Chrysler ->ke21 unveiled the 300S at the 2011 New York Auto Show->ke226 and has updated it pretty much every year since. Of course, the changes were minimal and usually limited to some new colors or materials, but it was enough to keep the model fresh.

The "S" in its name may trick you into thinking this is some souped-up version of the 300, but don't let it fool you, because all the 300S ->ke937 adds is a blacked-out grille and headlamps, and a black trimmed interior.

The same carries into the 2014 300S, which Chrysler updated with an even more blacked-out look and new a Ambassador Blue sport interior. There is also an exclusive Beats by Dr. Dre audio system that offers the best sound experience in the segment.

As usual, customers can choose between two engines -- a Pentastar V-6 or HEMI V-8 -- combined with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive systems.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Chrysler 300S.

2014 Chrysler 300S

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Chrysler 300S
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 300
  • Torque: 264
  • Transmission: eight-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

For the 2014 model year, the 300S flagship sedan get an upgrade that includes more blacked-out elements and new exterior colors. For the new year, the 300S comes with specially appointed, body-color door handles and fascia inserts, plus a new Gloss Black shade used for the belt molding, daylight opening surrounds, and headlight and taillight bezels.

Black Chrome paint sees use on the grille surround, and the horizontal grille blades. It offers a striking contrast to the Liquid Chrome used on the front and rear Chrysler logos. As usual, the 300S is offered with a Gloss Black-painted roof.

The new addition to color palette is "straight shade" Dark Ceramic Gray.

Interior

The interior also receives an update with a series of new shades and a new audio system. Customers can choose between the usual black material for the seats, or the all-new Ambassador Blue Nappa leather with silver accent stitching. The same color is used for the center console armrest and door armrests combined with French seamed stitching in silver.

As with the exterior, the interior also receives lots of new elements, like the Piano Black on the interior center stack, instrument panel, steering wheel, gauge cluster and door panels. Also on request, customers can get matte-carbon hydrographic accents and die-cast steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The new Uconnect 8.4 system features the segment’s largest touchscreen and is combined with a audiophile-pleasing Beats by Dr. Dre. audio system, with 10 speakers and a 12-channel amplifier.

Drivetrain

Under the hood the 3base 000S gets the 3.6-liter, Pentastar V-6 engine that delivers a total of 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. This engine mates to a segment-exclusive eight-speed automatic transmission and ensures a fuel economy rating of 18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

For customers interested in more power, Chrysler also offers the 5.7-liter, HEMI V-8 engine with four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology and 370 horsepower.

Suspension and Brakes

The 2014 300S is offered with standard 20-inch wheels (19-inch with AWD) that features a sculptural appearance and Hyper Black finish. Buyers can also order it with an intelligent AWD system, featuring a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system to improve real-world fuel economy.

Prices

Prices for the 2014 Chrysler 300S will be announced at a later date.

Competition

Dodge Charger

When you want to look for a competitor for the 300S, you don't have to look very far. You will find the perfect choice right next to the 300S on Dodge, Chrysler and Ram dealers, but unlike Chrysler's model, the Dodge Charger features a more aggressive exterior look and is more focused on sportiness than luxury.

Just like with the 300S it is offered with a choice of two engines: a Pentastar V-6 with 300 horsepower and a HEMI V-8 with 370 horsepower.

Hyundai Azera

The Hyundai Azera may not have the power or classy look of the 300S, but it is still a worthy competitor. Its 293-horsepower, 3.3-liter V-6 is plenty powerful for this stylish sedan, and its body if far more modern that the aging 300 line. Additionally, the Azera comes well equipped with high-end features, like 18-inch wheel, leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control.

Conclusion

The 2014 300S offers a series of small updates to both the exterior and the interior, but still it fails to be the elegant car Chrysler would like it to be. Still, for the real fans out there the 300S can be considered the perfect choice, especially when you drop that rumbling HEMI under the hood.