Chrysler unveiled a freshened 2015 version of its 300 large sedan at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. Exterior styling gets a mild facelift, with a look that Chrysler calls “more sculptural and expressive.” Highlights of the updated design are a more prominent grille with a “floating” Chrysler wing badge, LED fog lamps and daytime running lamps, and LED taillights.
The freshened interior features a new three-spoke steering wheel, full-color 7-inch driver information display screen, and electronic rotary-knob transmission gear selector for the standard 8-speed automatic. In a novel twist on typical interior-trim options, the 300’s designers have created four unique trim packages inspired by American cities: La Jolla, California; Manhattan, New York; Detroit, Michigan; and Sausalito, California. Each interior has colors, materials, and design elements inspired by its respective city.
The 300’s 292-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 and 363-hp 5.7-liter V8 engines carry over mostly unchanged, though new technology features include electric power steering and a “Sport” button. The latter activates sport-tuned steering, sharper engine and transmission response, and rear-biased torque on all-wheel-drive models for more-dynamic handling. New-for-2015 safety features include Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus with Full Stop, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, and 9-1-1 Call/Assist Call functionality.
Also added this year is a line-topping 300C Platinum model, which features upscale trim touches such as quilted Nappa leather, hand-sanded wood, Poltrona Frau (a high-end Italian furniture maker) leather-wrapped instrument panel and console, along with platinum-chrome finished exterior details 20-inch wheels.
Production of the 2015 Chrysler 300 starts in late 2014, and sales should begin soon thereafter.
CG Says:
After the dramatic revamp that the Dodge Charger received for 2015, the Chrysler 300’s updates seem a bit tame by comparison, at least from a visual standpoint. Still, Chrysler has done an admirable job keeping the 300’s aging basic platform as fresh as possible with this latest round of astute technology updates and new high-end trim choices.
