2011 Chrysler 300 Test

Back in 2005, 2011 Chrysler 300 launched its all-new 300 sedan, a car with a dramatic retro-inspired look. With rear-wheel drive, big wheels and an available Hemi V8 behind a big 1930s-style grille, it was a revelation in a sea of bland, front-wheel-drive family sedans. The 300's rear-wheel-drive platform is carried over from the old car, but it's been thoroughly overhauled. Overall, we're pretty impressed with the 2011 Chrysler 300.

The 2011 Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan available in base, Limited, 300C and 300C AWD trim levels.

The 2011 Chrysler 300 Limited adds 18-inch wheels, foglamps, additional exterior chrome trim, a rearview camera, remote ignition, heated front seats, a power front passenger seat, Bluetooth (optional on base) and a six-speaker Alpine sound system (optional on base). The Limited can be equipped with the Luxury Group, which adds a driver-side auto-dimming mirror, power-adjustable pedals, interior LED lighting, a power-adjustable steering wheel, driver memory functions, leather upholstery (optional separately), heated and ventilated front seats, heated and cooled cupholders, heated rear seats and a power rear sunshade.
The 300C AWD differs only in that it has all-wheel drive and standard 19-inch wheels.

The Sound Group is really just a nine-speaker Alpine surround-sound audio system. The SafetyTec Group includes adaptive and automatic leveling xenon headlamps, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, a blind-spot warning system, rear cross-path detection system, front and rear parking sensors and LED rear foglamps. This package on the Limited includes automatic wipers and automatic high beams. The base 2011 Chrysler 300 and the Limited trim are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic transmission are standard.

Chrysler estimates that this engine will return 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 21 combined -- quite impressive given this car's size, power and less-than-aerodynamic shape. Chrysler estimates that the 2011 Chrysler 300C will return 16/25/19 with rear-drive and 15/23/18 with AWD.

Chrysler's new Uconnect Touch interface is standard. This 8.4-inch touchscreen controls the car's many infotainment features and is a vast improvement on the substantially smaller screen presently found in other Chrysler Group vehicles.