When it comes to luxury sedans, Chrysler->ke21 is the last manufacturer that comes to mind. However, that may change now that the company has announced the special edition 300->ke937 Luxury Series - the most luxurious and fuel-efficient Chrysler sedan ever. The new model will go on sale in the first-quarter of 2012 at a starting price of $40,145 for the 300 version and $42,895 for the 300C version.

Since luxury is the key ingredient for this special edition, it comes equipped with ultra-premium leather, hand-sanded matte wood, and world-class craftsmanship and refinement. But what makes this car really special is its paddle shifting eight-speed transmission that can only be found in vehicles twice the price of the 300.

The special transmission is coupled with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that delivers a total of 292 HP in the 300 and a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine producing 363 HP in the 300C. Both models can be combined with an optional AWD system.

Hit the jump to read more about the Chrysler 300 Luxury Series.

2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Chrysler 300 Luxury Series
  • Engine/Motor: Pentastar V6 engine
  • Horsepower: 292
  • Transmission: ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

For the exterior, Chrysler took care to add a platinum-chrome finished grille surround with platinum-chrome mesh grille, platinum chrome fascia accents, exterior mirror caps, and door handle accents to further enhance the luxurious nature of the special edition. RWD models will get large 20-inch polished wheels, while the AWD models will get 19" aluminum wheels.

The interior will add an even more luxurious feeling thanks to the addition of a Black or Mochachino Poltrona Frau "Foligno" leather-wrapped instrument panel, cluster brow, center console, side panels, and upper front- and rear-door panels. The door armrest, bolster, and center console armrest will be covered in premium Nappa leather, while the seats will be wrapped exclusively in supple Nappa leather. The steering wheel will be wrapped in a two-tone Mochachino leather and will feature the all-new die-cast paddle shifters.

The list of standard equipment will include the segment's largest touchscreen infotainment system (8.4-inch) Uconnect Touch 8.4N with Garmin navigation, SiriusXM Traffic, and SiriusXM Travel Link.

Engine

The 300 Luxury Series is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that delivers a total of 292 HP, while the 300C Luxury Series gets a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine producing 363 HP.

Both engines are offered with a new segment-exclusive ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic transmission that significantly improves the car's fuel economy: 31 mpg on the highway.

Prices

The Chrysler 300 Luxury Series is currently on sale. Pricing is as follows:

Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (RWD)

$40,145

Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (AWD)

$42,495

Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (RWD)

$42,895

Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (AWD)

$45,245


Competition

With the new update, the Chrysler 300 can finally stand up in front of its competitors: the Acura TSX->ke275, the BMW 3-Series->ke290, and the Buick LaCrosse. However, when it comes to looks, any of the three models have an advantage over the 300. But thanks to the addition of the new eight-speed transmission, the 300 has the advantage of delivering better fuel economy. For example. the 300 deliver 31 mpg versus the TSX model's 27 mpg on the highway. As for the interior, we find the 300's luxurious interior better than even the 3-Series, so yes, we'll say the 300 is finally worth the money.