Jeremy Clarkson
Free Love
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From
February 2, 2008
Chrysler 300C CRD Touring
Rating 
Verdict Looks good, drives like crème brûlée
The Chrysler 300C looks rather good. There’s a huge radiator grille that puts you in mind of a Bentley Arnage, and the squared-off muscly body sits on tall tyres that hint at a comfy, cosseting ride. The back seats fold down easily, the load opening at the back is cavernous and there’s plenty of standard equipment.
For £27,275 this looks like the bargain of the century, and a brief test drive will do little to dispel that notion. The diesel engine is so unclattery that I had to get out to check the badge. And despite the size it’s terribly easy to drive. What’s not to like?
Lots, actually. Chrysler was at pains to point out that this car is not – as I’ve previously claimed – based on the old Mercedes E-class. They say they considered this idea but dismissed it.
Pity. Basing it on a well-proven car would have been a better idea than basing it on a crème brûlée. God, it’s a wallowy old hector. You have absolutely no sense that you’re connected to the road in any way.
Of course this might not bother you but the ride comfort will. Despite the wallow-matic suspension and the tall tyres, it crashes and jolts where a normal, proper European car glides and hangs on.
Yes, it’s cheap, but that’s not nearly enough to make it desirable.
Current price £27,995
Price when tested (Oct 2006) £27,275
Engine 2987cc, six cylinders
Power 215bhp @ 4000rpm
Torque 376 lb ft @ 2800rpm
Transmission Five-speed automatic
Fuel/CO2 34.9mpg (combined) / 215g/km
0-62mph 8.6sec
Top speed 136mph
Spot on review. I hired a 300C on two visits to Canada and even on their long straight ribbon roads, this thing made me seasick with its wobbly handling. It's all about confidence which is all about the feedback the car gives you when you're driving around. Fix the springs Chrysler!
Joey Egremont, Mayfield, UK
The price is $56,000 Canadian. )OUCH) They are of course around 35-40 over here, but I wouldn't dream of paying that much for one. Buy a used one and save a pile of money. They are quite affordable used here. Let some other poor chap buy it new and invest what you would save in precious metals.
Norm, Penticton, B.C.
Norm, Penticton, B.C>, Canada
J Clarkson should write political essays. He hates America and all that comes from the US, so it is a political conviction he needs to persue, not a technical one.
Speaking of which, Clarkson does not know torque from lug nuts if one shot him in a face - some auto journalist!
American cars rock - lots of charachter for half of German overprices tin.
Jon, London, UK
All this is OK, but Clarkson forgot a verry important thing about this car. It's supposed to be a big car for active families, which means it should take them, their luggage and sports equipment to sea or in the mountain. BUT, the best equipped models are a bit different: put in parents on the front seats, throw in a couple of kids in the back, and you've just about exceeded the maximum weight capacity. In a van, for crying out loud! It can carry less than a small family hatchback!
Johnnny, Belgrade, Serbia