The 2009 Chrysler 300C Heritage Edition Mixes Luxury

Chrysler's 300C full size sedan has been a favorite of citified tuners and improves all over the country since it first came to market.  The rear-wheel-drive 300C is also loved for its elegance and for this sedans stylish and rakish exterior and luxurious interior.  Even though the 300C is quite the dowager now, it still has curb appeal that's hard to beat.

We all have to wonder when a new version might appear and think about the possibilities of new partner Fiats ability to infuse the 300C with its own chassis and suspension dynamics.  The current model has much of its underpinnings from earlier versions of Daimler-Benz sedans, with whom Chrysler merged before the change of the century it was a marriage that likely worked better for Chrysler than D-B, especially if one looks at this particular vehicle.

We've had a chance to sample the 2009 Chrysler 300C Heritage Edition not offered in 2010.  While the driving experience hasn't changed from one model year to the next, some interior and exterior appointments have been amended.

The heart of the Chrysler 300C is its engine: the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, a true American monster motor making 360 horsepower at 5150 rpm (redline is 6000) and neck-snapping 389 ft-lb of torque at 4250.  Power is directed through an excellent five-speed shiftable automatic transmission that yields 70 mph at just below 2000 rpm.  That's loafing, friends.

The chassis dynamics result in a taut but not harsh ride, even with the Heritage Editions big, honking 20-inch 12-spoke polished alloy rims riding on Goodyear 245/45R rubber.  The Chrysler 300C takes a set and carries through the corner, behaving like it weighs far less than its 4097 pounds.  The Heritage Edition includes performance steering and suspension that aid confidence behind the wheel. 

No mistake about it this is a rather large sedan, standing 196.8 inches long, 74.1 inches wide and 58.4 inches tall.  The wheelbase stretches 120 inches and there is 5.6-inches of ground clearance.  Still, the 2009 Chrysler 300C has a svelte turning circle of 38.9 feet, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive.  AWD is available but not on this particular car.

The deep, water blue pearl exterior is elegant and soothing to the eye.  And brightwork throughout the exterior keeps the panache going, as does the mesh grille, part of the Heritage package.  Signals are in the multi-function folding mirrors, another nice touch. 

With two-toned tan/cream interior and with Poplar burl woodwork about the cabin, this is an inviting place to drive and ride.  There are graceful silver gauges in front of the driver with a 160-mph speedometer and 6000-rpm redline tachometer that turn aqua at night.  Chrysler fits a lovely analog clock, adding to the panache of this car.  While there are no cupholders in the doors, the center ones envelop any bottle, can or cup one might want to travel with.

One reason to select the Heritage Edition if you can still find one out there is the addition of side front seat airbags to the customary front and head curtain bags.  These are not included in the 2010 version of the Chrysler 300C and no one seems to know why.  Other safety items that are included in both model years are all-speed traction control and all-wheel, heavy-duty antilock brakes.  The 300C received frontal crash ratings of five stars for both driver and passenger and four stars for rollover; there was no rating for rear seat passengers but this vehicle sure feels safe as a house, albeit not as big.