As per the base, I too thought of going this route. I mean hell what we really want is the motor and transmission. Ok Ok maybe the brembo package has some inherent benefit as well.
Man, I'm so freakin' glad I picked up the premium. The sync/electronics package is amazing. I am listening and enjoying music more now than ever in my car. UPLOAD the songs that you like simply by putting a disc in and selecting tracks. As an old guy that would mean classic rock. So far I have a little over 200 songs in and growing daily. Now I get the whole ipod attraction. And the voice commands....come on!!! Change cabin temp by voice, find destination by voice, play specific songs, artists or genre by voice, check gas prices by voice, tune radio by voice. IT'S FREAKIN AMAZING and consistent as hell.
Beyond that, the interior feels nicer than any Ford has a right to feel. It feels more BMWish than I suspected it could and I for one am enjoying the hell out of it. After all we sit INSIDE the car and we are PAYING for the car. We deserve to be well taken care of. I totally get that it's a high expense and I also considered going base. But my take, for what it's worth, if you can afford the premium with the electronics pack....GET IT. If not, I totally get it and I'm sure you'll love the engine and transmission, they are tight as hell.