An Electric Chrysler 300 Replacement Is Still A Long Way Out

Despite receiving no significant marketing investment or major updates since 2015, the Chrysler 300 Series has continued to strong performer in the shrinking full-size car segment. While the current model has seen significant upgrades since its debut in 2004, it has remained based on the same LX architecture. With this architecture slated to conclude later this year, there has been speculation surrounding the future of the 300 nameplate.

Over the past year, there has been renewed optimism for a large Chrysler sedan, after 2023. In January 2022, Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell informed Automotive News that the automaker was in the process of developing a replacement for the 300 featuring an entirely fresh design. During the company’s EV Day 2021 presentation, intriguing silhouettes of a more dynamically styled fastback coupe-like sedan were shown in slides, bearing Chrysler logos on the wheels.

The media was further intrigued by an image of this vehicle released during an announcement concerning investments in the company’s safety and wind tunnel testing facilities.

Feuell has been vocal about Chrysler’s transition into a fully electric brand by the 2028 model year. The initial all-electric offering was slated to be a production-ready version of the Chrysler Airflow Concept. However, Feuell, who assumed her role in September 2021, aimed to approach this shift with a fresh perspective by scrapping the Airflow in favor of an all-new vehicle, as Head of Design Ralph Gilles stated.

The inaugural vehicle will remain an E-segment crossover, distinct from the Airflow. While the spotlight has primarily been on this crossover, a fully-electric minivan might follow, potentially delaying the introduction of a Chrysler 300 replacement until at least 2027. This new sedan is anticipated to be built on the STLA Large architecture, mirroring the approach taken with the next-gen Dodge Charger (LB), a strategy that proves successful today.

This implies that the new 300 could achieve an impressive range of up to 500 miles (800 kilometers) on a single charge, courtesy of its 108 kWh battery packs. Utilizing an 800-volt architecture, the forthcoming 300 is set to offer enhanced fast-charging capabilities. With its electric drive modules (EDMs) capable of delivering between 201 and 443 horsepower, a dual-motor setup could yield an impressive 886 horsepower, a substantial increase from the 485 horsepower in the limited edition 2023 Chrysler 300C.

Nevertheless, it’s unlikely we’ll see a 300 replacement in the near future. One can only hope that Chrysler will follow through, as the current-generation car holds significant importance for the brand and the American car segment.