Ace of Base: 2019 Chrysler 300 Touring

It’ll not have escaped your notice that neither the Dodge Charger nor the Challenger has made an appearance in this series. Why? Because we try (emphasis on try) to include models which we think have base trims that might very well be the best of the line. With 797-horsepower options on the table, it’s hard to make that argument for the Dodge.

But what about its Chrysler cousin? A well-timed and much appreciated email from a reader suggested the 300 Touring might make a good candidate, especially since deep discounts can be had just for asking. We don’t usually consider incentive spending in Ace of Base, but when that figure routinely touches 25 percent — or more — of sticker price, it’s difficult to ignore.

The base Touring model comes with FCA’s we-put-it-in-everything Pentastar V6. In this application, it makes just under 300 horsepower. Paired with the company’s excellent eight-speed automatic, the large sedan routinely returns econobox fuel efficiency … even your author’s nine-year old high-mile example can still touch 30 mpg on a long highway slog. For a big rear-drive car, that’s remarkable.

Despite the car being nearly fifteen years old, it still cuts a large-and-in-charge shape, with its upright grille and boxy proportions commanding attention. A $1,295 sport appearance package blacks out all the chromed plastic trim and adds visual menace, but the wise Ace of Base shopper will keep their money in their pocket. Seventeen-inch wheels wear modestly-sized 215/65 tires. Base models are offered in eight colors, all gratis. Ocean Blue Metallic is shown here.

Chrysler’s admittedly useful 8.4-inch Uconnect is standard these days, an infotainment device that used to be optional. Seats are black unheated cloth at this price but, if they’re anything like those found in the 2012 Charger, the material is so thick and robust it’ll probably outlive the car. It’s certainly held up well against the daily rigor of family service. Dual-zone climate control is also standard. There’s no sunroof but that only encroaches on headroom.

Anecdotally, dealers in some markets are advertising this machine in the ballpark of $18,500. This surely includes several rebates and incentive stacked on top of each other like cordwood, many of which would be impossible for the vast majority of the general public to redeem all at once. It surely doesn’t include freight, either. The sticker price is $29,220, by the way.

This leaves us with a question: given the deep discounts and potential for a low interest rate, should one spring for one of these or pop for a slightly used unit? That’s up to you and your unique situation. What is a surety, though, is that the base model Chrysler 300 makes a solid case for itself … until they offer a Hellcat engine in it.

[Images: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles]

Not every base model has aced it. The ones which have? They help make the automotive landscape a lot better. Any others you can think of, B&B? Let us know in the comments and feel free to eviscerate our selections.

The model above is shown with American options and priced in American Dollars. Your dealer may sell for less – probably a lot less in this case