The 2017 Chrysler 300S is the second in the collection, positioned over the 300 Limited while being less loaded than the 300C and 300C Platinum. But you wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at all the features of the 300S.
The 3.6-liter Pentastar 24-valve VVT V6 engine is married to an eight-speed automatic transmission and delivers up to 300 horsepower. Armed with an eight-speed, the luxury sedan yields an EPA estimated mileage of 19 in the city and 30 on the highway.
The 300S, like all the 300 models, is a pristinely engineered vehicle. It is loaded with technology, especially remarkable in the areas of safety and leading-edge fuel efficiency (for its size and power), all wrapped in a sophisticated design and the distinct markings of a quality vehicle.
This Chrysler has a square, chiseled front. The application of chrome to accentuate the front indicates gifted engineering and innovative styling. In the center of the grille design is the bold spanning-wing badge that seems to pin the fascia together and announce the quickening approach of the 300S.
The 300 is a full-sized sedan, which appears now to be more favored by the public for its comfort, power, and utility—much like what the Cadillac sedan was once known for.
One of the best inside features is the 7-inch Driver Information Display (DID) in the instrument cluster. The cluster integrates crisp, configurable digital graphics with analog gauges, all illuminated by the beautiful blue ambiance lighting.
The graphical display shows numerous useful data readout, including audio, speed, compass, temperature, fuel economy, trip, cruise control, vehicle status, and engine performance.
The graphical display shows numerous useful data readout, including audio, speed, compass, temperature, fuel economy, trip, cruise control, vehicle status, and engine performance.
The driver’s manual says the full-color DID provides over 7,000 available driver configurations.
The 300S is standard-equipped with an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen. Every bit of information you could ever want can be found on this touchscreen, such phone, music, maps, messages, “now playing,” and audio books, just to name a few.
There is also a clock and a temperature gauge. It would have been helpful if the time and degrees were displayed in larger numbers, however.
As you settle behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls, nestling into the power 12-way, leather-trimmed, heated sport bucket seat, you can’t help but admire the Black with Caramel Stitching interior color of this particular 300S. The Uconnect touchscreen sits front and center at the top of the center stack, and the DID is right in front of the driver.
The 300S rests on 20-inch x 8-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels with all-season performance tires.
Your vehicle is well equipped with illumination, as bi-functional halogen projector headlamps, automatic headlamps and daytime running headlamps with LED fog lamps keep objects in your forward motion in clear view. At the same time, black LED tail lamps keep you well visible from behind.
The 300S has an athletic stance with an aerodynamic balance. Its rigid structure and tight-fitting parts ensure a quiet driving experience. It sits tall and holds the road well while never pausing for potholes or rough surfaces. The well-tuned suspension, shock absorbers, and rear stabilizer all work together to contribute to a most favorable drive.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $35,675 for the 300S.
There were several optional packages offered, but the one most appealing and useful to me was the Uconnect 4C NAV option for $995. This package adds a navigation system to the 8.4-inch touchscreen along with a one-year SiriusXM Satellite Radio subscription that gets over 150 channels on the radio, on which it is easy to pause, rewind, and fast-forward programs.
You will also enjoy a SiriusXM Traffic Plus and Travel Link+ subscription, which gets you detailed information on traffic, construction, road closures, and weather forecasts. Even fuel prices at nearby stations are available.
Warranty
3-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty
5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
5-year/Unlimited mile Corrosion Warranty
Durhl Caussey writes a car column around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or at [email protected]
