You want to know how fast the 2023 Chrysler 300S 5.7L V8 actually is, and you won't find a standard corporate fluff piece here. Packing a legendary HEMI engine under a heavy full-size body, this sedan hits 0 to 60 mph in roughly 5.3 to 5.6 seconds and clears the quarter-mile in the mid-14-second range. It isn't the tire-shredding 4.85-second 6.4L 300C, but it packs enough muscle to remind you what traditional American rear-wheel-drive cruising feels like.
Chrysler built its final model year for this generation in 2023, closing out a long run for the LX platform. If you're looking at buying a used 300S V8 or just curious about its real-world road manners, you need to understand how that 5.7-liter displacement translates to daily driving, highway passing, and track-day potential. Let's break down the raw numbers, the mechanical setup, and what it's like to live with this engine.
Core Performance Metrics: Horsepower, Torque, and Acceleration
The numbers tell a specific story about weight versus power. The 2023 Chrysler 300S with the optional 5.7-liter HEMI V8 pushes out 363 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 394 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm.
That torque curve is where the car shines. You don't have to wring its neck to get moving; it pulls hard right from a stoplight.
- 0 to 60 mph: 5.3 to 5.6 seconds, depending on track surface, tire wear, and altitude.
- Quarter-Mile: Roughly 13.9 to 14.2 seconds at around 100 mph.
- Top Speed: Electronically limited to about 130 mph, though the chassis feels stable well past legal cruising speeds.
- Transmission: TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic, which shifts much faster than the older five-speed units found in earlier modern Mopars.
Because the car tips the scales at over 4,000 pounds, it doesn't launch like a lightweight sports coupe. It builds momentum aggressively. Once it's rolling at 30 mph, stabbing the throttle drops the transmission down a few gears and delivers an immediate wave of V8 torque.
How the 300S V8 Compares to the V6 and the 300C
People often confuse the trim levels, especially since Chrysler dropped a few limited variants near the end. You have three main performance tiers for the final model year.
The base Touring models rely on the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which makes 292 horsepower. It's fine for fuel economy, but it lacks the characteristic exhaust note and low-end grunt that buyers expect from a big sedan.
The 300S steps things up. You get the 5.7L V8 option, firmer suspension tuning, black exterior accents, and 20-inch wheels. It bridges the gap between a lazy highway cruiser and a true muscle car.
At the very top sits the limited-run 300C, featuring a 6.4-liter (392 cubic inch) HEMI pumping out 485 horsepower. That car hits 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Compared to the 392, the 5.7L 300S is more docile, cheaper to insure, and much easier to find on the used market. You can read more about the final lineup details directly on the Chrysler Official Site.
Real-World Driving Dynamics and Handling
Driving a heavy rear-wheel-drive sedan is an exercise in inertia. The steering is relatively heavy, giving you a planted feel on interstate commutes.
When you push it through tight corners, you'll feel the body roll. The 300S suspension is stiffer than the base Touring model, but it's still tuned for comfort rather than autocross dominance. It eats up highway miles effortlessly.
Braking is handled by performance-calibrated discs, though stopping a 4,200-pound vehicle repeatedly will induce brake fade if you treat a winding backroad like a race track. For daily driving, the pedal feel is progressive and predictable.
Fuel Economy and Daily Usability
You don't buy a 5.7L V8 HEMI to save money on gas. Physics demands fuel to move four tons of steel and iron.
- EPA Estimates: Roughly 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
- Real-World Mixed: Expect around 17 to 19 mpg if you have a heavy right foot.
- Fuel Saver Technology: The engine features cylinder deactivation, shutting down four cylinders when you're cruising on the highway to save a bit of fuel. When it drops into four-cylinder mode, you might notice a slight change in exhaust tone, but the transition is mostly smooth.
Cargo space is massive. The trunk holds 16.3 cubic feet, easily swallowing golf clubs, luggage, or grocery runs for a large family. Rear legroom is generous, making it a great road trip car for adults sitting in the back.
Common Weaknesses to Watch Out For
If you're shopping for a used 2023 model or an older equivalent with the same powertrain, keep a few mechanical quirks in mind:
- HEMI Tick: A slight ticking noise from the valvetrain is common in many Chrysler V8 engines. Sometimes it's just normal injector noise, but it can indicate lifter or camshaft wear if neglected.
- Transmission Adaptation: The ZF-licenced eight-speed automatic is generally bulletproof, but it adapts to driving styles. If a previous owner drove it gently and you drive aggressively, it might feel sluggish until it relearns your habits.
- Heavy Consumption of Consumables: Because of the vehicle's weight, you'll burn through rear tires and brake pads faster than you would in a lighter mid-size sedan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2023 Chrysler 300S V8 all-wheel drive?
No. The 5.7L V8 engine is exclusively paired with rear-wheel drive. If you need all-wheel drive, you have to step down to the 3.6L V6 engine variant.
Can you tune a 5.7L HEMI 300S for more power?
Yes. The aftermarket support for the HEMI platform is massive. Cold-air intakes, cat-back exhaust systems, and custom ECU tunes can wake up throttle response and add noticeable horsepower, though you won't match a stock 392 engine without forced induction.
Why did Chrysler discontinue the 300?
Chrysler ended production of the 300 after the 2003-2023 run to pivot toward electrification and modern vehicle architectures, marking the end of an era for traditional American full-size V8 sedans. You can track automotive industry shifts through publications like Car and Driver.
Does the 300S V8 sound aggressive stock?
It has a subtle, deep rumble at idle, but factory sound regulations keep it relatively quiet inside the cabin. Most owners swap the rear mufflers or install an aftermarket cat-back system to let the HEMI roar properly.
