it's all about your point of reference.
what did you drive to the test drive, and did you drive the same roads?
I found the crossfire noisy at first.
but, I was used to driving my sl500.
a larger, heavier, quieter, and softer riding car
the crossfires and the slk's it was derived from, are smaller, sportier, noisier.
and I might mention much more thrilling and exciting to drive.