2015 Chrysler 300 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The hugely popular Chrysler 300, though somewhat overshadowed by the 2011 debut of its 200 cousin, gets a healthy redesign for the 2015...

The hugely popular Chrysler 300, though somewhat overshadowed by the 2011 debut of its 200 cousin, gets a healthy redesign for the 2015 model year to kick off its third generation. This 5-passenger full-size premium sedan has often been hailed as the epitome of affordable luxury family transportation, yet more than a few reviewers are a bit let down that the 300 lineup enters its second decade of production with what they perceive as lowered expectations.

In any case, this primo 4-door Bentley wannabe boasts a larger grille this year, as well as refreshed front and rear headlight designs, a more elegant front air dam, and some subtle tweaks to the front and rear fascia. Additionally, the pair of potent 300 SRT8 trims has been deleted for 2015, while the once V6-unique 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission is now mated with the available Hemi V8 powerplant for some added fuel efficiency. Finally, a number of additions to safety techno-features aboard this semi-high-roller also debut for this year.

Chrysler has dropped not only its SRT8 duo, but the John Varvatos Limited Editions as well, replacing them with the 300C Platinum trim. Thus the trim lineup again starts with the base 300 Limited, and continues with the athletically inclined 300S and the up-featured 300C, while said 300C Platinum takes over the top shelf.

Again, all trims are delivered with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), but each remains eligible for available full-time all-wheel drive (AWD).

The standard 3.6-liter Flex Fuel V6 returns to power all 2015 300 trims and is again managed by the ubiquitous 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission to the tune of 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque in all but the 300S, which totes a sport-tuned exhaust that helps add a further 8 hp (for a total of 300 hp) to this standard V6’s output. Look for mileage to return at an estimated 19 mpg city/31 highway in RWD trims (including the up-powered 300S) and 18/27 in AWD versions. Be advised that the V6 is the only powerplant that can be mated with the available AWD system.

Should more grunt be your cup of tea, all RWD trims, except the entry-level 300 Limited, can be fitted with an available 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine that now pairs with the newly installed 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission for 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. Look for 16/25 from this legendary Hemi, which Chrysler claims to be some 6 percent better, mileage-wise, than last year’s V8 with the now-defunct 5-speed automatic. Oh, and depending on the trim and drivetrain chosen, a recently introduced rotary shift knob features an S setting for more aggressive throttle response, while a dashboard-mounted Sport-mode selector adds sportier steering feel to interact with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

It’s a well-known fact that the 300 stable offers posh as well as power, and the up-styled 2015 iterations certainly uphold that tradition. Depending on the trim selected, this high-end sedan boasts such appearance goodies as 17-, 18-, or 20-inch alloy wheels (RWD only), heated power-adjustable mirrors, and a rear spoiler, while all trims featuring available AWD roll on standard 19-inch alloy wheels. Additionally, the athletically inclined 300S once again adds a sport-tuned suspension and performance tires to the above list of standard amenities.

Inside, again depending on the desired trim, look for leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, full power accessories, cruise control, a heated power-adjustable tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a rear-view camera, heated and cooled cupholders, power-adjustable pedals, heated rear seats, and dual-zone auto climate control.

Standard techno-bling in the base 300, meanwhile, includes a single-CD player with 6 speakers and satellite radio, while the 300S boasts a 10-speaker Dr. Dre system, and the 300C and 300C Platinum versions each sport a standard 6-speaker Alpine premium stereo. All trims, meanwhile, carry a standard 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment display, with higher trims integrating a standard hard-drive-based navigation system.

As is traditional, lower 300 trims remain eligible for most of the standard goodies adorning the higher trims as options, while upper-level trims again remain eligible for such available extras as a panoramic power sunroof and/or a 900-watt, 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio setup.

Standard features returning to the 2015 300 lineup, meantime, include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, front head restraint whiplash protection, and daytime running lights. All trims also boast a post-collision safety system, while the 300S and higher variations again come with standard front fog/driving lights, emergency brake preparation, and a remote antitheft alarm.

Newly available for 2015 are such available safety add-ons as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist with reactive steering functions, bolstered by lane-departure warnings. Also optional for the restyled 300 are upgraded Uconnect-interfaced emergency telematics.