One thing those shoppers might find objectionable is the noise — specifically, wind noise and outside noise intrusion. Wind noise, an issue on highways, wasn't extremely loud, but there was a noticeable whistle coming from the windshield, and I've always thought that's the sort of thing luxury buyers spend their money to avoid.

Same goes for the amount of noise you hear coming into the cabin. The fact is, many luxury cars do a better job of isolating you from the din going on around you. When I was driving the Acadia Denali in the city, I noticed every loud diesel engine, every car horn and every construction sound. Other vehicles I've driven have done a better job of at least tamping down that sort of noise, if not completely muting it. The noise is especially noticeable considering GM said it put laminated glass and other sound deadeners in the Denali.