Buyers of large saloon cars aren’t exactly spoiled for choice these days, with the latest incarnations of the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series occupying the top rungs of company car wishlists.
So what if you want to take the road less travelled? The original Chrysler 300C carved out a niche for itself thanks mainly to its looks, personality and competitive price tag. But since the Fiat group took over Chrysler in 2011, the US brand has started exploring new classes with small hatchbacks like the Delta and Ypsilon.
The company hasn’t forgotten its roots, though: there’s now an all-new version of its traditional imposing four-door saloon. This new 300C promises greater luxury and higher quality along with more sophisticated handling.
To provide the ultimate test, we’ve lined it up against one of the most charismatic alternatives money can buy – the recently revised Jaguar XF 3.0-litre diesel.
Both models are bristling with aggression and character, plus they come equipped with powerful V6 engines and plenty of standard kit – but which offers the better overall executive car package?
This class has undergone a major revolution during the two years that Chrysler has been away. Heavier CO2 taxation has made four-cylinder diesels the best sellers – so much so that powerful V6 models like these are increasingly rare. That’s a shame, as both of these cars deliver surging performance and hushed refinement, which is perfectly suited to their luxurious image.
The Chrysler is very different to the car it replaces, with a noticeably stiffer chassis and better cabin quality that almost brings it in line with the standards of its main rivals. However, despite improvements to the suspension and sound deadening, the car’s engine and gearbox are well past their best – especially compared with their more modern equivalents in the hi-tech Jaguar. The 300C feels big and unwieldy on UK roads and the heavy steering makes it hard work at low speed. Anyone who buys one is guaranteed exclusivity, though, as Chrysler only plans to sell around 450 this year.
In the end, though, it was comfortably outclassed by the incredibly desirable XF, which looks and feels well worth the extra outlay. It matches the 300C for comfort before turning into an exhilarating sports saloon on more demanding roads. The Diesel S is the pick of the XF range and a worthy winner.
Winner: Jaguar XF ★★★★
This British bruiser feels back at the top of its game after its facelift, and only the hot XFR delivers the same combination of effortless performance and supple refinement as the Diesel S tested here. The classy and surprisingly practical interior proves that the XF has substance in spades to match its gorgeous styling. It remains a truly compelling alternative to more mainstream German rivals.
2nd: Chrysler 300C ★★★
We doubt anyone drawn to the Chrysler’s unique personality will be disappointed at the wheel. The 300C is now a far more rounded performer than before – but still falls short of the toughest European standards. Keen pricing and luxury kit aren’t enough to counter poor residuals and steep running costs.
Disqus - noscript
Hardly surprising.
I cannot see who would shop the Jaguar against the Chrysler. This is a no-brainer of a comparison and serves no purpose.
almost accurate; the engine in the 300C is brand new...the tranny otoh is an old 5sp carryover from the MB days.
Give me the chrysler any day over that Chinese ownd overpriced crap!!! Oh and how about mentioning the new 8 speed transmission the 300 c gets or are we still cought up in a time worp
Actually, the XF is built in the UK by a British company. The gearbox is German (ZF) and I think so are the electrics (who doesn't use Bosch electrics?), the engine is British and so is the rest. The company that builds the car is British too. That its owner is a very Anglophile Indian (not Chinese) is neither here nor there. Simply, it's a better car than the 300C - much sharper to drive, much nicer looking, much better interior... don't get me wrong, I think the 300C is genuinely likeable and good luck to Chrysler, but I don't see it being competitive for a little while. The forthcoming 8spd auto should make a big difference but they really need to tackle the European makers for interior design and build quality. Where both cars fall down badly for me is that you can't have a manual gearbox in either and there's no estate version of either. Thankfully Jaguar are bringing out an estate next year (four years too late!) but Chrysler for some reason didn't see fit to reengineer the 300C wagon as they did the saloon. That could prove a fatal mistake - in the UK and Europe the estate comfortably outsold the saloon. I also prefer the old 300's nose - that big bluff Rover P5 nose was most imposing. Now, it looks like any car. On the other hand, the rear is much improved, I really like the fins...
Err Jag is indian mate! Tata
What a pathetic review. The Pentastar V6 is an all new engine. I helped develop the S type and the early XF when I worked in Coventry and even I'll say this article is biased against the Chrysler in an ignorant fashion. Some technical back up would be nice with some eleboration. Professionally I found the Chrysler interior well designed and the new Chrysler V6 very very frugal (but fast) much more so than the old JV6 3 litre. The Jag styling is derrivative and gimmicky.
The Jaguar XF is common as muck, they're everywhere and are pretty boring. The Chrysler is far better looking and I've only seen one or two on the road so far.