Chrysler 300C CRD - A whale of a car, also available in blue

On the television last week Stephen Fry tottered off to Mexico to try and spot a blue whale or two before the species flippers off this mortal coil.
Stephen being Stephen, there was an underlying campness about much of the expedition. The constant suspicion that we were imminently to be told the biggest creature ever to inhabit the planet may be fond of a little man love. Gay as a cod's garden party. Which is no way to avoid permanent absence from the gene pool.
This is the man who, in another programme, speculated that the komodo dragons, creatures so poisonously vile you would rather wake up with Robert Magaube, frolicking before the camera may be game for some boyish thigh slapping fun.
An odd approach, I am sure you would agree, to the natural world and its endangered species. A sort of view from the global village people.
In fact it is nothing to do with which bus the blue whale is on that threatens its existence but rather the fact that it is so big every Captain Ahab and Japanese sushi fancier in the history of whaling has become over excited about sticking his harpoon in one.
In fact there's a trend here. If you look at the creatures which have absenced themselves from judgement day many do seem to be on the large side; dinosaurs, the woolly mammoth, Tasmanian tiger and Bernard Manning, for instance.
Clearly to be big and bold is to be in something of an evolutionary niche. Bringing us lumbering to the subject of today's Attenborough documentary, the Chrysler 300C CRD.
Is it big? Eyewateringly. And bold? Don't expect to go unnoticed. But why would you want one?
Well aside from being appointed honourary consul to the Sopranos there is something reassuringly decadent about a big car. The Americans take it for granted but we Brits seem almost ashamed to admit to wanting leg room.
The facelifted 300C has abandoned its out and out Streets of San Francisco harshness in favour of a more European feel, soft touch finishes where once was cold, hard plastic.
All models now get the 'MyGig' information and entertainment system with 20gb of storage for music, touch screen navigation and Bluetooth.
SRT-Design models are blinged up to Dog Doodly Diddle, or whatever he name is, proportions with 20 inch wheels and a chrome mesh grille like an industrial fireguard. There are also two front sports seats that put Parker Knoll recliners in the shade and a Land of Leather three-seater in the rear. Leaving just enough room for your dining furniture.
So, all the laid back features of Bolivian import-export success are there buy what about life on the road?
The Mercedes three-litre diesel engine is a high point, smooth and quiet but a bit thirsty at 35mpg combined.
In a straight line acceleration is good, 60mph in 7.6 seconds and with a top speed of 143mph. Chrysler makes no pretence towards the 300 having any sporting pedigree. Which is reassuring. Racing this car would be like slaloming an aircraft carrier. Better to lie back and think of England or whatever other banana republic you fancy and the £32,500 price tag for a massively equipped exec limo that has cost you the same as a 3-Series. On the list are eight-way powered seats, ESP, brake assist and traction control.
Like whale spotting the 300CRD is something you may or may not be attracted too. If you are, it is also available in blue.