2011 Chrysler 300: Better Equipped, Better Value

Author: The Car Connection

The refreshed 2011 Chrysler 300 sedans might not look that much different from their predecessors on the outside, but inside you'll see a difference. In addition to a new base engine and extensively upgraded appointments for what's essentially an all-new cabin, the Chrysler 300 is set to wow with respect to features.

Base 2011 Chrysler 300 models now come with a mother lode of standard features much more than the  2010 Chrysler 300 yet at $27,995, including a $825 destination charge, the 2011 is actually $15 less than last year's base model, which included a weak 2.7-liter V-6 and a feature set that stood without standard electronic stability control.

The 2011 Chrysler 300 Touring and Limited models will be powered by a 292-horsepower version of Chrysler's new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. 300C models will come with a 363-horsepower, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine that includes Fuel Saver (cylinder deactivation) Technology. Compared with the previous 3.5-liter V-6, Chrysler says that the 3.6-liter achieves an eight percent fuel-economy improvement; meanwhile the V-6 can get the 300C to 60 mph in less than six seconds.

Among the most noteworthy standard features ones that aren't typically included on a base car are USB with iPod control, an SD card rearer, dual-zone climate control, steering-wheel audio controls, and an acoustic windshield. LED lighting is used throughout the interior, and a 12-way power driver's seat is included, plus Black Comodo Elm interior trim.

Leather seats, heated front seats, UConnect Voice Command (Bluetooth), a rear backup camera, Alpine premium audio, and LED-illuminated cup-holders are extras included in the 2011 Chrysler 300 Limited, in addition to heated, power-folding outside mirrors, fog lamps, chrome-clad wheels, and additional chrome trim. A Luxury Group brings the price up to $35,245 but includes a host of premium luxury features such as Black or Dark Olive Ash Burl interior trim, Nappa leather inserts, heated/ventilated seats, heated rear seats, auto-dimming mirrors, power-adjustable pedals, seats, and steering column, and Satin Chrome door-sills and LED-illuminated foot-wells.

V-8-powered 2011 Chrysler 300C models start at $38,995 and get a Garmin navigation system, Sirius Travel Link, a heated steering wheel, power adjustable pedals, and many of the extras that are offered in the Limited Luxury Group. At the top of the lineup is the 300C AWD (all-wheel drive), which starts at $41,145, rides a little bit higher, and includes larger wheels and tires.

For the first time, Chrysler is also offering a SafetyTec option group on the 300, including adaptive forward lighting, HID headlamps, adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, rain-sensing wipers, and ParkSense front and rear sensors, plus several other extras.