Standard 7-in. color driver information display
Standard 8-speed automatic with rotary transmission shifter and Sport driving mode in most trim levels
Redesigned steering wheel with die-cast paddle shifters
Improved fuel-economy ratings
Standard electric steering
300 Limited serves as the base model
New 300C Platinum tops the lineup
Standard next-generation Uconnect 8.4 with available Uconnect Access, Uconnect Via Mobile, Wi-Fi connectivity, voice-texting capability
Available adaptive cruise control with full-stop capability, full-speed forward-collision warning system, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, 911 Assist service
SRT performance variant is discontinued
Introduction
The 2015 Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan offered with a choice between a V-6 or V-8 engine, and with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (RWD or AWD). Positioned between mainstream and luxury brands, the Chrysler 300 competes against a wide range of vehicles, including the Acura RLX, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Impala, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Azera, Kia Cadenza, Lexus ES, Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon, Volkswagen CC, and Volvo S80.
Exterior Features
Four versions of the 2015 Chrysler 300 are available: 300 Limited, 300S, 300C, and 300C Platinum. All have a restyled front end this year, combined with new wheel designs, revised taillights, new colors, and other detail-rated changes.
Interior Features
Chrysler says that the new 300 is offered with four different interior color and material combinations with unique trim detailing, each "inspired by American cities" including New York City, Detroit, Sausalito (CA), and La Jolla (CA).
Standard equipment for the 300 Limited includes leather seats, heated front seats, 7-in. color driver information display, 8.4-in. color infotainment system with satellite radio, and more.
Optional Features
The updated Chrysler 300 is available with a number of extra-cost features, several of which are highlighted in the Safety and Technology sections below. Chrysler also offers the 300 in several trim levels, each aimed at a particular type of buyer.
The 300S is the performance-oriented version of the car, equipped with a more powerful standard engine, more responsive transmission Sport mode, big 20-in. wheels and tires, and a revised exterior appearance including a rear spoiler.
The 300C is the premium version of the car, adding a number of standard features compared with the standard 300 Limited.
For 2015, Chrysler adds a new luxury version positioned above the 300C, named the 300C Platinum. It gets quilted and perforated Nappa leather upholstery for the seats and door panels, and Poltrona Frau leather is wrapped around the dashboard and center console. The Platinum's hand-sanded, natural-pore wood trim is stained in a matte-Mocha finish and the car includes unique 20-in. aluminum wheels and exclusive platinum-chrome exterior detailing.
Under the Hood
A 3.6-liter V-6 engine is standard equipment, making 292 horsepower in all versions except the 300S, in which it is rated to generate 300 horsepower. Last year's 8-speed automatic transmission returns, now featuring a rotary shift knob and a standard Sport driving mode. An AWD system is available with the V-6 and features a fuel-saving front-axle disconnect feature when AWD is not in use.
A 5.7-liter V-8 engine is optional for the 300S, 300C, and 300C Platinum, making 363 horsepower and equipped with fuel-efficient cylinder-deactivation technology. This year, this so-called Hemi V-8 gets a standard 8-speed automatic transmission, resulting in improved fuel economy, according to Chrysler.
Safety
New safety equipment for the 2015 Chrysler 300 includes Uconnect Access service with 911 Assist, which makes it easy to contact emergency operators in times of trouble.
The new 300 is also offered with new autonomous safety technologies. The lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist system helps a driver to keep from unintentionally drifting out of a lane, while both the forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control systems now include a braking function that can, depending on the situation, bring the car to a complete stop.
Technology
Chrysler's Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system is standard equipment, including an 8.4-in. color touch screen through which Bluetooth connectivity and infotainment functions are accessed. Upgrade with Uconnect Access to enjoy voice-texting capability and the ability to opt for Wi-Fi service that transforms the car into a mobile hotspot.
New Uconnect Via Mobile technology allows owners to stream their favorite Internet radio stations through their smartphone data plan, and Chrysler also offers 3-D navigation and an 18-speaker, 900-watt premium audio system for the 2015 300.