Acceleration

Base	AWD Touring	300C w/nav. sys.	SRT8	Class Average
3	6	8	9	5.6

Base model feels tepid; Chrysler says 11.0 sec 0-60 mph. Touring adequately quick, even with AWD; Chrysler quotes 9.0 sec 0-60. 300C responsive at any speed; 6.3 sec 0-60, says Chrysler. Both transmissions suffer some lag before downshifting, but the 5-speed's manual shift gate helps. Cylinder-deactivation feature was undetectable in test 300Cs. Brawny SRT8 lends credence to Chrysler's 5.0 sec 0-60 claim.

Fuel Economy

Base	AWD Touring	300C w/nav. sys.	SRT8	Class Average
5	5	4	3	4.5

Test Touring models averaged 19.5 mpg in rear-drive form, 19.7 with AWD. Test 300C averaged 14.4 mpg in mixed 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 SRT8.

Ride Quality

Base	AWD Touring	300C w/nav. sys.	SRT8	Class Average
7	7	7	6	6.7

Independent rear suspension patterned on a design from parent-company Mercedes-Benz helps deliver smooth ride, though some testers complain of annoying jiggling on rippled freeways. SRT8 impressively smooth, despite 20-inch tires and firmer suspension tuning.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base	AWD Touring	300C w/nav. sys.	SRT8	Class Average
6	6	7	8	5.9

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. SRT8 sportier still, with reduced lean in corners and firm, direct steering. Have not yet tested a 300 on wet or snowy surfaces, but similar rear-drive Magnum 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.	SRT8	Class Average
6	7	7	6	6.8

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.	SRT8	Class Average
8	8	7	8	6.5

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.	SRT8	Class Average
7	7	7	7	7.8

Lots of head and leg room, though AWD versions have slightly narrower passenger footwell. Flat seat bottoms cause passengers to slide during aggressive cornering except in SRT8, 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.	SRT8	Class Average
7	7	7	7	7.1

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.	SRT8	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.8

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

Value within Class

Base	AWD Touring	300C w/nav. sys.	SRT8	Class Average
6	10	9	7	7.1

Acceleration with the 2.7-liter V6 is weak, but the boldly styled 300 is an otherwise Best Buy combination of performance, roominess, and value. The startling SRT8 outpowers cars costing twice as much with little compromise of the 300's other virtues.

Total Score

Base	AWD Touring	300C w/nav. sys.	SRT8	Class Average
60	68	68	66	63.8

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		56
Average Score		63
High Score		70