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12th
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Pricey, European posh-sedans take note: Chrysler's now created a worthy low-buck competitor in the market for four-wheeled statements of success.
Dubbed the 300 S, it's a high-value variant of the new 300 that puts great design, high-tech goodies and classy-as-heck luxury well within the reach of value-minded shoppers. It looks, acts and feels the part of a world-class achievement accessory -- but without an appendage-severing price tag.
In a nutshell, this Detroit-developed cruiser has “everything,” looks fantastic, and represents a cost-effective way to show your family and friends that you've made it.
Bang for the Buck
At the very least, the 2012 Chrysler 300 S is a hell of a lot of machinery for the money. At the most, it's a very good reason to question anyone's need to spend double or more on a luxury car. BMW 535i with all the goodies or a Chrysler and a speedboat? Hmmm.
The 300 S builds on the recent do-over of Chrysler's flagship sedan, and it's helping turn it into one of the most desirable mainstream American cars in the affordable world. It's now a bigger threat to competing Cadillac and Lincoln models than it ever was before.
An Affordable Head-Turner
The fresh look of the 2012 Chrysler 300 S turns heads, attracts attention and sees passersby slowing down for a closer look. The glitzy bits, huge exhausts, massive wheels, thin windows, and chunky proportions generate that stately, handsome presence that debuted -- although more geriatrically -- in the first-gen “new” 300.
But now, it's all more modern, youthful and up-to-date.
Edges are rounded, more sculpted and more athletic. The whole thing is more cohesive and focused. It's all richer and more detailed. It even looks a bit Bentley-ish from some angles, which will make it a hit with pop-artist hopefuls.
Most guessed the tester's price about $12,000 too high thanks partly to designers fitting a level of chrome that rivals the square footage of Rihanna's forehead.
And anyone can drive the 2012 Chrysler 300 S without worry of jokes regarding grandkids, Fixodent and vacationing in Florida thanks to youthful, street-smart touches like LED headlight accents, xenon lighting and a dual-pane sunroof.
One of America's Best Cabins
Inside, red leather seats are embossed with the “S” logo and contrasting stitching, metallic accents abound, and it's hard not to look at the huge touchscreen and a gorgeous set of chrome-trimmed instruments with ice-blue backlighting. Passengers will run their hands over numerous surfaces within the car and gush unanimously about the seats. Extra points for the abundant at-hand storage.
The whole thing is assembled nicely and feels dense, solid and robust. Thoughtful, functional little design touches that exceed the norm abound, too. Day or night, the look and feel of much of the 300 S cabin defies expectations set by its price.
World Class High Tech
Ditto for the list of features. Radar monitoring of blind spots, guided cruise control and rear-bumper parking proximity was included -- as was remote start, ambient lighting, a rear-window sunshade and memory seating. Cupholders are heated and chilled, and both rows of seating are heated, as is the steering wheel. The 2012 Chrysler 300 S even has the same “shift by wire” gear lever as an Audi A8 L.
Full multimedia connectivity puts any music device a touch or two away via the infotainment screen, which itself boasts one of the best interfaces on today's market.
There's even a “Beats by Dr. Dre” stereo -- endorsed and tuned by the millionaire rapper and producer responsible for artists like Eminem and 50 Cent. It packs some punch, stays mostly clean at high volume, and handled playback of my favourite alternative rock tracks just fine. Your friends who use Dr. Dre's Beats headphones will get a kick out of the cross-branding.
Cruising, Accelerating in Style
Some drivers will wish for a slightly softer ride on the 20” wheels, though the 300 S virtually always feels composed, planted, comfortable, and slightly sporty. The overall experience is long-distance worthy without riding like its got shocks made of creamed spinach.
Chrysler's new 3.6L Pentastar engine sent 292 hp to the rear wheels. Chrysler's new do-it-all powerplant is mellow, relaxed and potent, and it packs strong off-the-line torque and a healthy dose of high-rpm thrust thanks to a slick cam-timing system.
The Pentastar howls delightfully when pushed, and feels natural and un-strained in any situation. With 8 forward gears, highway revs are pegged under 2,000 rpm while cruising a little north of the speed limit. Doing so put regular unleaded away a rate of 8.5L/100km on my watch.
Complaints? Wind and road noise were higher than expected, rear-seat headroom is on the tight side, and the electronic gear shifter can feel a bit klutzy and imprecise at times. Additionally, the front doors open so widely that an uncomfortable reach to close them is sometimes required.
Overall, the refreshing feel of advancement and success styled and engineered into the 300 S will be its strongest asset; followed closely by its price.
The V6-powered, rear-drive tester came in around $43,000 with all the options. That's a bargain for what looks and feels like a million bucks.
 |
Dubbed the 300 S, it's a high-value variant of the new 300 that puts great design, high-tech goodies and classy-as-heck luxury well within the reach of value-minded shoppers. It looks, acts and feels the part of a world-class achievement accessory -- but without an appendage-severing price tag.
