My sampler spoiled me with perhaps the quietest ride I have ever experienced in terms of wind, engine and road noise. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Without marking any option boxes, STS owners will still enjoy spoils such as a keyless access system and pushbutton start, remote starting, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, ultrasonic park assist, tire pressure monitoring, Bose audio, a tilt and telescopic leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and climate controls, plus many additional conveniences.

The dessert cart of electronics I referred to earlier include such cutting-edge features as adaptive radar-controlled cruise control, 4-colour heads-up display, Xenon HID Intellibeam headlights (automatic high beam dimming), satellite radio and Bluetooth cell phone technology.

On the mechanical side, the STS is available with GM's programmable Magnetic Ride Control Suspension, limited-slip differential, performance axle-ratio, ZF performance steering system and 18-inch wheels. So there's plenty of gear available to transform the basic STS into a rolling billboard of technology and performance - but keep in mind the rapid escalation in price that accompanies the goody list.

Conversation can be maintained without the need to raise voices above a normal level. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

It's the dearth of such tech that I found so refreshing and appealing in this week's tester. My sampler spoiled me with perhaps the quietest ride I have ever experienced in terms of wind, engine and road noise. These subliminally annoying sounds can be more irritating and fatiguing than most people realize, especially during lengthy trips. Have you ever noticed that conversation often diminishes among passengers as the ambient noise in a vehicle increases? Thanks to its quiet operation - even at highway speeds - this subtle effect is pretty much non-existent in the STS. Conversation can be maintained without the need to raise voices above a normal level.