Now a decade removed from its modern reboot, Chrysler is turning back to the “original” 2005 300 as inspiration for the 2015 re-do of its flagship sedan. Forget the softer styling that adorned the second-generation 300, with the 2015 300 bold is back in vogue.
But more than just an exterior nip-and-tuck, the 2015 300 freshening also includes a new interior and the long-overdue retirement of Chrysler’s archaic five-speed auto.
So can this new 2015 model recapture some of the magic that made the 2005 300 a smash success? Come with us as we find out.
Refined bling
The most notable change to the front end of the 2015 300 is the application of a new grille that trades the chromed slats of last year’s model for a mesh treatment. Chrysler’s winged logo has also been relocated from the hood to a floating position within the upper portion of the grille.
And no, you’re eyes aren’t deceiving you; the 300′s grille is bigger than ever. Chrysler proudly boasts that the 2015 300′s grille is 33 percent larger than the outgoing model’s.
The 300′s headlights haven’t changed much, but you’ll notice that amber side markers have been moved to the vehicle’s wheel arches. As a part of its “refined bling” philosophy, chrome strips that used to sit like eye black on an athlete have been deleted from the 300′s face.
The lower portion of the 300′s bumper has been restyled so that the grille and LED foglights share a single design aesthetic. Cars equipped with adaptive cruise control get a sensor mounted in the center of the lower grille.
The rear of the 300 has been updated with new LED taillights that include an outer “halo.” In a nod to the 2005 car, the new lenses are flat rather than ridged like the previous model’s. A metal accent remains on the upper portion of the 300′s bumper, but it no longer connects the two taillights.
Designers tucked in the lower corner’s of the 300′s bumper, giving the car the illusion of tighter proportions. Sculpted dual exhaust outlets replace the rounded units seen on last year’s car.
The model seen here is the range-topping 300C Platinum, which uses a satin finish rather than chrome on the car’s wheels, door handles and side mirrors. The sport oriented 300S gets hyper black wheels and body-colored handles and mirrors. To further enhance its sinister look, the S also receives black chrome accents, blacked-out head- and taillights, hyper black wheels, and the line’s only available rear spoiler. S models equipped with the optional HEMI V8 also get unique side sills.
The view from inside
As with the exterior, the interior of the 2015 300 doesn’t have any radical changes but there are few tweaks that make for a better overall package.
The 300′s steering wheels in a new design that debuted on the smaller 200 sedan. More modern than the unit it replaces, the 300′s updated wheel features a two-tone color option and available paddle shifters. Behind that wheel resides a new gauge cluster complete with a configurable 7-inch LCD display.
The 300′s 8.4-inch UConnect system is carryover, but now features more apps, including a remote starter application for your smartphone.
The 300′s HVAC control panel is new and now includes a few extra buttons for functions like lane departure warning and a ‘Sport’ setting.
All 300 models get a rotary shift dial in place of last year’s joystick gear lever. We never liked the 300′s vague lever — it stayed in the same spot regardless of gear selected — but the new dial comes across as a little gimmicky. It’d be nice if the dial cleared some room for additional storage, as in the Chrysler 200.
Interior materials are pretty much the same as last year, but high-end models get upgrades like open-pore wood accents, a two-tone beige and navy blue color combo, and quilted leather seats. Lower-spec models can only be had in black or beige; we think it’d be nice to have another interior color option, like a darker tobacco brown.
Drivetrain
Power for the 300 Limited, C and Platinum models is provided by a standard 3.6L V6 making 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Step up to the racier S trim — which also includes a sport-tuned suspension — and those figures increase to an even 300 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive can be had for another $2,500.
For power-hungry drivers, Chrysler’s sensational 5.7L HEMI V8 — rated at 363 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque — can be added to any trim (save for the Limited) for $3,000. Citing a low take rate, Chrysler has eliminated AWD from the 300 V8′s option list. The high-performance SRT model is also a thing of the past.
Regardless of trim or spec, the 2015 Chrysler 300 use an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard on V6-powered models for the last few years, 2015 marks the eight-speed’s first pairing with the 300′s V8. The result is a 1mpg bump in city driving and a 0.2 second improvement in the car’s 0-60 performance.
Rounding out the mechanical changes, electric power steering replaces the 300′s hydraulic rack for 2015.
On road
Although the vast majority of buyers opt for the V6 (about 85 percent, according to Chrysler), we couldn’t help but reach for the keys of a 300C V8 for our day-long test drive.
Starting out from the heart of downtown Austin, the 300C immediately proved to be quiet and comfortable cocoon, isolating us from the noise and confusion of the morning rush hour. Tipping the scales at more than 4,000 pounds, the 300 is a substantial vehicle, and it feels that way out on the road. The 300 rolls over potholes and other road imperfection with nary a shutter or jolt.
Once we finally broke free of city traffic, we were able to dip into the 300′s V8 grunt. Power is instantaneous and keeps on rolling thanks to the quick-shifting of the eight-speed auto. If you want to take things into your own hands, you can shift through the gears via the 300′s steering wheel-mounted paddles. If you want even more control, slide the shift dial to ‘S’ and the 300 will hold gears until you tell it to shift, even if you’re banging off the rev limiter.
Steering in the 300 is surprisingly good, offering a direct feel and good weight. We’d even go as far as to call it better than the hydraulic unit it replaces.
The 300′s base suspension is comfortable around town but also lets you have a little fun on the twisties. Body lean is a non-issue and the 300 feels well-balanced. We spent a short time behind the wheel of a 300S V6 and found it to be even better at carving up the corners.
Of course most 300s will spend their lives cruising the highway, and in this regard the big sedan doesn’t disappoint. Driving aids like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring make steady-state driving a stress-free affair.
Leftlane’s bottom line
Only slightly new but certainly improved, the 2015 Chrysler 300 remains a top contender in the full-size sedan segment.
Offering bold looks, an upscale interior and a rear-wheel drive layout, the 300 sits as an interesting alternative to vehicle like the Ford Taurus, Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Avalon. When the 2015 300 finally hits the market, we have a feeling Chrysler will be partying like its 2005 all over again.
2015 Chrysler 300 Limited, base price $31,395.
2015 Chrysler 300S, base price $34,895.
2015 Chrysler 300C, base price $37,895
2015 Chrysler 300C Platinum, base price $42,395.
Prices exclude a mandatory $995 destination charge.
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