One big reason why the Contour failed was because at introduction it cost nearly $3,000 more than the Tempo it replaced. In Europe, the Contour was the upper-mid-range Ford car and was engineered and priced accordingly. In the US market, as the Tempo replacement it had to be much closer to a bottom-feeder in the lineup so Ford had to do some serious decontenting, and even then it still remained too expensive.
Sybaritic luxury.
Reasonably roomy inside.
Classic lines - not "gangsta" like later Bentleys.
Plenty of trunk room for her luggage.
Smooth and quiet.
Air conditioned (don't underestimate the importance of that).
Exotic yet comfortably so - it doesn't scream "penis extender" like a Ferrari or Lambo.
It implies that you can afford a really nice hotel to consummate the deal.