This Chrysler sedan's Hemi delivers the heat

A menu of Mark Glover’s AutoGlo reviews of the latest motor vehicle models also can be seen on The Sacramento Bee’s website at www.sacbee.com/news/business/article4005306.html

This review first appeared in the August 2017 edition of the Northern & Central California Cruisin’ News published out of Folsom, California – mg

Sacramento, California – The first thing you notice walking up to the Chrysler 300 sedan is that mother of all big grilles, seemingly capable of swallowing midsize models in a single bite.

So when you see this, naturally, you want some performance to go with the look.

The recently tested 2017 Chrysler 300S gives you that, and then some.  Equipped with the legendary 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, the 300S delivers 363 horsepower and nearly 400 foot-pounds of torque in a noisy symphony that pleases the ears of all fans of classic American muscle.

The Hemi takes the full-size sedan from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than six seconds.

This is not subtle power delivery.  The 300S runs up through the gears with a get-outta-my-way attitude that makes your skin tingle with the sweet understanding that all that juice is at your command.  Most motorists do indeed get out of the way when they see the 300S coming.  The rapid closing speed and that big grille really do make an impression.

The tested 300S started at $35,675, but it was dressed up in a veritable automotive tuxedo of extras to bring the bottom line to $48,240.

Say it with me: WOW!

The extensive list of options on my ride included a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, premium LED fog lamps, a park-assist system, heated second-row seats and a forward collision-warning system.  Believe me when I tell you that is the short list.

Riding along in the lap of luxury, I found the cockpit seat totally comfortable and offering an excellent 360-degree view of my surroundings.  Volunteer passengers commented on the sedan’s comfortable seats, with plenty of room to stretch elbows and long legs.

Please note that it’s easy to creep up into the 80 mph range with that Hemi V-8 doing the heavy lifting, so it pays to adjust your right foot accordingly on the open road.  Surprisingly, given all the oomph at hand, fuel mileage is a not-so-bad 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.  For my money, this 300S is no city driver.  It’s made to be opened up on wide-open roadways far from the land of parking meters.

The car drives like a big-shouldered sedan, but its steering characteristics are pleasantly stable, with just the right amount of firmness in quick lane changes or when taking curves at moderate or high speeds.

For the younger driver who needs to have the full set of electronic bells and whistles, the 300S does not disappoint.  The automaker’s Android Auto feature enables access to Google voice search, Google Maps and Google Play Music, all via an 8.4-inch touchscreen or through controls on the steering wheel.  Access to Apple features can be had that way as well.

All in all, my week with the 300S was thoroughly enjoyable.  I also enjoyed the fact that Chrysler has brought this 300 along in a practical, common-sense way since the rear-driver made its debut at the 2003 New York Auto Show.

The current-generation 300S with the Hemi V-8 stacks up as the near-perfect family car for drivers who also like a shot of old-school muscle in their outings on the roadways.