Head to Head

Big, bold and daring. These are some of the words used to describe luxury sedans. First names that come to mind are usually European of origin but the Japanese and the Americans are more than ready to take on the establishment.

From the USA, we have the Chrysler 300C. With its unique styling and competitive package, this big Chrysler is America's take on the lap of luxury. Over in Japan, we have the Lexus ES350, a strong seller for Lexus here and abroad. Both offer loads of comfort, technology and innovation but how does each one stack up? It's a question we will answer with this week's Head to Head.

This week's head to head pairs two luxury sedans from America and Japan, the Chrysler 300C and Lexus ES350. Let's take a closer look at these European car alternatives.

To propel this much mass, both these cars come with six-cylinder engines standard. The Lexus ES350 is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine with 272 PS and 346 Nm of torque. It shares the same engine with some of Lexus' offerings, namely the IS350, RC350, GS350 and RX350. Meanwhile, the Chrysler 300C packs a 3.6 liter V6 the automaker calls Pentastar. It produces 286 PS and 340 Nm of torque.

While both offer V6 engines, the two differ when it comes to transmissions. An 8-speed automatic helps the 300C move along while the ES350 sticks to a 6-speed automatic. Also different are their drive wheels with the Lexus being front wheel drive and the 300C, rear wheel drive.

With each car costing over three million pesos, one can expect a high-quality interior while offering creature comforts that defines a luxury sedan. Inside the Lexus ES350, you are greeted by a wood-trimmed steering wheel that is also wrapped in leather. More wood inlays can be seen on the leather padded dashboard, door panels and center console. Unlike the sportier offerings in the Lexus lineup, the ES comes with a classic instrument panel layout which consists of two large dials housing speed and RPM. These are then accompanied by two smaller gauges for fuel and engine temperature. It takes a break from the analogue set up with a digital multi-information display.

Contrary to the ES350's sweeping theme, the 300C sticks to a more traditional layout with a more upright look. It gets soft padding throughout the cabin and, like the Lexus, features wood trim but with aluminum inlays. The instrument cluster combines classic and modern touches with analogue dials to the side and a large TFT screen on the center. Both the Chrysler and the Lexus come with quad-zone climate control but the 300C has novel cupholders that allows the passengers to chill or heat their drinks.

The Chrysler and the Lexus are both equipped with high-tech infotainment systems with

different executions. Infotainment for the Chrysler comes courtesy of Uconnect. The 8.4-inch interactive touchscreen display allows the user to access link their smartphone, controls the sound system, pair MP3 players, heating and cooling controls and more. Sound is then channeled through a 506-Watt Amplifier with Nine Amplified Speakers and Subwoofer.

Lexus has a different way with its infotainment system. To operate, simply use the mouse-like cursor beside the gear selector and the system will take you to various modes and screens. Like the 300C, the ES350 houses all functions on one screen. The Lexus packs an 8-speaker hi-fi system as well. Both cars feature CD, MP3, DVD, Auxiliary input and USB input.

Moving to their exteriors, the two have distinct designs to help them stand out from the crowd.

Following the L-Finesse design philosophy, the ES350 has the brand's signature Spindle Grill up in front, L-shaped elements throughout the exterior and distinct tail lights. As for the Chrysler, it combines elements from classic American cars with its defined edges and squared-off corners.

Not only do these cars offer high amounts of technology, both are loaded with advanced safety systems. The Lexus ES350 comes with Anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, traction control, stability control, front and rear clearance sensors, self-leveling headlights, emergency brake signal and 10 airbags. In the Chrysler, it too comes with Anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, traction control, stability control, front and rear clearance sensors and airbag count is at 7. On top of those features, the 300C benefits from Electronic Roll Mitigation Rain Brake Support, Ready Alert Braking and Reactive Head Restraints .

Summing up this head to head are the prices. The ES350 is only available in one variant and prices start at Php 3,658,000. Chrysler too only has one trim level for the 300C and it starts at Php 3,550,000.

As manufacturers continue to push for advances in design and technology, luxury cars are paving the way of the future while blending in comfort and style in the mix. With what these cars offer, choosing between the Chrysler 300C or Lexus ES350 is admittedly difficult. One thing is for sure though, you're guaranteed to be sitting, or driving, in the lap of luxury.