2015 Chrysler 200 Long-Term Update: Design

Mid-size sedans used to put a priority on function over fashion, but that started to change when Ford brought out its groundbreaking Fusion, which married sleek styling with the practicality of a sedan. The bar since raised, Chrysler has responded with its own fresh take on the standard 4-door formula with the redesigned 2015 200C, which offers its own kind of forward-looking take on styling. The new look is light years ahead of the previous model which was a mashup of overcooked styling cues that included such non-functional filigree as hood strakes.

It seems current conventional design wisdom calls for a massive grille to announce a car’s presence, but not so with the Chrysler 200C, which has a more subdued opening that blends in nicely with the headlamps. Much of the cooling work is done by a larger, secondary intake positioned below the bumperline. This sleek and clean nose wraps into the sides, which are equally free of clutter. Simple lines, a fast roofline and tires that fill up the wheel arches give the 200C an appealing profile. At the rear, the clean look continues with a slight ducktail spoiler built into the decklid and an aerodynamic diffuser below the bumper line that nicely integrates the chromed exhaust tips.

Also: Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards of 2015

Easter eggs inside 

The cabin features a sweeping dash design that incorporates a large touchscreen in the center of the dash.  The 2015 Chrysler 200C employs a by-wire rotary dial gear selector, which frees up additional storage space below the center console. In that space, you’ll find one of the Easter Eggs left by interior design Klaus Busse (who recently went off to Italy to head up FCA’s design activities for Alfa Romeo and Maserati) in the form of an embossed depiction of the Detroit skyline.

It’s the attention to those sorts of small details that show in the overall design of the 200C’s interior. Thanks to the use of real wood and metal accents along with standard features like a leather upholstery, the interior has the look and feel of a luxury vehicle, and yet the pricing is competitive with other family sedans in the mid-size segment-the base 200C starts at $26,325 and equipped with high end features like nav, a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen and upgrade sound system still costs less than $31,000. Inside and out, the 2015 Chrysler 200C has the looks and upscale feel that greatly contribute to pride of ownership.