Chrysler has a proven winner with the well-designed and almost flawlessly executed 2009 Chrysler 300. Nearly everything about this automobile is top shelf, from styling to power to its luxurious comfort and convenience. For the ‘09 trims, Chrysler has a more powerful base V8, has tweaked the 300’s drivetrain, fuel efficiency, and suspension, and is already touting a hybrid for 2010. And why not? This is a car for the long run and one positive result of Chrysler’s fling with Daimler. Offering eight trim levels, with a number of variations and options packages on each, there’s a 300 out there for even the most plebian taste.

The base LX trim for ’09 is delivered with a standard 2.7-liter DOHC V6 that, in combination with a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, puts out 178 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque and gets 18/26 mpg. The LX features such standard offerings as front cloth bucket seats, power windows, doors and mirrors, keyless entry, 17-inch steel wheels, a power trunklid release, air-conditioning, the Sentry Key anti-theft system, a power driver’s seat, a CD/MP3 player, and illuminated cupholders. Options include supplemental side airbags and side curtain airbags, ABS, a six-disc CD/MP3 player, Sirius satellite radio, and uConnect hands-free communications technology.

For 2009 the 300 Touring and Limited trims offer the standard 3.5-liter 24-valve HO V6 with a four-speed automatic. This pairing of engine and transmission bangs out 250 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Both trims are delivered in rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations. EPA mileage estimates for the 3.5-liter are 17/24 with RWD and 15/22 with AWD.

The 300 Touring trim features standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, ESP, ABS, all-speed traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, heated mirrors, heated front seats, Sirius satellite radio, and leather-trimmed upholstery. The Limited adds such standard features as 18-inch chrome-clad wheels, power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone automatic temperature control, six speakers, and an electronic vehicle information center. Options for both the 300 Touring and Limited trims include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, uConnect hands-free communications with Bluetooth technology, and a power sunroof.

Chrysler’s RWD 300C Hemi and the AWD 300C for ‘09 pack the 340-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that, coupled with a standard five-speed automatic, puts out 390 lb-ft of torque. Mileage is estimated at 16/23 for the C Hemi RWD and 15/22 for the C AWD. Such creature comforts as auto-adjusting, tilt-down rearview mirrors, heated front and rear seats, a 276-watt audio system with six Boston Acoustics speakers and a subwoofer, the MyGig multimedia system, Nappa leather trim, a built-in hard drive, USB connection, and universal garage door opener are standard on the 300C Hemi and 300C. Options include the Luxury Package, with a 368-watt AM/FM in-dash CD/MP3 player with 6-disc CD changer and subwoofer with seven Boston Acoustic speakers.

For 2009, the 300SRT is delivered in only the RWD configuration and is powered by a 6.1-liter SRT HEMI V8 and five-speed automatic transmission that together blast out 425 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. This speedster features 20-inch aluminum SRT-design aluminum wheels, performance-tuned steering and suspension, a six-disc CD/MP3 player, and suede-accented leather trim. Options include the SRT Options group with GPS navigation with Sirius satellite traffic and Bluetooth technology and a 13-speaker Kicker SRT high-performance audio system.

The 300 trims are equipped with ABS, ESP, traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, and supplemental side airbags (all standard on all trims except LX). The NHTSA gives the 2009 Chrysler 300 series a five-star front impact crash test rating.

With a few exceptions, such as mileage and handling issues, drivers of ’08 Chrysler 300’s were impressed with its roominess, comfort, power and, especially, the looks of this flagship sedan.