The Maxima’s Metamorphosis: From Sports Car Idol to Stylish Sophisticate

Cast your mind back a decade or two, and you might remember the Nissan Maxima being hailed as the “four-door sports car.” It was the sedan that dared to defy convention, with a potent V6 engine, sporty handling, and a dash of youthful exuberance. But in recent years, the Maxima found itself in a bit of an identity crisis, unsure whether it wanted to be a genuine performance machine or simply an Altima with a touch more attitude.

Well, my friends, the wait is over. The 2016 Nissan Maxima has undergone a dramatic reinvention, emerging as a confident, style-forward sedan that’s ready to reclaim its rightful place as the flagship of Nissan’s lineup. And let me tell you, this car is turning heads for all the right reasons.

Sculpted Sophistication: The Maxima’s Striking New Look

When I first laid eyes on the 2016 Maxima, I had to do a double-take. Gone are the flowing, organic lines of the previous model, replaced by a chiseled, angular design that’s positively dripping with attitude. Nissan’s designers have taken inspiration from the bold, muscular styling of the Murano SUV, resulting in a sedan that looks ready to pounce.

From the imposing front grille to the boomerang-shaped headlights, every inch of the Maxima’s exterior exudes a sense of confident sophistication. And just when you think the front end couldn’t get any more striking, you catch a glimpse of the sculpted rear, with its high beltline and floating roofline that give the car an almost Gallic flair.

But the real showstopper, in my opinion, is the profile view. The Maxima has grown a few inches compared to its Altima sibling, giving it a longer, leaner silhouette that’s simply captivating. It’s almost as if the car can’t decide whether it wants to be a sleek sports sedan or a muscular crossover – and you know what? I’m completely okay with that identity crisis.

Under the Hood: Potent Performance Meets Impressive Efficiency

Now, let’s talk about what’s lurking beneath that chiseled exterior. The 2016 Maxima is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that’s been heavily updated from the previous generation. With 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque on tap, this engine is no slouch, and it’ll propel the Maxima from 0 to 60 mph in just around six seconds.

But here’s the real kicker: the Maxima also boasts impressive fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and a combined rating of 25 mpg. Nissan has worked hard to refine the engine, reduce noise, and amplify the sporty notes that you’ll hear under hard acceleration – a welcome change for those who want a bit of aural drama to go with their performance.

Paired with this potent V6 is Nissan’s latest iteration of their Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). Now, I know what you’re thinking: “CVTs and sport sedans don’t exactly go hand-in-hand.” But trust me, Nissan has worked some serious magic here. The Maxima’s CVT comes with Normal and Sport modes, the latter of which holds the engine at higher revs for a more engaging driving experience. And if you’re really feeling the need for control, you can take matters into your own hands with the large, satisfying paddle shifters mounted right behind the steering wheel.

Carving Corners with Confidence

When it comes to the Maxima’s driving dynamics, Nissan has clearly put a lot of thought and effort into ensuring this sedan can dance as well as it can cruise. The suspension setup, with its fully independent front strut and rear multi-link configuration, delivers a taut, responsive feel without ever becoming overly harsh or punishing on less-than-perfect roads.

But if you’re really after the ultimate in corner-carving capability, you’ll want to opt for the Maxima SR model. This top-of-the-line variant comes equipped with a sports-tuned suspension, monotube rear shocks, and a chassis damper to help smooth out the ride. Combine that with the larger 19-inch wheels and available summer tires, and you’ve got a sedan that’ll tackle winding roads with genuine enthusiasm.

What’s even more impressive is the Maxima’s ability to remain composed and focused, even when the pavement gets a bit rough. Many recent Nissans and Infinitis have suffered from a bit of bump-steer and wandering, but the Maxima stays true to its line, inspiring confidence in the driver.

Stepping Inside the Maxima’s Cockpit

The Maxima’s transformation isn’t just skin-deep; step inside the cabin, and you’ll find an equally dramatic shift in personality. Gone is the relatively plain and straightforward Altima-esque interior, replaced by a much more driver-focused, sport-sedan-inspired design.

The first thing that catches your eye is the large, 8-inch touchscreen dominating the center stack. It’s a substantial, well-integrated unit that sets the tone for the rest of the cabin. Surrounding it, you’ll find simple, intuitive controls – a refreshing change from the sometimes overwhelming array of buttons and knobs found in other Nissan models.

But the real treat is in the details. The steering wheel is nice and chunky, with a flat-bottom design that instantly imbues the Maxima with a sense of performance intent. The seats, whether in the base model or the sportier SR trim, are wonderfully supportive and nicely bolstered, keeping you firmly in place during spirited driving.

And let’s not forget the metallic trim accents that add a touch of flair and sophistication to the cabin. It’s these little design flourishes that really set the Maxima apart from its more pedestrian Altima sibling, making it feel like a genuine premium-brand offering.

Reclaiming the “Four-Door Sports Car” Mantle

As I reflect on my time with the 2016 Nissan Maxima, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the future of this storied nameplate. Nissan has clearly put a lot of thought and effort into reinventing the Maxima, transforming it from an identity-confused also-ran into a confident, stylish, and genuinely engaging sedan.

Sure, the Maxima may not have the raw performance chops to go toe-to-toe with the likes of the BMW 3 Series or Audi A4. But you know what? I don’t think that’s the point anymore. The Maxima has evolved, and it’s now carving out its own unique niche in the market – one that blends a healthy dose of style, comfort, and sporty character into a package that’s sure to turn heads wherever it goes.

So, if you’re in the market for a midsize sedan that offers a bit more flair and personality than your average family hauler, I’d highly recommend taking a closer look at the 2016 Nissan Maxima. With its striking good looks, refined performance, and premium-leaning cabin, this flagship sedan is well on its way to reclaiming its title as the “four-door sports car” to beat.

Who knows – maybe the next time you see a Maxima on the road, you’ll find yourself doing a double-take, just like I did. And that, my friends, is the mark of a truly memorable automobile.