You don’t find American models topping the luxury car ratings very often. It’s an area typically left for European carmakers. But if “buy American” is the mantra in your household, let’s check out the Chrysler 300 vs Buick Regal luxury sedan comparison.
The Chrysler 300 has been around since 1998 when the 300M was released. Since then, it’s undergone a metamorphosis that instilled raw power from HEMI engines, a sexy look and a refined demeanor.
The Buick Regal has a longer history, first introduced in the 1973 model year. In the late 80s, Buick became an old man’s brand, an image that’s been hard to shake. The recent model is a reinvention for the Regal brand, heading toward a more youthful demographic and injecting a playful note that’s been missing for decades.
When you pit the 2018 Chrysler 300 vs Buick Regal, you’re comparing two very different models. In this comparison, we’re going to look at the top-end trims for both models. It’s the 2018 Buick Regal GS vs the 2018 Chrysler 300C. Both cars hover around the $40K mark before you start loading up with options, so let’s see which car gets the nod after comparing five key areas.
The 2018 Buick Regal GS has a svelte, sports coupe-like front end with headlights that squint, wide accented air intakes on the lower fascia, and the long raking hood and windshield you’d expect in a performance sedan.
Piano black and satin aluminum are used tastefully on the exterior, and 19-inch aluminum wheels are standard.
The Chrysler 300C is the opposite end of the spectrum. The body is squared off at the front and rear. Its front grille and fascia resemble high-end hints of Bentley and Rolls-Royce, although without the Flying Lady hood ornament.
Bright LED signature lighting adds a premium appearance, and the spidery 20-inch aluminum wheels are standard equipment.
Both cars are quite attractive. The Chrysler 300C has a more traditional luxury car style, which is why it gets the first point in the comparison.
It’s the first time in 13 years that Buick has used a V6 in a midsize sedan, and we’re grateful. The 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 has plenty of power. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, the Buick Regal GS has the performance to slide into the sports sedan segment if it wants.
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The 2018 Chrysler 300C has the famous HEMI engine. 363 horsepower from a throaty 5.7-liter HEMI V8 sounds way better than a V6, and its eight-speed transmission does a great job of transferring its power to the road.
It’s a good thing that fuel efficiency isn’t a factor here, because that could seriously sway the results. The Chrysler 300C takes the performance category since “there’s no replacement for displacement.”
A luxury car is supposed to be about a serene in-car experience, and that comes through in handling. Again, the two competitors are polar opposites to that effect.
The 2018 Chrysler 300C comes only as a rear-wheel-drive model, and that’s a bit of a sore spot. Other trims include an AWD option. Chrysler tries to offset it with features like rain brake support, a 5-link independent rear suspension, and a responsive electric power-assisted steering system. But while the Chrysler 300C is a well-behaved animal in good road conditions, it gets wild when it isn’t so nice. Its 20-inch alloy wheels don’t help with either road noise or handling, unfortunately, even though they look good.
It’s a different story for the 2018 Buick Regal GS. The FWD-based sedan gets standard equipment intelligent AWD with active twin clutch. It’s as stable as you can get in all road conditions. Sport mode selectivity with real-time damping stabilizes the ride substantially.
It’s no question, the 2018 Buick Regal GS outdoes the 300C handily.
The 2018 Chrysler 300C interior has great quality. Heated and ventilated leather front seats are standard equipment, as are heated rear outboard seats. Leather accents are an extra, although they really class up the joint.
The artificial wood and aluminum-look plastic trim, unfortunately, detract from the high-end feel in the 300C.
The 2018 Buick Regal GS is less pretentious. While it has French-stitched seams, the interior is more inviting. That’s echoed in its comfort with leather heated and ventilated front seats that also have a relaxing massage function. It’s still a GM product, so it isn’t the upper crust of materials but the Regal GS does everything really well.
Neither model is the epitome of hand-crafted luxury. But for their price point, both do a good job. It’s a slim margin, but the 2018 Buick Regal GS takes the interior battle.
Since both models have an insane and comparable amount of standard equipment, we’re only going to look at the standout features of each.
The Chrysler 300C has the Uconnect 4C system with an 8.4-inch display as standard, while navigation is an upgrade. A sound system upgrade includes 19 speakers with Harmon Kardon technology. The SafetyTec Package adds Adaptive Cruise, rain-sensitive wipers and other driver-assistive options. There’s a dual-panel sunroof option, which the Buick Regal doesn’t offer. As well, a rear-window power sunshade is a cool, premium option that stands out.
The all-new 2018 Buick Regal GS has available follow distance indicator, forward collision alert, front and rear park assist, adaptive cruise control, and other driver-assistive features. Wireless charging is available, as is an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system. Standard equipment is a non-nav 8-inch screen. A power moonroof is available for the Regal GS, but only a single panel.
The Chrysler 300C takes the win in the tech category, based mostly on available options.
It’s a close race for two very different cars. In the end, the Chrysler 300C takes the win based on its performance, style and tech features.
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