-6 models at 31 mpg. My tester averaged 27.7 mpg on a long road trip on mostly open highway with cruise control en- gaged. EPA ratings are 19 city/31 highway with rear-wheel drive (on my tester), and 18/27 with the optional all-wheel drive.

My tester included a Customer Preferred Package for $995, which upgraded the Uconnect system to include GPS navigation with full-color 3D graphics, HD radio, SiriusXM Travel Link and SiriusXM Traffic. Unfortunately, neither audio system included a CD player — going the way of the cassette player?

My tester had eight-way power front seats with adjustable lumbar support, 60/40 folding rear seat; illuminated front cupholders; automatic headlights; daytime running lights; power/heated exterior mirrors with manual fold-away; keyless entry and start; and low-rollingresistance tires on the painted 17-inch split five-spoke wheels.

The Chrysler 300S ($34,895) features unique blacked-out accents, 20-inch Hyper Black wheels, athletically sculpted side sills, unique deck-lid spoiler, and the 300-horsepower engine with Sport driving mode and paddle-shifting.

A new Platinum model ($42,395) comes with quilted Nappa leather, hand-sanded wood, leather-wrapped instrument panel and console, platinum-chrome exterior details and 20-inch wheels.

We had lots of room — bestin-class rear seat and interior space.

All of the seats were comfortable, all three rear seats had tether hooks for child safety seats, and amenities were adequate, with cupholders, bottle holder/map pockets, rear air vents, and map lights.

The ride was quiet and smooth, and the drive was confident and effortless, even on the steep, curvy back roads at my destination.

With freight and options, my impressive Chrysler 300 Limited, manufactured in Ontario, delivered for $33,385.

A. J. MUELLER / CHRYSLER The bolder “face of Chrysler” mesh grille, sitting in the more-sculpted front fascia, is one-third larger, and the Chrylser wing has moved down toward the center of the grille.