2016 Chevrolet Impala Midnight Edition

2016 Chevrolet Impala Midnight Edition Video Review by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

It starts with a Jet Black exterior and just keeps going…this is the new 2016 Chevy Impala Midnight Edition.

When the Impala was reborn in 2013, it evolved into a sophisticated sedan showcasing the maturation of GM design and technology. It was a huge hit with me and sales this year have nearly equaled those of the Toyota Avalon and Chrysler 300…combined. Now in its 3^rd model year, Chevy’s antelope goes dark with the available Midnight Edition Appearance Package. Priced at $1,195, this blacked-out grouping can be added to LT and LTZ trims with the V-6 engine. It includes the aforementioned Jet Black exterior, including body color mirrors, 19” aluminum wheels with black accents, black grille and surround, a front and rear black Chevrolet bowtie, Jet Black interior, sport pedals, and a black rear spoiler. It’s very tastefully executed and gives this top trim 2LTZ model a bit of brashness.

After Midnight, other upgrades for 2016 include Apple CarPlay and wireless charging capability. I’ve driven a few new models with CarPlay recently and though it’s still a work in progress, I love being able to interact with my text messages in a safer and less distracting manner. Chevy MyLink with navigation is a top tier system in its own right and being able to mirror some of my iPhone’s features onto the big screen and control them via voice and touch is pretty cool. Ironically, the wireless charging won’t work with the same iPhone without an aftermarket accessory. A couple of other big tech victories for the Impala is OnStar with a 4G WiFi hotspot and the highly customizable and colorful information display.

I’ve been reminded this week just how exceptionally well done the Impala is. It still feels fresh, drives like a dream, comes loaded with tech and possesses head turning style, particularly in this new Midnight Edition. This is the quintessential big American sedan conceived for a modern audience.

My previous Impala tester was fitted with the optional 20” wheels, but this car rides much better on these 19” Goodyear Eagle high performance all-seasons. It’s not trying to impersonate a sports sedan; rather it’s proud to deliver a very quiet, powerful experience with a silken ride quality, a perfect highway cruiser. At the same time, it’s not uncoordinated giving the driver a big car sense of connectedness. This 3.6-liter V-6 and 6-speed auto are the epitome of powertrain smoothness. A 0-to-60mph time of 6-seconds demonstrates just how motivated this engine is…and it sounds good, too. You pay for it in mileage though, which is rated at only 18mpg city/28mpg highway.  It’s also a big car with a huge trunk so it’ll make friends with the out of town traveler. Although the rear seats are sized accordingly, the seat bottoms are short and flat and just not very comfortable.

LTZ models are loaded and my car adds on 2 big packages; the Enhanced Convenience and Advanced Technology for an as-tested price of $39,875. Highlight items include memory settings, a heated steering wheel, cooled seats, and an 11 speaker Bose surround sound system. All the latest safety systems are here too, including forward collision and side blind zone alert to name just a couple.

The Impala has a distinctive air of elegant style and feels oh so good from the behind the wheel.  It’s a shining example of just how satisfying an American car can be.