I think it's ugly and trying to get into a segment that has historically not been very lucrative: the "bigger than family-size" front wheel drive sedan. Its competition is the Chrysler 300M, Pontiac Bonneville and Toyota Avalon; and I guess to a certain degree the Lexus ES and Acura TL. I don't see too many people cross-shopping it with say, a Camry. The size and appointments cater to old people but the design and sport options (limited slip, etc) is trying to be edgy and doesn't quite pull it off.

"The optional Elite Package is ideal for owners who, for example, like to go out to dinner with other couples, but never really need a full 5-passenger capacity of a traditional sedan."

What kind of owners do you suppose those are? Senior citizens. From my experience with senior citizens, they want three-across benches front and rear so you can have three couples out to dinner, not two.