Acceleration

Base	AWD Touring	300C w/nav. sys.	SRT-8	Class Average
3	6	8	9	5.8

Base model feels tepid around town, and passing requires planning ahead; Chrysler quotes 11.0 sec 0-60 mph. Touring responsive, adequately quick even with AWD; Chrysler says 9.0 sec 0-60. 300C gathers speed rapidly, has plenty of passing power; 6.3 sec 0-60, says Chrysler. Both transmissions suffer some lag before kicking down for more passing power, but the 5-speed has a manual shift gate that's useful and a snap to use. Cylinder-deactivation feature was undetectable in test 300Cs. Brawny SRT-8 leaps off the line, has surplus of power at any speed, lends credence to Chrysler's 5.0 sec 0-60 claim.

Fuel Economy

Base	AWD Touring	300C w/nav. sys.	SRT-8	Class Average
5	5	4	3	4.6

Touring test models averaged 19.5 mpg in rear-drive form, 19.7 with AWD. Test 300C averaged 14.4 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, 17.9 mpg with more highway use. Chrysler says Multi-Displacement System improves 300C by 2 mpg city, 5 mpg highway. Chrysler recommends 87-octane fuel for the 2.7 V6, 89 octane for the 3.5 V6 and 5.7 V8, 91 octane for SRT-8.

Ride Quality

Base	AWD Touring	300C w/nav. sys.	SRT-8	Class Average
7	7	7	6	6.6

Independent rear suspension patterned on design from parent-company Mercedes-Benz helps deliver smooth, composed ride, though some testers complain of annoying jiggling on rippled freeways. SRT-8 impressively smooth despite low-profile 20-inch tires and firmer suspension tuning.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base	AWD Touring	300C w/nav. sys.	SRT-8	Class Average
6	6	7	8	5.8

Stable at highway speeds, with good balance and grip in turns, though not as agile as similarly sized European sedans in quick changes of direction. Linear steering with good road feel. SRT-8 sportier still, with reduced lean in corners and firm, direct steering. Rear-wheel drive generally a handling advantage over front-wheel drive on dry roads. Have not yet tested a 300 on wet or snowy surfaces, but rear-drive Magnum RT proved difficult to maneuver in 6 inches of fresh snow, despite all-season tires and traction control.

Quietness

Base	AWD Touring	300C w/nav. sys.	SRT-8	Class Average
6	7	7	6	6.7

V6s cruise quietly, roar noticeably during acceleration. V8s have throaty, subdued growl. Tire thrum evident, but not objectionable. Wind rush rises with speed, but doesn't interfere with conversation.

Controls

Base	AWD Touring	300C w/nav. sys.	SRT-8	Class Average
8	8	7	8	6

Large, clear gauges, but some testers find nighttime legibility compromised because full instrument faces are backlit, rendering markings indistinct. All controls within easy reach, though steering-column stalk for cruise control easily confused with turn-signal/wiper stalk. Navigation system relatively simple to use, despite small screen. Cabin has some budget-grade plastic trim, but most materials look and feel upscale.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base	AWD Touring	300C w/nav. sys.	SRT-8	Class Average
7	7	7	7	7.6

Spacious. Lots of head and leg room, though AWD versions have slightly narrower passenger footwell. Flat seat bottoms allow passengers to slide around during aggressive cornering except in SRT-8, which has grippy suede seat inserts. Tall tail, wide rear pillars reduce driver's aft visibility. Thick front pillars interfere with view to corners.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base	AWD Touring	300C w/nav. sys.	SRT-8	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.5

Lots of head room. Plenty of leg room, even with front seats fully back. Good toe space under front seats. Seat bottoms provide adequate thigh support, but central rider straddles driveline hump.

Cargo Room

Base	AWD Touring	300C w/nav. sys.	SRT-8	Class Average
4	4	4	4	5.6

Large, deep trunk. Hinges don't intrude, but liftover is fairly high, and opening too small to admit large cargo.

Value within Class

Base	AWD Touring	300C w/nav. sys.	SRT-8	Class Average
6	10	9	7	6.6

Acceleration with the 2.7 V6 is weak, but the boldly styled 300 is otherwise a Best Buy combination of performance, roominess, and value. The startling SRT-8 outpowers cars costing twice as much without compromising the 300's other virtues.

Total Score

Base	AWD Touring	300C w/nav. sys.	SRT-8	Class Average
59	67	67	65	61.8

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		54
Average Score		61
High Score		71