Skip advert
Advertisement

Chrysler 300C

We drive the new Chrysler 300C on British roads. So should the 5 Series be worried?

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Chrysler 300C
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

For buyers who demand something a bit different, the 300C is a compelling choice. Bold new looks and a luxury interior combine with hushed refinement and a strong engine to form an impressive package. However, it struggles to match the taut dynamics and low emissions of class leaders. Throw in the price rise over its predecessor, and the Chrysler has limited appeal.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Is this the start of an American revolution? Chrysler certainly thinks so – because after a two-year absence, its executive class heavyweight is back.

The brand’s partnership with Fiat meant that when we first drove this car at the end of last year, it was badged a Lancia Thema. It still impressed with its refinement and improved quality – but how would the 300C measure up on demanding British roads?

Its sleek new design certainly evokes Detroit more than it does Turin, and the new car shares the broad-shouldered silhouette of the imposing original. Yet the large grille is slimmer and the neat new LED lights, plus revised Chrysler badges, all give the latest 300C a much cleaner look; it seems more svelte even though it’s longer and wider than before.

The brash styling was a big part of the old car’s appeal, and the 300C still boasts plenty of US-style garnish. The flagship Executive that’s set to be the best seller gets huge 20-inch wheels and chrome mirrors as standard. If you want to stand out, you’ll certainly do it in this Chrysler.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Fiesta

2017 Ford

Fiesta

62,440 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £6,495
View Fiesta
Tiguan

2020 Volkswagen

Tiguan

39,195 milesManualDiesel2.0L

Cash £19,819
View Tiguan
Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

26,214 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £19,634
View Golf

In fact, the top-spec 300C is so well equipped that there are only two options: a premium stereo and metallic paint. That means luxuries such as touchscreen sat-nav, adaptive cruise control and heated leather seats are all included in the £39,995 price. The previous range-topper was around £35,000, so the new car is much more expensive. In fact, the line-up starts at £35,995.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The upmarket cabin goes some way to justifying the premium price. Its thick-rimmed steering wheel and rounded dash are trimmed in soft leather and the striking blue dials look great, yet the cheap wood trim and open-gate box ensure the car trails European rivals for build quality.

There’s only one engine on offer, but the 3.0-litre V6 diesel provides effortless performance. With a muscular 540Nm on tap and a softly sprung ride, the 300C makes a fantastic motorway cruiser. Show it a winding country road, though, and it’s not as rewarding as the equivalent BMW 5 Series, with a sluggish gearbox and loose body control.

The weighty steering gives decent feedback, but the big wheels hunt out road cambers and despite its complicated multi-link suspension the 300C never feels planted enough to inspire real confidence through corners. While this lack of finesse won’t matter to most buyers, the 300C’s average economy and high 191g/km CO2 emissions will.

Another issue is space: although there’s lots of room in the rear, headroom is quite tight, and the narrow 481-litre boot is below class average.

The latest 300C is a charismatic addition, but as Chrysler won’t offer an estate or smaller diesel, it’s likely to remain a rare sight.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,800
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,695
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £14,750
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025