Acceleration

LX	AWD Touring	300C w/navigation	SRT8	Class Average
3	6	7	9	6.5

Tepid acceleration with the 2.7 V6 supports Chrysler's slow 11.0-second 0-60 mph quote. Touring's 3.5 V6 is adequately quick, even with AWD; Chrysler quotes 9.0 seconds 0-60. 300C is responsive at any speed; 6.3 seconds 0-60, says Chrysler. Both transmissions suffer some lag before downshifting, but the 5-speed's manual shift gate helps. Brawny SRT8 lends credence to Chrysler's 5.0 seconds 0-60 claim. No extended-length 300s have been made available for us to test.

Fuel Economy

LX	AWD Touring	300C w/navigation	SRT8	Class Average
5	5	4	3	4.5

In Consumer Guide testing, 300s with the 3.5 V6 averaged 19.5 mpg in rear-drive form, 19.7-19.9 with AWD. Test 300C averaged 14.4 mpg in mixed driving, 17.9 mpg with more highway use. Chrysler recommends 87-octane gas for the 2.7 V6, 89 octane for the 3.5 V6 and 5.7 V8, and 91 octane for SRT8.

Ride Quality

LX	AWD Touring	300C w/navigation	SRT8	Class Average
7	7	7	6	6.7

The 300's ride is generally smooth, though some of our testers complain of annoying jiggling on rippled freeways. SRT8 is impressively smooth, despite 20-inch tires and performance suspension tuning.

Steering/Handling/Braking

LX	AWD Touring	300C w/navigation	SRT8	Class Average
6	6	7	8	6.2

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. The steering is linear with good road feel. SRT8 is sportier still, with reduced lean in corners and firm, direct steering.

Quietness

LX	AWD Touring	300C w/navigation	SRT8	Class Average
6	7	7	6	6.5

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

Controls

LX	AWD Touring	300C w/navigation	SRT8	Class Average
7	7	6	7	6.8

We have not had an opportunity to evaluate the 2008 300's revised dashboard, but it shouldn't differ much from previous versions. Those cars had large, clear gauges, but some testers found nighttime legibility compromised because full instrument faces are backlit, rendering markings indistinct. All controls were within easy reach. The navigation system was relatively simple to use, despite a small screen.

Details

LX	AWD Touring	300C w/navigation	SRT8	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.5

Chrysler says interior materials have improved across the 2008 300 lineup, including the addition of more soft-touch surfaces. This would be an improvement, as some budget-grade plastic trim pieces could be easily found on previous 300 models we've tested. Most of the decor, however, was in line with the 300's upscale positioning.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LX	AWD Touring	300C w/navigation	SRT8	Class Average
7	7	7	7	7.9

Lots of headroom and legroom, though AWD versions have a slightly narrower passenger footwell. Flat seat bottoms cause passengers to slide during aggressive cornering except in SRT8, which has grippy suede seat inserts. A tall tail and wide rear pillars reduce the driver's aft visibility. Thick front pillars interfere with the view to the corners.

Room/Comfort (rear)

LX	AWD Touring	300C w/navigation	SRT8	Class Average
7	7	7	7	7

Lots of headroom. There's plenty of legroom, even with the front seats fully back. Good foot space under the front seats. Seat bottoms provide adequate thigh support, but the central rider straddles the driveline hump. Long-wheelbase version adds 6 inches of legroom, fold-down footrests, and a passenger-side tray table.

Cargo Room

LX	AWD Touring	300C w/navigation	SRT8	Class Average
4	4	4	4	4.2

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

Value within Class

LX	AWD Touring	300C w/navigation	SRT8	Class Average
6	10	9	7	7.5

Acceleration with the 2.7-liter V6 is weak, but the boldly styled 300 is otherwise a 2008 Best Buy blend 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

LX	AWD Touring	300C w/navigation	SRT8	Class Average
65	73	72	71	70.3

Scores for all Large Cars

Low Score		65
Average Score		70
High Score		73