Nissan has just launched the 2019 Maxima in the UAE, among several other GCC nations. While it may not be a full-fledged, all-new model built from the ground up, the Maxima is one of the brand's most priced models. Ever since it arrived in the region over two decades ago, the Nissan Maxima has had a faithful legion of followers. As the years rolled by, several iterations of the Maxima were released, the latest being the eighth-generation model which debuted back in 2015.
Nissan quickly slapped their completely unnecessary “4-Door Sports Car” badge on the eight-gen Maxima which, I'm glad to report, seems to be missing on the new 2019 facelift model. Moving on, the 2019 Nissan Maxima is available in three trim or grades in the UAE - there's the AED 141,500 base SV, the AED 160,500 mid-level SR1 and finally, the AED 163,000 full-option SR2. In terms of its segment rivals, there's the Toyota Avalon, Chevrolet Impala, and Dodge Charger.
Since this is just a mid-life cycle facelift, Nissan hasn't had only made incremental updates to the 2019 Maxima. This means that it continues to ride on the Japanese automaker's D platform architecture and is powered by the same 3.5-litre V6 engine, albeit now with a (slightly) retuned Xtronic CVT gearbox. Crucially, it also retains its predecessor's overall exterior and interior dimensions - so the boot volume and cabin space remain as is. However, that's no bad thing as the Maxima has always felt roomy and comfortable on the inside. With that being said, Nissan has improved on the sedan's NVH levels.
The Maxima has always offered decent levels of kit, and that forte continues with the 2019 avatar. The top SR2 trim features automatic full-LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, a split sunroof, adaptive cruise control, leather-appointed interior, power-operated and cooled front seats, paddle shifters, active noise cancellation, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, remote engine start, an 8-inch touchscreen head unit with built-in navigation and support for Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, and an 11-speaker Bose sound system among others. Some of the safety techs include an around-view monitor, active ride control, intelligent trace control, forward collision warning, plus auto-emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
The exterior of the 2019 Nissan Maxima gets a few mention-worthy design tweaks, including the marque's latest V-motion front grille, signature boomerang-style LED daytime-running lights and rear LED taillights and a really sporty rear bumper with quad-tipped exhausts and an integrated air diffuser. Funnily enough, however, out of the four, only two actually let any exhaust gases through. The other two are fakes, though they do look pretty cool. Also, the sculpted bonnet, 'floating roof', and flared fenders add some extra flair, too.
Performance is brisk for a family sedan, with the direct-injected V6 motor pumping out 300 hp and 354 Nm of maximum torque. This is vectored to the front wheels via the recalibrated Xtronic CVT, and along with the available Sport mode, the Maxima can still surprise you. The acceleration from nought to 100 km/h is over in less than 6.5 seconds, and top whack is beyond 210 km/h. Nissan has not only tuned the drivetrain for performance but has ensured that that doesn't come at the cost of terrible fuel economy. If driven sanely, the 2019 Maxima can easily achieve around 10.5 L/100 km. That isn't too bad for a “4-Door Sports Car”. The sports-tuned suspension in the SR variants can result in the ride feeling a tad firm and a touch choppy over certain surfaces. However, it never gets bad enough to warrant frequent pit stops.
