2024 BMW 7 Series vs 2023 Chrysler 300

The 2023 Chrysler 300 retained its classic design elements that harkened back to its 2005 debut, which drew comparisons to the Bentley Arnage. Despite its age, the 300's styling remained appealing, with its bold grille, round headlights, and stately proportions. The final production year offered various trims, including the exclusive 300C, which featured a powerful V8 engine and a blacked-out appearance package. While the exterior exuded luxury, the interior did not quite match this promise, with materials and design showing their age. The 300C did, however, include premium touches like carbon-fibre trim and Laguna leather upholstery.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series presented a more conventional luxury sedan design compared to its predecessors, with a massive grille and narrow LED headlights. The car offered a wide array of colour and trim choices, including two-tone schemes and matte paint options. Inside, the 7 Series boasted a beautifully crafted cabin with a variety of seat materials and a striking crystalline-looking strip with ambient lighting. The rear-seat theatre screen and panoramic sunroof added to the opulence, making the interior feel both luxurious and technologically advanced.

The 2023 Chrysler 300C was celebrated for its power and performance, featuring a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine that delivered 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain enabled the 300C to accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 257 km/h. The car's adaptive damping suspension, Brembo brakes, and performance tires contributed to its dynamic driving experience. However, the 300C's performance came at the cost of cabin noise and fuel economy, with a combined rating of 13.1 L/100 km.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series offered two potent powertrains in Canada: the 760i with a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 producing 536 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, and the 750e plug-in hybrid with a combined output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The 760i could reach 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, while the 750e achieved it in 4.7 seconds. The 750e excelled in fuel efficiency, with a rating of 3.6 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres (electric) and 9.4 L/100 km (gas) combined. However, its regenerative braking system and power delivery were less refined in urban settings. The 7 Series handled like a sports sedan, with precise steering and minimal body roll, despite its size.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 offered a spacious front cabin with power-adjustable seats, premium leather, and heating and ventilation features. However, the rear seats were less accommodating, with limited legroom and a slouch-promoting backrest angle. Storage space was minimal, lacking modern conveniences like wireless charging. The trunk provided a generous 461-litre cargo area, though it lacked power assistance for opening.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series, available only as a long-wheelbase sedan, prioritized passenger comfort with well-padded, adjustable front seats and an optional massaging function. Rear passengers enjoyed ample legroom, door-mounted control screens, and optional ventilated and massaging seats. The trunk offered 523 litres of cargo volume in the 750e and 540 litres in gas-only models, surpassing competitors like the Audi A8 and Genesis G90. Interior storage was unremarkable, but the overall passenger experience was luxurious.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 featured the older Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. While functional, it showed its age with dated graphics and limited connectivity options. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and navigation, but lacked a surround-view camera system. The Harman Kardon audio system provided quality sound, and the SRT Dashboard allowed for performance tracking.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series boasted a massive curved-screen display with iDrive 8.5 software, offering a smartphone-like interface. However, the system required navigating complex menus, making it less intuitive than competitors. The voice assistant was helpful but occasionally struggled with commands. The standard 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo could be upgraded to a 40-speaker system. The optional 31.3-inch theatre screen provided rear passengers with entertainment options, though it was finicky to control.

The 2023 Chrysler 300 offered limited advanced safety features, with most available only as options. The SafetyTec Plus Group included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The adaptive cruise control system was basic, and the car's crash-test ratings were outdated, with a Marginal rating from the IIHS in moderate-overlap frontal-impact tests.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it shared a platform with the 5 Series, which earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation. The 7 Series included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The optional Advanced Driver Assistance Package added partially automated driving capabilities. BMW's systems were smooth and reliable, though some competitors offered similar features as standard.