Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs Chrysler 300

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class represented the zenith of automotive sophistication. This seventh-generation luxury sedan that debuted in 2021 offered multiple trim levels, including the S 500, S 580, Maybach S 580, and Maybach S 680. Mercedes-Benz ventured into electrification with the S 580e model, incorporating a plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD). The exterior boasted clean lines and a sculpted front end that exuded an air of calm sophistication. Further aesthetic enhancements were achieved with optional high-gloss black trim, 20-inch AMG wheels, and AMG-style front and rear bumpers along with side skirts.

Inside, the S-Class chose from eight sumptuous leather upholstery options and five different trim materials. Our Sienna Brown and Black leather interior, an extra $3,110 option, featured a panoramic sunroof and impeccable fit and finish. The headrests were soft enough to encourage cat naps for passengers, albeit a distraction for the driver seeking to stay alert.

Conversely, the 2023 Chrysler 300 maintained its iconic, bold design that drew comparisons to a Bentley when it was first introduced in 2005. Despite substantial reworking in 2011 and subsequent updates over the years, the 300 retained a lineage that harkened back to its original Bentley-adjacent debut. The 2023 model offered several trim levels, including Touring, Touring L, 300S, and 300C, each capable of acquiring a blacked-out appearance with large 20-inch wheels.

For its final production year, the 300C emphasized exclusivity and featured premium adaptations without radically departing from its established aesthetic. However, the interior struggled to match the exterior promise of luxury, despite premium Laguna leather upholstery and carbon-fiber trim in the 300C. The harder plastic components and overall age of the cabin materials bespoke a price tag more reflective of value than opulence.

The Mercedes-Benz S 580e hybrid paired a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 28.6-kWh battery and an electric motor. The car offered a commendable 56 miles of all-electric range. The EPA bestowed a combined MPGe rating of 51, but the real-world figure during our evaluation reached 53.9 mpg. The total system output was an impressive 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, sent through a nine-speed automatic transmission, enabling the S 580e to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in approximately 4.4 seconds.

The air suspension system of the S-Class, particularly when set in Comfort mode, provided an exceptionally smooth ride, unmatched by conventional sports sedans. Rear-wheel steering added to the agility despite the long 126.6-inch wheelbase. Transitioning between electric and gasoline power was seamless, although a slight jerk was noted when downshifting to first gear at stops.

In contrast, the 2023 Chrysler 300C revived the potent 6.4-liter Hemi V8, delivering 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. The power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode and paddle shifters. This setup facilitated a brisk 0 to 60 mph run in 4.3 seconds, achieving a top speed of 160 mph. Additional performance features included an adaptive damping suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires.

However, while raw power and aural aggressiveness were assets, the 300C's handling was reminiscent of older AMG-tuned Mercedes models, offering a somewhat antiquated but enjoyable driving experience. Fuel economy was noted at an EPA-rated 18 mpg in combined driving, with our real-world evaluations averaging 17.5 mpg, leaning more towards full-size pickup truck territory.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class was packed with standard features that justified its premium price. Both front and rear seats were heated and ventilated, with massaging functions available, even extending to the armrests and steering wheel. Cool touches included power sunshades, soft-closing doors, and a superior ambient lighting system with 64 customizable colors. However, the trunk space was limited to 8.1 cubic feet, compared to 12.9 cubic feet in the standard S-Class and over 14 cubic feet in competitor models like the Porsche Panamera plug-in hybrid.

The Chrysler 300, while technically a full-size sedan, offered a different story inside. The front seats, adorned in premium Laguna leather, provided a good range of adjustments and comfort, even though the bolsters looked more aggressive than they felt. The rear seat, however, suffered from tight legroom and a rather awkward slouching seating position. Storage options within the cabin were sparse, and the vehicle notably lacked a modern solution for smartphone placement or wireless charging. In contrast, the trunk, accessible via remote keyless entry, offered a cavernous 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class came with cutting-edge technology, headlined by a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen center display running the latest MBUX infotainment system. Its features included a decent voice assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced navigation with augmented reality overlays. The optional large color head-up display further enhanced the futuristic feel. Despite some over-the-top features, such as an unnecessary stoplight camera view, considerable thought was evident in the system’s overall functionality. The Burmester sound system catered well to audiophiles.

In contrast, the Chrysler 300's tech, while functional, was outdated. The 8.4-inch touchscreen running the previous-generation Uconnect system was simple and intuitive, but it failed to offer the latest features expected in 2023. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a USB connection. While the Harman Kardon 19-speaker system provided impressive sound, the system showed its age, particularly in areas like voice recognition and navigation graphics. One redeeming aspect was the SRT Dashboard, which allowed customization of driving modes and performance tracking.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was a treasure trove of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). It included features like lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and an advanced hands-on highway driver-assist system. Unique features like Crosswind Assist and Speed Limit Assist added extra layers of security. However, crash test ratings from organizations like NHTSA or IIHS were not yet available.

The Chrysler 300 lagged notably in advanced safety features. Many were optional, except for those fully equipped 300C models. The adaptive cruise control system lacked the sophistication of stopping and resuming automatically. Basic safety features like forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring were present but required additional packages. Older crash test ratings reflected the vehicle's age and received less impressive scores from IIHS.