2016 Nissan Maxima – A Sports Sedan Done Right

A Sports Sedan So Good

Combining athleticism and visual aesthetics is never an easy feat, but Nissan seemed to have hit the nail with a silver bullet. Boasting both aggressive looks and engine willpower, the 2016 Nissan Maxima promises to deliver nothing short of a sports luxury extravaganza.

The all new 2016 Nissan Maxima will be entering its 8th generation this year equipped with a plethora of refreshing features including a re-designed naturally aspirated V6, re-defined ergonomics, modernized technology and beautiful exterior design.

Stunning Visuals

Although the Nissan brand itself is not within the luxury league, but its bold and exquisite styling could easily fool you into believing so. Its front fascia sets the tone of aggression with its V-motion front grille, signature boomerang LED head lamps, kick-up C-pillars and a unique floating roof apperance. Side view is equally appealing with a curvaceous upper side panel elegantly floating towards the front windshield vertex, high hanging side panel doors and thick lower side skirts. Its rear view is unmistakably beautiful with non-uniform flowy red LED tail lights concluded by a subtle; yet distinct integrated rear spoiler and chrome plated exhaust pipes.

Interior space is well constructed and feels rock solid. Choice of leather in upper trims include suede or cow hide leather following further customization in choice of interior pattern material and patterns. Overall quality does not disappoint as the touch and feel resembles the same league as its upper tier Infiniti siblings and other luxury competitors as well.

Driving position is a sports-car performance inspired with a low mounted bucket seats but with plenty of cushioning for longer journeys. Infotainment system is a bit finicky at times and not quite as refined as what others have to offer, but it works. Voice navigation works on par. Albeit not a fan of the “Display Command” selector knob located in the center console, but with a bit of patience and free will, it does its job with navigating through the maze of menus with the NissanConnect system on the 7″ Center Console Tilt.

Tech Features

Perhaps the leader in this category (at least in terms of features) is its plethora of jam-packed tech features. A new concept introduced in Nissan’s bag of magic tricks is its cellular-equipped alert system capable of sending text, email or phone call notification if your kid driving your car is exceeding speed limits, the vehicle is being driven outside of curfew hours. Notifications also include valet and boundary to alert of any unauthorized cruise and vehicle maintenance reminder.

Performance

Perhaps the biggest selling point is its spirited driving characteristic. Under the hood is Nissan’s relished 3.5L 24V VQ engine producing 300 HP and 261 lb-ft of torque. Coupled to the engine is Nissan’s own XTRONIC CVT transmission with manual mode and optional paddle shifters.

Despite crime against justice in employing a CVT transmission onto a performance oriented car, it actually works quite well. The engine tone is raw, sumptuous, and aggressive, which happily depicts the bashing on CVT transmissions. Though manual shift mode and paddle mounted shifters deem itself to be an anticipated hope for enhanced thrill, the effect of emulating sequential shifting in a CVT transmission just doesn’t feel “real”.

Driving Impressions

Nissan didn’t win the “Wards 10 Best Engines” by mistake. While horsepower and torque output means one thing, but driving it on the road and putting the engine in practice is another story – and Nissan’s 3.5L VQ engine delivers the expected. It delivers that raw mechanical power and sensation in an instantaneous manner with no shortage of power. Steering control is precise and provides excellent feedback.

Its Macpherson strut and multi-link suspension is tuned to be stiff which in that case, robs a bit out of driving comfort. But its handling capability makes up for its compromise.

A pet peeve is the fact that the Maxima is a front wheel drive and the heavy weight of the V6 engine doesn’t help either. With that said, torque steer is noticeable under hard acceleration, and steering quality just doesn’t match that of luxury performance oriented rear wheel drive vehicles offered by BMW 3 series and certain Mercedes class.

Nevertheless, the Maxima IS a car that gets you excited when going out for a drive. Its quality tribute inside out, sparkling design and its inner performance beast makes the Maxima a unique specimen on its own. Final price for the 2016 Nissan Maxima Platinum with upgraded LED Low-Beam Headlights, Premium Ascot leather front seats, and Around-View Monitoring system is $45,155. Its lower Maxima SR trim with 19″ wheels and sport-tuned suspensions with a few tech features pulled out can be had a bit less at $42,955.

The numbers are a bit much for the general consumer, but there is no denial that its quality and performance justifies its cost. All in all, the new 2016 Nissan Maxima brings a new era of excitement of what a special blend of luxury and performance has to offer.

Specifications

• Vehicle : 2016 Nissan Maxima
• Price as Tested: SR Model – $42,955.  Platinum Model – $45,155
• Model : Nissan Maxima SR/Platinum
• Vehicle Type : Sedan
• Seating Capacity : 2+3
• Powertrain Configuration : FWD
• Engine : 3.5L 24V V6
• Transmission : XTRONIC CVT Transmission with Manual Shift MOde
• Fuel Economy: 26/36 MPG city/highway

Pros

• Impressive Fuel Economy Ratings for its class
• Excellent build quality inside out
• Exquisite Design inside out
• Exciting driving characteristics

Cons

• Stiff ride due to performance tuned suspensions
• CVT transmission robs a bit out of manual driving enthusiasm
• Front Wheel Drive configuration introduces torque steer