2014 Chrysler 300C John Varvatos TESTDRIVENOW.COM VIDEO REVIEW

2014 Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Luxury Edition VIDEO REVIEW

I’m wearing boxer briefs right now. Why on earth would I share such information? Because we have the same man to thank for both these comfortable men’s undergarments and this limited edition Chrysler; fashion designer and Detroit native John Varvatos.

One look at the way I dress and it should be no surprise that I hadn’t a clue as to who John Varvatos was before driving this car. Among his long list of fashion achievements is pioneering the boxer brief and being named GQ’s “Designer of the Year” in 2007. And unlike the Canadian born 300, Varvatos really is imported from Detroit. Now, there are 2 different John Varvatos 300 models; the pricier and heavily urbanized Limited Edition and this – the Luxury Edition, with a starting MSRP of $42,890. It has been designed to be the brand’s most luxurious and fuel-efficient flagship sedan ever. The luxury part of that equation definitely hits its mark but at 15mpg city/25mpg highway on midgrade gas, the latter proclamation rings a bit hollow.

I’ve always been a fan of the HEMI-powered 300C and this current generation is truly a unique car, full of American-inspired opulence. It harkens back to a time when owning a big Chrysler represented power and prestige.

After driving so many sports models lately the 300C has been a pleasant reminder that American luxury still lives on. Sure it’s got a HEMI but this Chrysler’s main focus is to envelop you in big car comfort with a forgiving ride quality that’s difficult to find these days. The Varvatos treatment is a nice touch of elegance and the electronics are typical Chrysler excellence. This would be a great car to live with in a daily basis.

Varvatos has helped craft the 300C in his image through the use of this very attractive, Dark Mocha ultra-premium leather and the fine look of hand-sanded wood in a matte finish. Both the driver’s and passenger’s seat are 12 way power-adjustable with ventilation and heat and the steering wheel includes die-cast paddle shifters and a chrome accent ring. Moving outside, there are 20” polished aluminum wheels with painted pockets fitted with high performance Firestone Firehawk GT tires, platinum accents and a specific mesh grille. And of course, you get this cool looking Varvatos hieroglyphic in a number of locations.

Backed by the robust power of the optional 363 horsepower 5.7-liter V8 which also makes nearly 400 pound feet of torque, the 300C will occasionally spin its rear tires on its way to lively acceleration runs…the power delivery is silky smooth. The 8-speed auto gets left behind though, in favor of a, 5-speed, which seems unfathomable these days at this price point. It does come with a sport mode, a performance brake package and an uprated touring-tuned suspension, but this car is not concerned with trying to be a sports sedan. It handles itself confidently but comfortably.

My tester packs in nearly all the available options and as such plays like a luxury sedan well out of its class. The Beats Audio Group is here with 10 speakers and a sub, the comprehensive SafetyTec package adds the full pantry of driver assistance features, the Light Group invites adaptive bi-xenon headlamps with auto high beam control and rear fog lights and lastly, the dualpane panoramic sunroof adds airiness to the spacious cabin. And I love everything about Uconnect; from its breadth of features and touchscreen interface to its ease of use and big, bright displays. The cabin is uncluttered and classy.

$51,730 scores you a Chrysler just like this – a first-class ticket to Varvatos.

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