Nissan Maxima 2019 launched in the Middle East
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2019 Nissan Maxima Review: A Family Sedan with a Sports Car Reputation
The Nissan Maxima holds a special place in the automotive market. Having lived in the UAE for over 25 years, I’ve witnessed the Maxima's notorious reputation on the streets, becoming the underdog in its class. This affordable sports sedan boasts a lively history in the Middle East, though it seems to have lost some of its prominence in recent years.
Launch Event Overview
The launch event for the refreshed Maxima took place at the newly opened W Hotel in Dubai, catering to a mixed audience of lifestyle influencers and automotive journalists. The event featured an assortment of activities, beginning with a press conference and a walkaround of the car, followed by hot laps at the Dubai Autodrome and mocktails at a trendy lounge in a neighboring emirate.
Key Features of the 2019 Maxima
Mechanical Specifications
During the walkaround, an executive from Nissan’s Middle East office noted that the 2019 Maxima’s mechanicals and dimensions remain unaltered. Nissan also highlighted the key competitors of the Maxima in the popular sedan segment, which include:
Exterior Design
The refreshed Maxima showcases cosmetic revisions on both the exterior and interior. It features the brand’s new V-Motion grille, similar to the all-new Altima, and a sleek set of LED taillights as standard. The sporty appearance is further enhanced by a set of quad exhaust pipes (in the SR trim), adding visual appeal, though only two out of four outlets are functional.
Interior Features
Inside, the changes are more subtle, with the new Maxima featuring a slightly revised infotainment system and a two-tone color scheme (tan & black leather) inspired by the legendary GT-R. The most notable change is the removal of the tacky ‘4DSC’ (4-Door Sport Car) branding that previously adorned the gear lever, taillights, and other elements of older models.
Driving Experience
At the Dubai Autodrome, we had the chance to drive the new Maxima on the track and through a short slalom course. While the Maxima may feel somewhat out of place on an international race circuit, the track time allowed us to put this family sedan through its paces. The 3.5-liter V6 efficiently channels power through the CVT transmission to the front wheels.
Speaking of the CVT, the Maxima is equipped with the brand’s improved transmission that attempts to mimic automatic shift patterns during aggressive driving. At low speeds, the CVT is nearly unnoticeable, but when pushed to higher revs, the iconic CVT drone is momentarily silenced as it mimics the shift of an automatic transmission.
Conclusion
On public roads, the Maxima performs as expected. Wind and road noise are minimal, and despite the suspension being on the stiffer side, it remains comfortable. With light steering and excellent visibility, it is easy to drive and doesn’t require much adjustment.
Personally, I appreciate the Maxima. It’s well-built and comfortable, making it a commendable vehicle. However, it may be time for Nissan to adjust its positioning of the Maxima. The current emphasis on its 'sports car' persona is misleading and overlooks the vehicle’s evolution into a well-rounded family sedan.
