We love the 2011 Chrysler 300 both for what it is (a full-size American sedan with an available V-8) and what it isn’t (stuffy or pretentious). The Chrysler 300 has no aspirations of taking on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class for luxury, and it isn’t really small or nimble enough to be a legitimate sport sedan competitor to BMW’s 5-Series (although the 300 SRT-8 is plenty fast). Instead, the Chrysler 300 is a big sedan for the common man, albeit one that can be optioned out to near-luxury levels.

For 2012, Chrysler is launching a Luxury Series 300 that takes the car one step closer to the posh side. Outside, Luxury Series cars are distinguished by their platinum-chrome grilles, door handles, mirror caps and polished 19 or 20-inch wheels, depending upon platform (RWD cars get 20-inch wheels, AWD cars get 19-inch). The styling changes are subtle and tasteful, and really do enhance the looks of the 300.

The big news, however, is on the inside. Luxury Series cars get a black or mochachino Poltrona Frau “Foligno” leather-wrapped instrument cluster, center console sides and upper front and rear door panels. Premium Nappa leather is used for the armrests and seats, and the steering wheel is wrapped in either black or mochachino leather. Natural Pore Mocha wood trim, in a matte finish, is used to accent the interior as well.

The Luxury Series cars will arrive at dealers in the first quarter of 2012, at a starting price of $40,145 for a RWD Chrysler 300. Opt for the base 300 Luxury Series in AWD, and the price goes up to $42,495. If you want the 300C Luxury Series, a rear-drive model starts at $42,895, while the AWD sedan will be priced from $45,245.