Maintaining Tradition: 2020 Chrysler 300 Receives New Packaging Options, Pricing

True to form, Fiat Chrysler has attempted to keep the Chrysler 300 relevant by offering rolling paint and package options. With sales bottoming out at 29,213 U.S. deliveries in 2019, the model is likely not long for this world. However, that’s hardly a good reason for the manufacturer to abate the time-honored tradition of trying to seduce a few more customers through new upholstery and some distinctive badging — both of which will be available for purchase in 2020, in addition to the obligatory paint updates.

Chrysler’s sizable sedan also sees price increases nearly across the board. While you’ll hardly notice the difference on most rear-drive trims, all-wheel drive models tack on an additional $250-370 against last year’s pricing. Think of it as an opportunity to further sharpen your negotiating skills, something we imagine your local dealership will be expecting you to do anyway.

If you want the big discounts, try to find holdovers from the 2019 model year. If you want the latest appearances packages that’ll guarantee you have the freshest 300 from the factory, read on.

Mopar Insiders reported on the brand’s new Sport Appearance Package last week, and it has since appeared on Chrysler’s website for an extra $1,495. It adds the black 300S grille, 20×8-inch Black Noise Aluminum Wheels, black headlamp bezels, darker badging and some black accenting on the exterior. Don’t like black? There’s an identically priced chrome appearance package that does the the exact opposite.

The 2020 300S is also supposed to receive a Red S Appearance Package that adds all the darkened bits from the Sport Appearance Pack (with a red insert on the Chrysler logo) and opens the door for a unique Red Radar interior. But it hasn’t manifested on the brand’s website yet, indicating the brand may be saving it for later in the year when the rest of its new paint colors come out.

Frostbite, a color already offered on Dodge’s Challenger and Charger, has been added to the 300’s core lineup of hues for 2020. It’s a lovely, teal sapphire sort of shade (available now) and doesn’t come at a premium. It will be followed by late-availability colors Amethyst and Canyon Sunset, both of which help give the model a paint roster reminiscent of the late 1990s. Maximum Steel and Ceramic Grey are both gone for 2020, but you can still get the 300 in Silver Mist and Granite Crystal Metallic. Mopar Insiders said the new red interior will be compatible with all paint options except Frostbite — where it would look a bit odd — and costs an extra $300.

FCA has already shared photos of the new content, so we know it’s coming (the automaker isn’t likely to hold a parade to announce everything that’s new for the model). Check with your dealer if you’re keen on getting that flaming-hot interior and/or Red S Appearance Package. Pricing for the 2020 Chrysler starts at $29,590, with the top-trimmed 300C coming in at $41,995 sans options.

[Images: FCA]