Chrysler 300S is a moderately priced sporty version, that goes big on the black theme.
Yet another model has been added to the Chrysler 300 range, this one tagged as the 300S, has just landed in Australia. With a price tag of $47,500 (plus on-roads) the 300S slots between the existing 300C ($46,500) and the upmarket 300 Limited ($51,000).
STYLING
Black on black is the theme. Aimed at the sporty buyer – hence the ‘S’ – the Chrysler 300S has a new design of 20-inch alloy wheels with a gloss black finish. These carry the same Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tyres as on the hot SRT8 models. There’s black-chrome grille with platinum surround, black headlamp surrounds, body coloured door handles and door mirrors.
At the rear there’s a boot lip spoiler and black-accented ‘300S’ and ‘Chrysler’ badges.
INSIDE
The interior of the Chrysler 300S has a fashionable piano black finish on the centre console, steering wheel and door panels. There are sports pedals and heated sports front seats. If you find the black is on the overpowering side, 300S seats are available as a no-cost option in red leather trim with contrast white stitching.
Matte carbon accents, replace the traditional burl wood found in the Chrysler 300C.
INFOTAINMENT
Chrysler’s Uconnect 8.4-inch touch screen display gives access to navigation and reversing camera.
ENGINE / TRANSMISSION
Unlike the others in the standard 300 range, the Chrysler 300S is sold only with a V6 petrol 210 kW engine. There’s no diesel option, nor does it come with the big 6.4-litre hemi V8 – pity.
The Chrysler V6 petrol engine produces its 210 kilowatts, 280 horsepower, at 6350 rpm. Peak torque of 340 Newton metres doesn’t arrive till 4650 revs, but there’s plenty of grunt from not much above idle.
SUMMING UP
Chrysler Australia keeps insisting that it doesn’t want its 300 range to be known as the ‘Gangsta’ car or a ‘Mafia staff car’. Yet the 300S looks to be aimed at that sort of buyer…
The complete Chrysler 300 range is:
300 Limited 3.6-litre petrol four-door sedan: $43,000 (automatic)
300 Limited CRD 3.0-litre diesel four-door sedan: $48,000 (automatic)
300C 3.6-litre petrol four-door sedan: $46,500 (automatic)
300C CRD 3.0-litre diesel four-door sedan: $51,500 (automatic)
300S 3.6-litre petrol four-door sedan: $47,500 (automatic)
300C Luxury 3.6-litre petrol four-door sedan: $51,000 (automatic)
300C Luxury CRD 3.0-litre diesel four-door sedan: $56,000 (automatic)
300 SRT8 Core 6.4-litre four-door sedan: $56,000 (automatic)
300 SRT8 6.4-litre four-door sedan: $66,000 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Chrysler dealer for driveaway prices.
