If you like your cars dripping with chrome, you will positively drool over Chrysler's monstrous 300C.

This is eye-popping, head-turning, unashamed, over-the-top US motoring coming to a driveway near you.

From its menacing, gangster-like grille, to its mighty 18-inch, split-spoke wheels, it looks like nothing else on the road and its meaty, eye-catching styling is matched by a surprisingly lean price tag.

Let's get a couple of things straight. While it is in its element comfortably and quietly chewing up motorway miles, this luxurious 249 horsepower V6 is unexpectedly capable on twisting country roads. Well damped, with little body roll, the rear-wheel-drive car gives a precise and responsive feel, despite offering more interior space than a BMW 7 Series or a Jaguar XJ8.

And though its gleaming chrome-trimmed exterior and faux tortoiseshell interior accents might suggest it is an over-dressed Pimpmobile, a triumph of style over substance, its build quality and fit and finish are unexpectedly upmarket.

Luxury and technology are jammed into every crevice of this prodigiously large car.

If you name it, it is almost certainly fitted, from heated leather driver and front passenger seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel with flush-mounted audio, navigation and trip computer controls, to dual driver memory system controls for adjustable steering column, driver's seat, mirrors and radio presets.

There are some delightfully unforeseen touches too, such as the classy instrumentation and an elegant analogue clock no cheap digital display here.

There are also plenty of practical touches, such as loads of storage space and a useful 60:40 split folding rear seat. Technology also plays a major part, with standard features ranging from electronic stability programme, all-speed traction control system and anti-lock braking system, to front and rear side-curtain air bags, xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps and high-pressure headlamp washers.

Other goodies include rain-sensing windscreen wipers, an alarm and, essential when your car is 16.5ft long, a rear parking warning system.

If you are looking for improved economy, a Mercedes-Benz 3.5-litre turbo diesel version is on offer and for performance fans, an awesome 155mph, 5.7-litre HEMI V8, producing 340 horsepower is available. For the insanely power-crazed, who enjoy frequent trips to filling stations, a 6.1-litre version is on the way.

Auto facts Chrysler 300C V6

  • Price: £25,750
  • Insurance group: 16
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 25.7mpg
  • Top speed: 136mph
  • Length: 501.5cm/197.4in
  • Width: 188cm/74in
  • Luggage capacity: 17.8 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity: 14.9 gallons/68 litres
  • CO2 emissions: 262g/km
  • Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles