2023 Chrysler 300C Review Video: A Last Hurrah for an Iconic Sedan

The Chrysler 300C has been a fixture in the American sedan market for nearly two decades, known for its bold boxy design, fairly spacious interior, and muscle-car-like performance. However, in 2023, Chrysler announced that this model would be discontinued after its final model year. The question on every car enthusiast’s mind is: Was the 2023 Chrysler 300C a worthy send-off for this iconic vehicle? Let’s dive into the details of the 300C, examine its features, performance, and also see how it stacks up against the competition in its final year.

The Chrysler 300 has long been celebrated as a full-sized sedan that combines American luxury with a powerful presence on the road. While its discontinuation marks the end of an era for Chrysler, it leaves behind a legacy of bold design and rumbling V8 muscle.

2023 Chrysler 300C Specifications

Here are the key specs and features of the last Chrysler 300C:

• Engine: 5.7-liter HEMI V8
  • Power: 363 horsepower
  • Torque: 394 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission
• Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
• Top Speed: Approximately 130 mph
• Fuel Economy: 16 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
• Brakes: Brembo performance brakes
• Suspension: Sport-tuned suspension with independent rear suspension
• Dimensions:
  • Length: 198.6 inches
  • Width: 75 inches
  • Height: 58.5 inches
  • Wheelbase: 120.2 inches
  • Curb Weight: 4,400 lbs
• Interior:
  • 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen display
  • Nappa leather seating with contrast stitching
  • 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
• Safety Features: Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rearview camera, and park assist sensors.

The 300C retains much of the formula that made the model popular: powerful V8 performance, a roomy interior, and modern tech features. It’s designed to appeal to those who want a bit of muscle mixed with comfort and luxury.

Performance: V8 Power and Muscle

One of the standout features of the 2023 Chrysler 300C is its 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, the heart of the sedan that’s been part of the model’s identity for years. In the 2023 version, this engine churns out 363 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque, offering more than enough power to satisfy muscle car enthusiasts.

• Drivability: With rear-wheel drive and a sport-tuned suspension, the 300C is designed to provide a balance of comfort and performance. It’s not a track-focused sports sedan, but it offers a sharp driving experience with plenty of power when you need it. The Brembo brakes give it confident stopping power, and the sport-tuned suspension ensures it can handle tight corners and winding roads without feeling overly stiff.
• Engine Sound: The throaty roar of the HEMI V8 is a key selling point for the 300C. Most would agree that it has a satisfying exhaust note, allowing drivers to feel like they’re behind the wheel of a muscle car.
• Fuel Efficiency: Given the size and V8 power of the 300C’s engine, fuel efficiency is fairly respectable at 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Interior: Comfort & Technology

Inside the 2023 Chrysler 300C, you’ll still find a blend of luxury materials and modern technology designed to make every drive comfortable and connected.

• Seating: The 300C offers Nappa leather seats with contrast stitching. The seats are comfortable, with plenty of space both in the front and rear rows. The cabin feels spacious, making it ideal for long drives or family trips.
• Tech: The 300C’s interior features a 12-inch Uconnect touchscreen display, which is one of the largest in its class. It’s easy to use and supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system delivers clear, powerful audio that elevates the overall driving experience.
• Space: With its generous size, the 300C offers ample legroom and headroom in both the front and back seats. The trunk offers plenty of space for luggage or groceries, making it a solid choice for those who need practicality without sacrificing luxury.
• Driver Assistance: The 300C comes equipped with several safety and driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning. These features help make the 300C a more practical choice for everyday driving.

Why Was the Chrysler 300C Discontinued?

The 2023 Chrysler 300C marks the end of an era. Chrysler discontinued the 300C, citing several factors.

• Shift Toward SUVs and Crossovers: Like most automakers, Chrysler has been focusing more on SUVs and crossovers in recent years due to the growing consumer demand for these vehicle types. Full-size sedans like the Chrysler 300C are seeing a decline in popularity, especially with younger buyers.
• Tightening Emissions Standards: The 300C’s 5.7-liter V8 engine is a key part of its appeal, but it also faces challenges in meeting increasingly strict emissions regulations. As automakers move toward more fuel-efficient, hybrid, or electric vehicles (as mandated by many governments today), so continuing to produce a gas-guzzling V8 sedan has become less viable.
• Competition: The Chrysler 300C faced stiff competition from other sedans and performance vehicles, including models from luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes, and others. The market for full-sized sedans has shrunk considerably, making it harder for models like the 300C to justify their place in Chrysler’s lineup.

Was the Final Model Year a Good Send-Off?

While it’s sad (for some) to see the 300C go, the 2023 model year is a fitting send-off for the iconic sedan. Chrysler made sure to pack it with performance, luxury, and the unmistakable style that made the 300C so popular in the first place. It’s a car that appeals to drivers who appreciate the classic American sedan experience—power, luxury, and comfort—without compromising on performance.

The 300C may not have been Chrysler’s most celebrated vehicle ever, but it represented a kind of automotive nostalgia that will be missed – well, probably. For many fans, it’s a perfect example of what an American full-size sedan can and should be.

An Intriguing Chrysler 300C Alternative

So, seeing as the Chrysler 300C has now been discontinued, if you don’t want to pick one up used, then we’d recommend a look at this bad boy:

Genesis G80

• Engine: 3.5-liter turbocharged V6
• Power: 375 horsepower
• Price: Around $50,000
• Why Choose: More modern tech features, but the G80 isn’t quite as muscular or aggressive as the Chrysler 300C.

The Verdict: Is the Chrysler 300C Worth It?

If you’re in the market for a full-sized sedan with muscle-car performance and classic American luxury, the 2023 Chrysler 300C is definitely worth considering. It combines performance, luxury, and style in a way few other cars in its class can.

But with its discontinuation, a well spec’d 300C may become a collector’s item in the future. Would you drive the 300C or over the competition?  Drop your thoughts in the comments below!