Chevy's reinvented Impala goes uptown with style, comfort

A real estate salesman, his eyes as big as custom rims, motioned for us to pull over right outside one of his model homes and demanded a closer look.

The LS also features Bluetooth, trial subscriptions to 4G LTE for the built-in hotspot, OnStar guidance and SiriusXM satellite radio, six-speaker, 100-watt audio, 235/50R18 tires on steel wheels, halogen headlamps (automatic on/off), cruise control and power mirrors, windows and door locks.

Moving up to the LT ($30,335) gets you Apple CarPlay, two extra USB ports, SD card reader, Bluetooth audio streaming, dual-zone automatic climate control, steering wheel and shifter covered in leather, 18-inch aluminum wheels and heated, body-colored outside mirrors with turn signals and puddle lights.

Starting at $36,415, the 2016 LTZ buys a 305-hp 3.6-liter direct injection V6, leather seating, keyless access with pushbutton start, backup camera with rear sensors, eight-way power passenger seat, remote starter, heated front seats, dual exhaust and 19-inch wheels.

Many will justify the extra outlay of money on the grounds that the LTZ comes with the Impala's full arsenal of safety features, including rear cross-traffic, lane departure and blind spot warning and forward collision alert.

The midnight edition package ($1,595 on the LT model; $1,195 on the LTZ) is based on a concept that debuted at the 2014 Specialty Equipment Market Association trade show and features black paint, interior, mirror covers, black-accented 19-inch wheels, grille, rear spoiler and sport pedals.

The available enhanced convenience package ($1,035) includes upgraded floor mats, driver memory, trunk mat, outside heated power mirrors, ventilated driver's seat, heated steering wheel, universal remote and power tilt/telescoping steering column.