2016 Chrysler 300
American Luxury
When it comes to the 2016 Chrysler 300, what you see is not what you get. It’s easy to get lost in the 300’s inspired combination of sculpted curves, aggressive front end, and bold lines, but don’t think for a second that it's just a handsome face. The 300 also embodies world-class levels of craftsmanship and technology. In addition to all that brawn and chrome and unapologetic American style, the 300 is one smart luxury sedan.
For 2016, the 300 is the best version yet and benefits from a host of improvements. Highlights include upgraded suspension to the entry-level Chrysler 300, while 300S models now offer an optional performance suspension with upgraded components. Last but not least, the award-winning Uconnect® system gets new features like Drag and Drop, Siri® Eyes Free, and Do Not Disturb.
Performance
The 2016 Chrysler 300 is available with two powertrain options that bring a modern update to the classic big American sedan formula.
Standard equipment is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that’s already been proven in several other Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) products. In the 300, it produces 300 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. It’s matched with an eight-speed TorqueFlite™ automatic transmission, with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
V6 models earn an EPA-rated 23 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 31 mpg highway)* with rear-wheel drive, and 21 mpg combined (18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive,* which is rather impressive for a full-size sedan.
If it's even more power you crave then the 300 is happy to oblige. Optional on all but the base 300 Limited is a 5.7-liter V8 that produces 363 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque,
The Hemi® gets its own TorqueFlite™ eight-speed automatic transmission, and is only available with rear-wheel drive. Thanks to cylinder deactivation, the big V8 still manages a notable 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway).*
Features
The 2016 Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan available in 300 Limited, 300S, 300C, and 300C Platinum trim levels. MSRP starts at $31,695.**
Value is not something often associated with luxury sedans, but the 2016 Chrysler 300 bucks that trend thanks to a robust list of equipment that should have rivals from Europe and Japan feeling inadequate.
Standard features found on 300 Limited models include 17-inch alloy wheels (19-inch for models with AWD), heated mirrors, automatic headlights, and LED daytime running lights and taillights. For your convenience, the 300 Limited also boasts a rearview camera, keyless entry/ignition, cruise control, leather upholstery, and dual-zone climate control.
The comforts don't stop there, either. The 300 Limited sports a large array of technology features. These include an 8.4-inch touchscreen interface, Siri® Eyes Free, Bluetooth® phone and audio connectivity, voice controls, a six-speaker sound system, as well as standard Wi-Fi hotspot access, which allows you to wirelessly connect your smart devices and access the Internet.
As we mentioned before, the 300 Limited can be had with a 90th Anniversary package, which adds unique badging and trim. The 90th Anniversary trim also gets a special splash screen for the infotainment display, as well as remote start, dual-pane sunroof, and navigation system.
Following the 300 Limited, the 300S kicks things up a gear by virtue of its slightly enhanced V6 engine (output is increased by an additional 8 hp and 4 lb-ft of torque), 20-inch "hyper black" alloy wheels with performance tires (19s with AWD), a sport-tuned suspension (RWD only), steering calibration for sportier handling, a dual sport exhaust, remote start, unique black-out styling, LED foglights, sport front bucket seats, and a 10-speaker BeatsAudio™ sound system.
It's worth noting that the 300S can also be had with an optional and exclusive performance suspension that features stiffer springs, performance-tuned steering and bushings, larger sway bars (V8 only), and upgraded tires.
The penultimate model in the lineup is the 300C, which incorporates all of the applicable standard equipment from the 300 Limited and 300S and adds perforated leather inserts for the front bucket seats, six-speaker Alpine® audio system, ventilated front seats, a driver’s side auto-dimming exterior mirror, power rear sunshade, power tilt/telescope steering column, a wood-trimmed steering wheel, and other features.
At the top of the lineup is the 300C Platinum, which features premium leather interior trim, a heated/cooled front console with cupholders, luxury Berber floor mats, power-adjustable pedals with memory, and some additional model-specific trim and features, including a 19-speaker harmon/kardon® sound system.
Design
The 2016 Chrysler 300 features an updated version of the styling that appeared on the revived model that first launched back in 2005, incorporating some retro elements with a decidedly modern look. The grille is big and bold, the wheel arches are flared and muscular, and the roofline is low, giving the 300 a mean, hunkered-down look.
Last year, the 300 got a significant visual upgrade with some elements from the handsome-looking Chrysler 200, including the new winged Chrysler badge. This year the visual highlights remain the same, which will suit fans of its bold and aggressive look just fine.
The interior is just as bombastically styled. Different models get their own trim designs inspired by different cities, including Sausalito and La Jolla, California, Detroit, and Manhattan. The furnishings are also top-shelf, with the rich finishes and extensive use of soft-touch materials. We're also big fans of the space-saving rotary gear selector, which adds an additional touch of class and style.
That emphasis on style doesn’t mean Chrysler skimped on practicality, though. The 300 is still a full-size sedan, which means it boasts a roomy 106.3 cubic feet of passenger volume and 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space. A 60/40 split-folding rear bench makes room for longer items.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Chrysler 300 includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, electronic roll mitigation, and a full array of airbags.
Chrysler says there are more than 80 available safety and security features, with some of the optional equipment including forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and a built-in data connection that can connect occupants with emergency services.
Verdict
The 2016 Chrysler 300 improves upon the tried and tested formula that has propelled the model into the spotlight since its reintroduction in 2005. Its exquisite design, powerful performance, and luxurious interior embody all the qualities that have come to define American ingenuity. It's a full-size luxury sedan for the modern age.
For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact us online or visit Hall Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Virginia Beach at 3152 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.
*EPA estimated mpg with 3.6L engine with 8-speed automatic transmission, 19 city, 31 highway (RWD 18 city/ 27 highway (AWD)
**MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification.
Image Credit: Chrysler