It wasn't that long ago when the Chrysler 300->ke937 was being panned as a Bentley->ke15 copycat. Times have changed though, and the 300 has become a real pillar in the full-sized, semi-premium class of vehicles.

While the old styling of the 300 did evoke a feeling of luxury to the model, it still felt like the design as borrowed to a certain extent. But the current-generation 300 was redesigned with a more original look to it and it has done wonders to improve the overall appeal of the sedan->ke142.

The 2013 model sticks to this look but also has a number of improvements that further illustrates why the 300 has turned into one of Chrysler's->ke21 most important models.

It's easy to see where Chrysler->ke21 really turned up the heat on the 300 and the risk it did in doing so has been rewarded with a car that now looks about as smooth and as original as any car Chrysler has produced in recent years - with plenty of creature comforts to go with.

Click past the jump to read more about the Chrysler 300 after the jump

2013 Chrysler 300

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Chrysler 300
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 292
  • Torque: 260
  • Transmission: eight-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Despite carrying numerous expressive trims under its name, the 2013 Chrysler 300 still comes with more modern aesthetics compared to its past incarnation.

One of the most distinctive influences of past 300 models was it's Bentley-inspired styling. For the 2013 model, you don't see much of that anymore, which is a good thing because the last thing the 300 wants to be is a copycat model. Now that it has a staunched and more chiseled look, it distinguishes itself as a model that can stand on its own.

It also helps that Chrysler made other minor tweaks to the sides and rear of the car, including the side sills, which have been entirely reworked, and the rear-end sports LED taillights, which now seamlessly blends in with the modified rear bumper and trunk lid.

Overall, it's a more original style for the 300 that offers improvements from its past incarnation across the board.

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase in

120.2 Inches

Track, Front

63.4 Inches

Track, Rear

63.8 Inches

Overall Length

198.6 Inches

Overall Width

75.0 Inches

Overall Height

300 (RWD with 17-in. tires) — 58.4 Inches

300 (RWD with 18-in. tires) — 58.5 Inches

300 (RWD with 20-in. tires) — 58.7 Inches

300 (AWD with 19-in. tires) — 59.2 Inches

Ground Clearance

300 (RWD with 17-in. tires) — 4.7 Inches

300 (RWD with 18-in. tires) — 4.7 Inches

300 (RWD with 20-in. tires) — 5.0 Inches

300 (AWD with 19-in. tires) — 4.8 Inches

Drag Coefficient (Cd)

0.320

Curb Weight

V-6 (RWD) — 4,029 Pounds

V-6 (AWD) — 4,235 Pounds

V-8 (RWD) — 4,326 Pounds

V-8 (AWD) — 4,515 Pounds

Weight Distribution, percent F/R

V-6 (RWD) — 52/48

V-6 (AWD) — 53/47

V-8 (RWD) — 55/45

V-8 (AWD) — 56/44

Fuel Tank Capacity, gal. (L)

19.1 (72.2)


Interior

The interior of the 300 series is what Chrysler is most proud of about this car and rightfully so. The upscale look and luxurious ambiance provides the kind of comfort and customers would want in a full-sized, semi-premium cabin.

Space isn't an issue, as the 300 series offers enough to accommodate five adult passengers. Likewise, all trim models of the 300 come with standard heated leather front seats, as well as Chrysler's highly regarded Uconnect Access Infotainment system, which boasts a reputation as one of the best infotainment systems in the market today.

The 8.4-inch touchscreen mounted on the dashboard is big enough to allow for easier handling, especially for people with big hands and fingers. One of the few drawbacks of the 300's center console is the proliferation of buttons and knobs that serve a variety of purposes. While essential in their function, they all just seem too cluttered and and confusing, even for somebody who has already spent some time inside the cabin.

Interior Dimensions

Seating Capacity, F/R

2/3

Front

Head room

38.6 Inches)

36.9 Inches) with dual-pane sunroof

Legroom

41.8 Inches

Shoulder room

59.5 Inches)

Hip room

56.2 Inches

Seat travel

Driver - 10.6 Inches)

Passenger - 8.66 Inches

Recliner angle range, deg.

Power - 70.7

Manual - 70

EPA front row interior volume

55.6 Cubic-Feet

Rear Seat

Head room

37.9 Inches

36.9 Inches with dual-pane sunroof

Legroom

40.1 Inches

Knee Clearance

3.9 Inches

Shoulder Room

57.7 Inches

Hip Room

56.1 Inches

EPA second row interior volume

50.7 Cubic-Feet

Total Interior Volume

106.3 Cubic-Feet

EPA Luggage Compartment Volume

16.3 Cubic-Feet

EPA Interior Volume Index

122.6 Cubic-Feet

Trunk Liftover Height

30.1 Inches


Performance

Two engine options are offered for the Chrysler 300: a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and a more powerful 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 that can be installed as an option for the 300S, the 300C, and the 300C Luxury Series trims.

Though not as powerful as the V-8 HEMI, the 3.6 V-6 still packs quite a wallop, s it produces 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This affords the 300 a 0-to-60 mph time of about 6.9 seconds to go with a top speed of around 140 mph.

