I dont think anything is wrong with a column shifter at all(especially for image)...nor do I think anything is wrong with that interior. With this level car, GM is still targeting their buick fan base, which, like it or not, is the baby boomers and up. If you ask me, that's a darn good market strategy. This is a luxury cruiser, like it or not..and what do you see in some of the latest european big name luxury cruisers? Column shifter.
2007 S500:
current 7 series:
You could make the case that column shifters are quite up scale.
As for the grille...I kinda like it from some angles, and at other angles it looks very much like a mercury. The rear end I actually like very much, I think the real world pictures do it more justice. I've heard it's a beautiful vehicle in person, so I will reserve judgement until then.