Nissan has unveiled the 2016 Maxima luxury sedan at the New York Auto Show. The fresh design showcases an upmarket appearance that’s made up by a “totally redesigned” body.
Nissan says the new Maxima has been created by driving enthusiasts for driving enthusiasts, and that it looks like nothing else on the road today.
Under the bonnet sits a redesigned version of Nissan’s 3.5-litre V6 from the VQ series, producing 233kW and 353Nm. It sends power to the front wheels via a revised Xtronic CVT transmission which offers a wider ratio range for stronger acceleration from a standing start, as well as a new “D-Step shifting logic” that offers rapid shifts when the throttle is opened up. Fuel economy for the 2016 Maxima is also improved by 15 per cent over the previous model.
Styling for the new model showcases Nissan’s latest design language, including a ‘V-Motion’ front end, signature boomerang lights, kick-up C-pillars and a unique floating roof appearance. Moving inside, Nissan says the Maxima’s interior is a premium class-above, anchored by a driver’s cockpit that “rivals luxury vehicles”.
Top models receive a NissanConnectSM 8.0-inch touch-screen display system that features SiriusXM satellite radio and Travel Link applications, as well as an online Google search system. The system is paired with a 7.0-inch advanced drive assist display that’s located within the instrument cluster.
The new Maxima offers a host of safety, security and driving aids as well, such as predictive forward collision warning, intelligent cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, forward emergency braking, and blind spot warning. Also available is a driver attention alert system, which monitors steering input patterns to establish a baseline and helps alert the driver when drowsy or inattentive driving is detected.
Five models will be offered when the car is officially launched, including the SL, SR, and Platinum grades, and is set to go on sale in the US early summer 2015 (early Australian winter). Unfortunately, Nissan currently has no plans to launch the new Maxima in Australia. If things change, we’ll be sure to let you know – fingers crossed, as it definitely looks the goods.
If it was for driving enthusiasts, a conventional auto (or manual) gearbox would be the way to go.