Eagle-eyed spotters may have already noticed the Chrysler's 2012 300C prowling around the streets of Dubai — this one, and another in dark metallic red were registered just in time for the Dubai motor show. But in fact, this isn't actually the first time the car has been seen in this city. wheels got a very hush-hush sneak preview earlier in the year, when the development and testing team from Chrysler brought over a fleet of vehicles for some real-world hot-weather testing. Seems Death Valley isn't tough enough for them, and only the UAE could provide the double whammy of heat and humidity that they wanted. Aren't we the lucky ones?
Back then, in the summer, the car was an early development prototype with some less than perfect panel gaps and a lot of holes drilled in odd places to run wires and sensors through for the datalogger in the boot.
Even then it was clear that this was going to be a very different car from its predecessor, with much more emphasis on luxury, finish, build quality and refinement. There's a wealth of new technology, a seriously big 8.4in touchscreen display, and the option of a mighty new Beats by Dr Dre sound system. The audio technology deployed includes a 522-watt 12-channel amplifier that integrates the heart of the Beats proprietary equaliser algorithm, creating the high-definition sound required in professional recording studios.
Externally, the 2012 300C has been thoroughly refreshed. Still there is the high waistline and rearset cabin, giving a very tough stance, big wheels combined with small glass for a real ‘gangsta' look. The 300C's distinctive headlights are now underlined by LED daytime running lamps, framing an optional (read ‘mandatory') slatted chrome grille for a much more refined look.
For better aerodynamics and visibility, the windshield has been raked back three inches, while rolled-frame doors with thinner pillars improve outward visibility by 15 per cent. Overhead, there's new dual-pane panoramic sunroof to let in more daylight, and a chrome frame surrounds the windows.
You'll be pleased to hear that our 300Chas the full-fat 5.7-litre V8 Hemi under the bonnet, here slightly up in output to363 horsepower, giving 0-100kph times of under six seconds. This splendid engine now also features Fuel Saver Technology, so you won't suffer too much at the pumps — on a clear freeway, I was able to get the numbers down to the low 10s per 100km, extremely good for a car of this size and performance.
Inside, it is all unashamed luxury. Our car came with Mochachino Poltrona Frau Foligno leather on everything; wrapped around the instrument panel, cluster brow, centre console side panels and upper front- and rear-door panels. Premium Nappa leather covers the door armrest, bolster and centre console armrest. The seats are wrapped exclusively in the same supple Nappa leather and include 12-way power-adjustment for both driver and front passenger (including four-way power lumbar supports) with two-speed ventilation in the front, and heated seats for both front and rear passengers. Why, I don't know. The interior is nicely set off by a surrounding sweep of real wood trim that neatly divides the dark top of the dash and door cappings from the pale leather underneath.
Dominating the centre console is that state-of-the-art Uconnect Touch 8.4in control screen, while behind the wheel the 260kph LED-illuminated instrument cluster glows seductively blue. The steering wheel itself is wood on top over beautifully stitched leather, power adjustable for rake and reach, and with a plethora of buttons to control various vehicle systems including the Adaptive Cruise Control.
Even the sunshade on the back window is power operated, and floor mats are premium 18-ounce Berber wool with Nubuck trim, while the lower door sills have satin chrome plates emblazoned with the Chrysler logo. Bling is still in.
OK, so it's all very posh and boutique hotel, but what's it like to drive? Really rather good, as a matter of fact. The Hemi engine goes about its business in a discreetly determined way — there's very little noise that gets back to the cabin, but the needles sweep around the dial with alarming speed. Fair enough, American cars are supposed to be quick in a straight line, but the 300C corners well too. You never forget you're in a big car, but the steering is 25 per cent quicker than the older model, and has 20 per cent more weight around the straight-ahead to give a very sporting feel to the drive.
The chassis has sufficient poise to let you power through a bend, and mid-turn surface changes don't deflect you from your chosen line. Body roll is well controlled, and the suspension is stiff enough to instill real confidence without destroying the ride. There's a certain amount of floatiness and a bit of boom from the wheels over sharp ruts and intrusions, but this is a very comfortable car for fast cruising, and seems ideally suited to the roads of the UAE.
One surprise is just how big the 300C really is. This is a large car in every sense, and it uses that size and weight to good effect in terms of ride and comfort. However, the rear-set cabin and relatively low roofline make the inside feel cosy and accommodating rather than vast. There's good room in the back, but it's not cavernous. The boot is, to compensate.
The new 300C is a step ahead in looks, but a giant leap in luxury. Gone are the cheap plastics and suspect build quality, in come exquisite materials and rock-solid construction. The resulting weight penalty is offset by a big and punchy engine with some clever fuel-saving technology to keep the thirst in check, and there is every conceivable electronic aid to keep you safe in traffic and when pressing on.
It is fast, comfortable, refined, elegant and intelligent. And though it carries the fight to the obvious German rivals, it doesn't attempt to emulate them.
This is one American that can compete squarely on its own terms.
Specs
Model 300C
Engine 5.7-litre V8
Transmission Five-speed auto, RWD
Max power 363bhp @ 5,200rpm
Max torque 534Nm @ 4,200rpm
Top speed NA
0-100kph 5.8sec
Price Dh165,000
Plus Improved build quality, better chassis, engine
Minus Crude gearbox