In a nutshell, this Detroit-developed cruiser has “everything,” looks fantastic, and represents a cost-effective way to show your family and friends that you've made it.
Bang for the Buck
At the very least, the 2012 Chrysler 300 S is a hell of a lot of machinery for the money. At the most, it's a very good reason to question anyone's need to spend double or more on a luxury car. BMW 535i with all the goodies or a Chrysler and a speedboat? Hmmm.
The 300 S builds on the recent do-over of Chrysler's flagship sedan, and it's helping turn it into one of the most desirable mainstream American cars in the affordable world. It's now a bigger threat to competing Cadillac and Lincoln models than it ever was before.
 |
| Dubbed the 300 S, it's a high-value variant of the new 300 that puts great design, high-tech goodies and classy-as-heck luxury well within the reach of value-minded shoppers. (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
An Affordable Head-Turner
The fresh look of the 2012 Chrysler 300 S turns heads, attracts attention and sees passersby slowing down for a closer look. The glitzy bits, huge exhausts, massive wheels, thin windows, and chunky proportions generate that stately, handsome presence that debuted -- although more geriatrically -- in the first-gen “new” 300.
But now, it's all more modern, youthful and up-to-date.
Edges are rounded, more sculpted and more athletic. The whole thing is more cohesive and focused. It's all richer and more detailed. It even looks a bit Bentley-ish from some angles, which will make it a hit with pop-artist hopefuls.
Most guessed the tester's price about $12,000 too high thanks partly to designers fitting a level of chrome that rivals the square footage of Rihanna's forehead.
And anyone can drive the 2012 Chrysler 300 S without worry of jokes regarding grandkids, Fixodent and vacationing in Florida thanks to youthful, street-smart touches like LED headlight accents, xenon lighting and a dual-pane sunroof.
 |
| The fresh look of the 2012 Chrysler 300 S turns heads, attracts attention and sees passersby slowing down for a closer look. (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
One of America's Best Cabins
Inside, red leather seats are embossed with the “S” logo and contrasting stitching, metallic accents abound, and it's hard not to look at the huge touchscreen and a gorgeous set of chrome-trimmed instruments with ice-blue backlighting. Passengers will run their hands over numerous surfaces within the car and gush unanimously about the seats. Extra points for the abundant at-hand storage.
The whole thing is assembled nicely and feels dense, solid and robust. Thoughtful, functional little design touches that exceed the norm abound, too. Day or night, the look and feel of much of the 300 S cabin defies expectations set by its price.
 |
| Inside, red leather seats are embossed with the “S” logo and contrasting stitching. (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
World Class High Tech
Ditto for the list of features. Radar monitoring of blind spots, guided cruise control and rear-bumper parking proximity was included -- as was remote start, ambient lighting, a rear-window sunshade and memory seating. Cupholders are heated and chilled, and both rows of seating are heated, as is the steering wheel. The 2012 Chrysler 300 S even has the same “shift by wire” gear lever as an Audi A8 L.
Full multimedia connectivity puts any music device a touch or two away via the infotainment screen, which itself boasts one of the best interfaces on today's market.
There's even a “Beats by Dr. Dre” stereo -- endorsed and tuned by the millionaire rapper and producer responsible for artists like Eminem and 50 Cent. It packs some punch, stays mostly clean at high volume, and handled playback of my favourite alternative rock tracks just fine. Your friends who use Dr. Dre's Beats headphones will get a kick out of the cross-branding.
 |
| The 2012 Chrysler 300 S even has the same “shift by wire” gear lever as an Audi A8 L. (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
Cruising, Accelerating in Style
Some drivers will wish for a slightly softer ride on the 20” wheels, though the 300 S virtually always feels composed, planted, comfortable, and slightly sporty. The overall experience is long-distance worthy without riding like its got shocks made of creamed spinach.
Chrysler's new 3.6L Pentastar engine sent 292 hp to the rear wheels. Chrysler's new do-it-all powerplant is mellow, relaxed and potent, and it packs strong off-the-line torque and a healthy dose of high-rpm thrust thanks to a slick cam-timing system.
The Pentastar howls delightfully when pushed, and feels natural and un-strained in any situation. With 8 forward gears, highway revs are pegged under 2,000 rpm while cruising a little north of the speed limit. Doing so put regular unleaded away a rate of 8.5L/100km on my watch.
 |
| Chrysler's new 3.6L Pentastar engine sent 292 hp to the rear wheels. (Photo: Justin Pritchard) |
Complaints? Wind and road noise were higher than expected, rear-seat headroom is on the tight side, and the electronic gear shifter can feel a bit klutzy and imprecise at times. Additionally, the front doors open so widely that an uncomfortable reach to close them is sometimes required.
Overall, the refreshing feel of advancement and success styled and engineered into the 300 S will be its strongest asset; followed closely by its price.
The V6-powered, rear-drive tester came in around $43,000 with all the options. That's a bargain for what looks and feels like a million bucks.