Chrysler 300 vs BMW 7 Series

The 2023 Chrysler 300 retained its classic design elements that harkened back to its 2005 debut, which drew comparisons to the Bentley Arnage. Despite its age, the 300's styling remained appealing, with its bold grille and stately proportions. The final production year offered various trims, including the exclusive 300C, which featured a powerful V8 engine and a distinctive blacked-out appearance. While the exterior promised luxury, the interior quality did not quite match, though it did include premium materials like carbon-fiber trim and Laguna leather upholstery. The 300 was relatively affordable, with prices ranging from $35,515 to $56,595 for the fully loaded 300C.

In contrast, the 2024 BMW 7 Series presented a more conventional luxury sedan design, albeit with a bold front grille that was a signature of recent BMW models. The car offered a wide array of color and trim choices, including two-tone schemes and various wheel options. Inside, the 7 Series boasted a luxurious cabin with beautifully crafted materials and a plethora of seating options, including vegan leather and Merino leather. The interior featured a large curved screen infotainment display and ambient lighting, creating an opulent atmosphere. The rear-seat theater screen and panoramic sunroof added to the car's luxurious appeal.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C was celebrated for its power and performance, featuring a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine that produced 485 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain enabled the 300C to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 160 mph. The car's performance was further enhanced by an adaptive damping suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires. However, the 300C's powerful engine resulted in cabin noise and a fuel economy rating of 18 mpg combined, with an observed average of 17.5 mpg.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series offered three potent powertrains, including the 740i with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 375 horsepower, and the 760i with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 delivering 536 horsepower. The new 750e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 483 horsepower. The 7 Series excelled in handling, with precise steering and a standard air suspension that provided a smooth ride. The 750e offered impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 65 MPGe and 25 mpg combined, although its electric range was less than expected.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 offered a spacious front cabin with premium Laguna leather seats that were heated and ventilated. However, the rear seats were less accommodating, with limited legroom and a slouched seating position. Storage space was lacking, with no wireless charging options and limited interior storage compartments. The trunk provided a generous 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space, accessible via remote keyless entry.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series, available only as a long-wheelbase sedan, provided exceptional comfort and opulence. The front seats were well-padded and supportive, with optional massaging functions. Rear passengers enjoyed 42.8 inches of legroom and could opt for ventilated and massaging seats. The 7 Series offered ample cargo space, with 18.5 cubic feet in the 750e and 19.1 cubic feet in gas-only models. Interior storage was unremarkable, but the trunk was easy to use with a low load height.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 featured the previous-generation Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. While the system offered basic features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it showed its age with dated graphics and limited functionality. The 300C included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and an SRT Dashboard for performance settings. However, the lack of a surround-view camera system and limited visibility were drawbacks.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series boasted a massive curved-screen display with a 12.3-inch driver's screen and a 14.9-inch infotainment display. The iDrive 8.5 software offered a smartphone-like interface, but it required time to navigate and set up. The system included a voice assistant and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but vehicle functions were not controllable through these platforms. The 7 Series offered an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo, with an optional 40-speaker system, and a 31.3-inch theater screen for rear passengers.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 offered limited advanced safety features, with most available only as options. The Safety Tec Plus Group included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The 300's crash-test ratings were outdated, with a Marginal rating in the IIHS moderate-overlap frontal-impact test and Poor headlight performance.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it shared its platform with the 5 Series, which earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation. The 7 Series offered standard safety features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Optional packages included surround view monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and partially automated driving assistance. BMW's systems operated smoothly, but some competitors offered similar features as standard.