Meanwhile, the 5.7-liter HEMI has enough power - 363 horsepower and 392 pound-feet of torque - to make it feel like an actual muscle car. This power pushes the 0-to-60 mph time down to just a little under 6 seconds with an estimated top speed of 155 mph.

Engine Specifications

Engine

3.6-LITER PENTASTAR DOHC 24-VALVE V-6

5.7-LITER HEMI V-8 WITH FOUR-CYLINDER MODE FUEL SAVER TECHNOLOGY

Availability

Standard — 300, 300S, 300C and 300C Luxury Series (RWD/AWD)

Optional — 300S, 300C and 300C Luxury Series (RWD/AWD)

Valve System

Chain-driven DOHC, 24 valves, hydraulic end-pivot roller rockers

Pushrod-operated overhead valves, 16 valves, eight deactivating and eight conventional hydraulic lifters, all with roller followers

Fuel Injection

Sequential, multi-port, electronic, returnless

Sequential, multi-port, electronic, returnless

Power (SAE net)

292 bhp (218 kW) @ 6,350 rpm (81.1 bhp/L)

363 bhp (270 kW) @ 5,200 rpm (63.7 bhp/L)

Power (SAE net) 300S only

300 bhp (224 kW) @ 6,350 rpm (83.3 bhp/L

Torque (SAE net)

260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) @ 4,800 rpm

394 lb.-ft. (534 Nm) @ 4,200 rpm

Torque (SAE net) 300S only

264 lb.-ft. (358 Nm) @ 4,800 rpm

Max. Gross Trailer Weight (unbraked trailer)

1,000 lbs. (454 kg)

1,000 lbs. (454 kg)

EPA Fuel Economy mpg (city/hwy)

19/31 (RWD with ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic transmission) 18/27 (AWD with ZF 8HP45 eight-speed automatic transmission)

16/25 (RWD) and 15/23 (AWD)


Suspension

Suspension Specifications

Front

Independent SLA with high upper “A” arm, coil spring over gas-charged-monotube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. Lateral and diagonal lower links with dual ball joint knuckles

One piece lower-control arms — included with AWD

Rear

Five-link independent with coil springs, gas-charged monotube shock absorbers, stabilizer bar and isolated suspension cradle


All trims of the Chrysler 300 will carry the same suspension set-up. In this case, the front suspension will have an independent SLA with high upper “A” arm, coil spring over gas-charged-monotube shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar. There will also be a lateral and diagonal lower links with dual ball joint knuckles to on the front end.

Meanwhile, the rear suspension will feature a five-link independent set-up with coil springs, gas-charged monotube shock absorbers, a stabilizer bar and an isolated suspension cradle.

Pricing

Four major trims of the 300 are available for the 2013 model. From the base price 300 to the top-of-the-line 300C Luxury Series, the base price for each of these models are as follows:

Trim

Price

300

$29,845

300S

$32,995

300C

$35,995

300C Luxury Series

$39,995


Competition

2013 Toyota Avalon

The Chrysler 300's place in the full-sized semi-premium sedan market comes with a lot of competitors to its name, one of which is the Toyota Avalon.

The Japanese automaker certainly did its homework on the Avalon, dressing it up with an attractive look that's highlighted by a sleek and expressive profile to go with a longer, sloping roof line with flared front fenders, and reduced front and rear overhangs. The front end, in particular, is pretty expressive, making you think that it's got luxury written all over it. The grille design is a welcome surprise while the square Double-eye PES (Projector Ellipsoid System) headlamps with HID (High-Intensity Discharge) and elegant DRL (Daytime Running Lights) have all been added to give the Avalon a touch of luxury that not few in its class can compete with.

As far as performance is concerned, the 300's wide variety of trims offer more than what the Avalon has at its disposal. That being said, the latter still comes with a choice of gas-powered engines, none more powerful than a 3.5-liter, DOHC V-6 engine that produces 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque and coupled with a six-speed automatic transaxle transmission to go with a 0-to-60 mph sprint time of under 7 seconds.

2013 Hyundai Genesis

Largely untouched from the outside, the new Hyundai Genesis does come with a handful of changes, all designed to make the sedan a better value for your money without compromising the qualities that makes it an attractive full-sized semi-premium option.

Some modifications to the interior and technology of the popular sedan is in the offing for the 2013 model. Finally, the powertrain choices for the 2013 model have been trimmed down, leaving out the 4.6-liter V-8 in favor of a standard 3.8-liter V-6 that still delivers an impressive 333 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.0-liter V-8 (R-Spec only) that delivers 429 horsepower and 376 pound-feet.

The base engine nets you an impressive 6.4-second 0-to-60 mph time and the 5.0-liter engine delivers an outstanding 5.3-second 0-to-60 mph time.

Conclusion

Unlike the Chrysler 200, which seems to have an identity crisis to itself, the 300 series knows its place in the market, and proudly shows off what it's capable of.

It's a full-sized, semi-luxury car that's been designed as such while also carrying two pretty impressive engine options and boasts of a multitude of features that can further drive its luxury-ness to another level.

Dropping the Bentley styling was also huge because now, the 300 can proudly stand on its own as one of the more impressive American sedans in the market today.