The Chrysler 300 has a design that stands out among other full-size sedans. In many ways, it manages to successfully blend a classic look with modern, luxury touches. It might seem like something out of a 90s hip-hop video, but the 2018 Chrysler 300 has the performance and features to rival any modern car on the roads today.This luxury sedan is actually younger than it appears. Introduced in 2003 as a concept vehicle, the first generation of the Chrysler 300 entered into production later in 2005. Back then, the boxy-yet-sleek lines of the car’s exterior were based on the futuristic design of the 1998 Chrysler Chronos concept car. In other words, the 300 started off eight years ahead of the “futuristic” car it was based on. This alone characterizes the overall philosophy Chrysler has with the 300: old meets new to create something unique.So what’s new with the 2018 version? Comfortably in its second generation, the latest model comes with minor touch ups and updates.
Looking Like an Icon
The Chrysler 300 isn’t necessarily an old enough car to be called a classic or an icon. With only two decades under its belt, it is still a baby compared to more established classics like an Aston Martin or BMW. That doesn’t stop it, however, from faking the look.One look at the 2018 Chrysler 300 will give you all the indications you need to know its design is unique. Whereas many modern cars, both luxury and budget, are using a sleek and curvy design philosophy, the 300 has kept the same boxy, elegant shape since its inception in 2005.The overall profile, as well, is much larger than rival vehicles. In some ways, Chrysler has chosen to buck the trend of better aerodynamics and fuel efficiency for the bulky look of cars from the 1940s and 50s. Whether you agree with this decision or not, you have to admit, it makes the car stand out.The overall profile and design of the car provides a large, roomy interior for up to five passengers. Both front and rear seats are roomy enough to remain comfortable on long road trips. Since it is a sedan, the car’s overall length is also longer due to the spacious trunk in the rear. Overall, this design means you can expect more head and legroom mixed in with cargo space that other cars fail to provide.
Chrysler Performance Meets Luxury
The 300 is the flagship of the Chrysler line. Beyond just looks alone, the technology and performance Chrysler has put into this car justifies this position. Depending on the trim and additional options you get, you can expect a plethora of luxury touches both inside and out of the car. Just because it looks pretty, however, doesn’t mean it can’t perform as well.The line offers a 3.6 L V-6 engine as the base option for many of the trim levels. This will output around 292 hp depending on the transmission and drivetrain. Should you want more power under the hood, the 5.7 L Hemi V-8 engine will answer the call. Drivetrain options also include a standard rear wheel setup and all-wheel-drive option for better traction and control.The inside is where you will see the true luxury of the Chrysler name. It comes with various standards such as leather bucket seating, infotainment system with LCD screen, and advanced safety features. Depending on the trim level, you will also get more luxury touches for a higher price. The Touring trim is considered the entry-level option for people wanting a more comparable interior to other cars. For a fancier setup, the Limited or 300C trims will offer more options like a panoramic sunroof.
New Changes to the 2018 Model
Since the Chrysler 300 is still in the middle of its current second-generation, most of the updates and tweaks done for 2018 have centered on refining the overall trim lineup. In fact, Chrysler has reshuffled the trim levels and standard features that come with them.Overall, the five trims include the Touring, Touring L, 300S, Limited, and 300C. The base level received a minor update including a new cloth interior, 17-inch wheels, and a couple of additional appearance packages. Depending on whether you want a sportier or more luxurious style, the Sports or Chrome appearance package will give the exterior highlights to enhance the overall look.Performance enhancements were minor for the 2018 model. Many trims such as the 300S and Limited were upgraded to 20-inch wheels, offering slightly better road performance due to the increased size. The top 300C now comes standard with the Hemi V-8.Finally, for people concerned about the color options of the Chrysler 300, the company added two additional choices to the 2018 lineup. Now, you will have two metallic coats of either green or ocean blue to consider among the rest.
The Future of the Sedan
Since Chrysler has devoted a lot of time, development, and marketing resources into the 300, it’s easy to see that this car will be around for quite a while in the future. As the luxury flagship, the 300 represents Chrysler’s overall philosophy of high-performance, stellar luxury, and a wide array of optional upgrades.With that said, you should also expect big changes on the horizon for future models. In the past few years, Chrysler has been cautious with the tweaks and changes they have made to the line. Since the introduction of the current generation in 2011, the 300 has lacked any major updates to the overall look and design.In order for the car to remain competitive in an automotive world dominated by sleek lines and artificial intelligence, a new update will be necessary in the near future. When this happens, count on Chrysler sticking with the same formula of blending the old with the new to create a car that looks like it’s from another era. This will keep the 300 signature look while solidifying its place in the Chrysler lineup.
