Sunil,
In a way I'd say I'm sorry to hear you've gotta keep the Ford, but a 2001 Maxima is definitely a nice potential prize.
To answer some of your questions anyways, though. As was said the EX is your only option for what you want. The EX-L is just an LEV model with slightly less power (140 or 145 iirc). I'm not sure about the audio controls, but it's my guess that they're only compatible with the factory system. For 6th gens I
think the audio controls are either only available on leather or V6, it's one of those. I'm not sure if they're available on cloth interior EX's with 4 bangers.
I wouldn't exactly call the ride super smooth or say the 6th gens handle great, though. I've got one and I think it doesn't handle that well at all, at least not stock. The stock Michelin MXV4 tires that come on the 4's blow goats. Tires are the first thing that must be upgraded for any decent performance IMO....but better tires with stiffer sidewalls will make the ride a little rougher. The body rolls quite a bit too, at least stock. So to get much good performance you're looking at a drop and at least some new tires with maybe some other suspension work.
Or maybe Stefan was referring to how they handle in comparison to other year models???? I dunno, but I guess after driving A4's, IS300's, and 330i's my definition of handling is a little different.
b