The Chrysler 300M was a big American executive saloon tailored for Europe. Sold in Britain around the turn of the millennium, it combined front-wheel drive, a muscular 3.5-litre V6 and a roomy leather-lined cabin with a footprint deliberately kept just below five metres.
It arrived when Chrysler was trying to prove that an American badge could compete with the BMW 5 Series, Saab 9-5 and Volvo S80. The 300M was never common here, which is exactly why it has become an interesting modern classic.
From LH platform to European flagship
The 300M was introduced for the 1999 model year as part of Chrysler’s cab-forward LH family. Its short nose, steeply raked windscreen and long wheelbase pushed the passenger compartment forward, creating generous interior space without the formal proportions of a traditional luxury saloon. Chrysler shortened the design to roughly five metres for export markets and gave it firmer suspension, stronger brakes and an Autobahn-friendly specification.
British cars were right-hand drive and normally powered by the larger 3,518cc 24-valve V6. It drove the front wheels through a four-speed automatic with AutoStick manual selection. Period output was about 250bhp, enough for brisk performance despite a kerb weight of roughly 1.6 tonnes. The lower-powered 2.7-litre engine existed in other European markets, but the 3.5 is the version most UK buyers will encounter.
What made the 300M unusual?
This was not simply a soft American cruiser. The steering and suspension were intended to feel more controlled than Chrysler’s domestic-market saloons, while standard equipment included climate control, cruise control, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats and an Infinity audio system on many examples. The cabin was wide, rear legroom was excellent and the boot held around 530 litres.
| UK-market snapshot | Chrysler 300M 3.5 V6 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5-litre, 24-valve V6 petrol |
| Power | About 250bhp |
| Transmission | Four-speed automatic with AutoStick |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Performance | 0–62mph in roughly 8.8 seconds; around 143mph |
| Boot | Approximately 530 litres |
How it drives
The 300M is at its best covering distance. The V6 is smooth and eager, the automatic suits relaxed driving and the long wheelbase gives a settled motorway gait. It is not as precise as the best German rivals, and the four-speed gearbox can feel short of ratios today, but it has more body control than the stereotypical American barge. Road noise and firm low-speed ride are reminders that the European tune was not purely cosmetic.
Fuel economy is the unavoidable trade-off. Expect something in the low-to-mid 20s mpg in mixed use, with less around town. Insurance, tax and parts availability also make it a car to buy with your eyes open rather than as an impulsive cheap luxury car.
Buying guide
Engine and cooling system
The 3.5 V6 is generally durable when serviced, but neglect is expensive. Look for evidence of regular oil changes and correct cambelt maintenance, listen for top-end noise and inspect for coolant leaks. Overheating history should be treated seriously.
Automatic transmission
Drive the car from cold and when fully warm. Changes should be clean, kickdown prompt and AutoStick selection consistent. Hesitation, flaring revs or harsh engagement can indicate problems that overwhelm the value of the car.
Suspension, brakes and tyres
The heavy front end works bushes, ball joints and dampers. Clunks over broken surfaces, uneven tyre wear or vibration under braking need investigation. Correctly rated tyres matter because of the car’s size and performance.
Electrical equipment and body
Test the climate control, seat motors, windows, central locking, audio equipment and instrument display. Check that warning lights illuminate and extinguish correctly. Rust is less notorious than on older Chryslers, but inspect sills, wheelarches, subframes and accident-prone bumper corners.
Which one should you buy?
Condition and history matter more than trim. A standard, well-maintained 3.5 with a quiet drivetrain and working electrics is preferable to a cosmetically shiny car with gaps in its record. Because UK numbers were never large, patience is essential and a specialist inspection is worthwhile.
Why it deserves remembering
The 300M represents a brief moment when Chrysler tried to reinterpret an American full-size saloon for European tastes. It is spacious, fast enough, richly equipped and visually distinctive. Survivors are rare without being prohibitively valuable, giving it real appeal for anyone bored by the obvious executive-class classics.
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