If Chrysler's 300C were a movie, it'd have a plot that could be summarised in three words or less, be populated entirely by beautiful women in various states of undress, and every other scene would essentially consist a large explosion or gunfight or both. Comparing the 300C to its German rivals would be like screening Terminator 2 and Krzysztof Kieslowski's Trois couleurs: Bleu, back to back.

The 300C, therefore, is America as we know it. It is the picture that we get from movies and television and all the other tasty bits culled from that country's socio-cultural milieu made jaw-droppingly real. It's equal parts Dirty Harry, Triple H and Michael Corleone, and it's pretty much the most stunning series production car to have come out of the States since Ford made the decision to redo the GT40.

For starters, the 300C is huge. And there is a brutally elegant muscularity to the car's flanks that seriously magnifies its overall size. It really is the proverbial gorilla in a silk suit and driving about in it makes every other car look toy-like in comparison.

And while we're on the subject of looks, the 300C might appear as American as apple pie, but the filling comes from right across the pond. In this sense, the car's also a bit Arnold Schwarzenegger, as like the Governator, the 300C actually hails from Austria. It's built by specialist contract manufacturer Magna Steyr in Graz, and is based on Mercedes-Benz mechanicals, not that'd you'd realise the latter fact just by looking at the car.

DRIVING IT

Anything weighing in on the wrong side of 1,800kg isn't going to constitute the last word in agility and the 300C is no exception. If you're just pottering about, the ride, depending on the quality of the road surface, can range from cosseting to degenerating into a sort of floaty bounciness. A big part of the problem is the weight, and while the 300C's springs do feel quite stiff, the car's not inconsiderable oscillating mass doesn't seem all too well contained by the dampers.

The steering is light and there isn't much feel to be had, but it is accurate. Outright grip levels aren't particularly high, but a bit of hard driving exposes a remarkable fluency to the way the 300C handles. Give the car a stiff poke and the effect is like transitioning from slouching to suddenly being ramrod straight. There's still the question of mass and inertia to deal with but within the limits delineated by those factors, the 300C delights.

The 3.5-litre V6 engine makes 253bhp, which is just enough to lift the 300C above lethargy. It is smooth and nicely growly, though, sounding not unlike a small V8. There is a 400-plus bhp SRT-8 version on the way, though, with tuned suspension and 20-inch rubber, for those with a far more spirited drive in mind. The 3.5-litre is perfect for local roads, however, and so is the five-speed automatic gearbox, which slurs shifts commendably well.

INSIDE IT

The interior architecture doesn't emulate the visual drama of the exterior, which is probably no bad thing. You get simple surfacing, a healthy dose of chrome, clear instruments and a very large steering wheel. The standard equipment list is pretty comprehensive, you get an integrated stereo courtesy of Boston Acoustics, climate and cruise control, as well as a memory setting for the driver's seat.

The 300C is a big step up in terms of quality, especially when compared to other American cars, but it still falls some way short of German rivals. The materials used are generally quite good, with nice, soft-touch coatings for the dashboard and door panels, but the overall fit and finish could do with some improvement.

DOLLARS AND SENSE

For the money, nothing comes close to matching the 300C's visual cred. It's like testosterone on wheels, and you find yourself getting out of the car and walking away with a swagger in your step, like you've just dismounted a particularly fat horse. A quick spell behind the wheel is all it takes to impart a feeling of cool imperiousness that you'd normally only get in a classic Bentley or Rolls-Royce.

And as mentioned earlier, you can instantly turn any other large car into a complete wallflower simply by parking in the general vicinity, and pulling up at the lights next to your fellow motorists is a wickedly effortless exercise in one-upmanship that's made all the sweeter when you factor in the 300C's price tag. Simply put, you get one heckuva load of car for your cash.

VERDICT

If you're looking for something a bit different from the usual executive transport suspects then, er, look elsewhere because the 300C is considerably more than just a bit different. If you want massive presence and heaps of style with a big dollop of visual menace then there is absolutely no better way to spend $155,999.

Need to Know

Model: Chrysler 300C 3.5 (A)
Engine type: 3,518cc 24V V6
Max Power: 253bhp at 6,400rpm
Max Torque: 340Nm at 3,800rpm
Gearbox: 5-speed automatic
Top speed: 220km/h
0-100km/h: 9.2 seconds
Price: $155,999 with COE
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km
Contact: Chrysler Jeep Automotive of Singapore at 6479-3333

SIMILAR CARS WE HAVE DRIVEN

Audi A6 2.4 (A) $188,000 with COE
The A6 takes a more subtle approach towards being visually arresting and it's much better built and has a considerably plusher ride. It's a lot more expensive, too.

Lexus ES300 (A) $151,888 with COE
On the opposite end of the spectrum sits the Lexus. The ES is exceedingly well-built, has a great ride and is exceptionally refined. It can't match either of the cars here in terms of visual appeal, though.