Car Gazing
New 300M is truly Special
By Derek Price
You've probably heard the theory of trickle-down economics, but what about
trickle-down quality?
Sitting in the plush, well-built cabin of Chrysler's new 300M Special, I
could have sworn I felt a little German DNA seeping through the taut leather
and fancy dash. Perhaps it was the quality of construction, the attention to
detail, the warm colors, or maybe even the soft and pleasant new-car smell,
but one thought startled me with its clarity:
"This is almost as good as a Mercedes."
A shocking thought, really, especially from a brand that made such boring
and ugly sedans as the K-cars in the 1980s, but it was amazingly true. This
domestic luxo-cruiser exuded nearly the same air of sophistication and
quality as the high-end Mercedes S-Class, quite possibly the best sedan in
automotive history.
The similarities aren't too surprising when one considers both cars are made
by the same company, DaimlerChrysler. Still, the feeling of serenity,
comfort and safety that comes from behind the wheel of a truly great luxury
tourer can't be faked. This 300M is the real McCoy.
Outside, it doesn't look particularly exclusive, largely because Chrysler
has done a great job integrating the brand's style throughout its offerings,
meaning the flagship 300M shares its swoopy style with the cheap Neon
economy car. It's pretty but not pretentious, athletic but not
attention-getting.
Inside, though, is like stepping into a different world – one of palacial
luxury and supreme quality – with perfect stitching, tasteful amenities,
supportive yet comfortable seats, and a gorgeous color pallet that southes a
frazzled worker after a stressful day. Few cars, especially ones with
American nameplates, can match this Chrysler's interior.
Keeping with its role as an import fighter, Chrysler unveiled the Special
model for 2003 to add a European taste to the 300M's driving appeal. Its
3.5-liter V6 is tuned to make 255 horsepower – a hair more than the base
mode's 250 – and it comes with a brilliant sport suspension, better
aerodynamics, dual exhaust, bigger wheels and a good AutoStick transmission
that's both responsive and smooth.
The Special model lives up to its name, making an already great car even
better on twisty roads and at green lights. It has the perfect mix of
performance and comfort to be lively and livable at the same time, although
steering can be a tad heavy around town and road noise can be annoying on
some rough surfaces.
As a whole package, though, few cars are its equal – and that's including
the best Europe and Japan have to offer. For a relatively affordable price,
the 300M offers a phenominal mix of performance, comfort and quality that
make it the best sedan with an American name, hands down.
In short, it's got Mercedes quality without the Mercedes price.
(Derek Price is a newspaper editor and freelance writer living in Texas.
Contact him at dprice@cargazingonline.com)
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