Our long-term 300C Touring spec sheet reads like a wish list – and with Chrysler, you get what you want. Inside, there are eight-way electrically adjustable leather seats with heating. Although the center console has a simple appearance and uses cheap plastic, it has dual-zone climate control and a premium sound system with integrated satellite navigation. There's even a 30GB internal hard drive for storing music files – all equipped as standard.
The driver also benefits from stability control and xenon headlights, while the 218bhp 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine is bigger and more powerful than the unit you'll find in similarly priced premium rivals. But what you don't get is ample cabin space. Although the 300C measures over five meters long, the rear legroom is adequate, rather than expansive. But the 630-litre boot is big, especially if you remove the standard boot organizer.
The Touring's extended roofline has another advantage, as it gives the 300C a unique profile that features a high waistline and narrow windows. With its large grille and intricate 20-inch alloy wheels, the big Chrysler is an impressive sight from any angle.
Those giant rims and giant proportions do come at a price. This alloy provides a relaxed driving feel by highlighting small surface imperfections – especially at low speeds. Its large dimensions made crossing busy roads also an awkward experience.
From behind the wheel, visibility is also limited. Ross greatly enjoyed the comfort of the interior, but other drivers complained about it being cramped and compared the view out to peering through a letter box. The 300C's large proportions and 1,945kg curb weight also have a noticeable effect on the car's dynamics – all of the Chrysler's controls require hefty inputs. The heavy steering feels slow and unresponsive, and although the brakes are strong, the effort required to stop the Tourer always catches up to novice drivers.
Quick direction changes highlight its bouncy suspension, which takes time to adjust as you turn into a corner. The load-lugger is much better if its front wheels stay pointed straight ahead, and with 510Nm of torque, it's up to speed. The sluggish automatic transmission provides sluggish responses, but once on the throttle, the brutish V6 diesel engine delivers impressive performance.
Against the clock, it left the Audi behind, completing 0-60mph in 7.7 seconds – 4.1 seconds quicker than the A6. It's equally devastating from the start: the Chrysler covers 50-70mph in 4.7 seconds. The Audi felt underpowered in comparison, as it took a full eight seconds to perform the same test.
The sacrifice comes at the pump because despite having a diesel engine, the 300C only manages 28mpg. Official CO2 emissions of 215g/km are also bad. So, is this enough to take away from his strong performance and dramatic style?
Details
Price: £33,255 Model tested: Chrysler 300C SRT-Design Chart position: 2 WHY: We love the looks, but can our 300C long-term beat this revised premium rival?
Economy
Value-for-money models typically experience heavier depreciation than prestige models. But according to our figures, the rare 300C Touring manages to retain its value. The car will retain 44.1 percent of its list price after three years and 30,000 miles, which is slightly more expensive than the Audi. Once that problem was resolved, another problem Chrysler faced was its fuel economy. The 28mpg return is poor and gets worse in the city. CO2 emissions of 215g/km also put the big company in road tax band F, so the annual rate is £210. Company drivers will also be penalized with a car rating of 34 percent.
Environment
Weak fuel economy comes with high CO2 emissions, and temperatures of 300C are no exception. An output of 215g/km puts it two notches above the Audi in terms of road tax.
