2016 Nissan Maxima: First Drive

What is it? A four-door near-luxury “sports” sedan

Price range: $32,410 - $40,000

Competitors: Toyota Avalon, Hyundai Genesis, Chevrolet Impala, Acura TLX

Alternatives: Dodge Charger, Nissan Altima,

Pros: It’s quick and agile, favoring drivers looking to have fun over those who are looking for more mundane characteristics in a car. Oh, and it offers a level of luxury that puts most of its peers to shame.

Cons: Poor visibility, so-so passenger space, and its looks, while appealing, can seem cartoonish — albeit more Dark Knight than Looney Toons.

Would I buy it with my money? It’s expensive. But the performance and posh amenities put it on my want list. And surprisingly, compared to its luxury equivalents, it’s a great value.

When the original Nissan Maxima hit the streets more than three decades ago, it was an agile, well-appointed vehicle that performed like a much sportier (read: more expensive) machine, such as the BMW 3 Series, lending credence to the automaker’s hotly debated claim that the Maxima was a true four-door sports car. Since then, however, the Maxima has grown and, thus, gained a few pounds — consequently, sacrificing much of its sporty intent for reasons of practicality; more passenger room, more cargo space, more power, etc.

But for 2016, Nissan has treated the Maxima to an extreme makeover, recapturing much of the athleticism that it sacrificed over the years in the name of expediency. Thus, rekindling the old claim, and subsequent debate: Is Maxima a four-door sports car?

We’ll get to that question in a bit. What’s not up for discussion, however, is the fact that the all-new Maxima offers a combination of design, performance and luxury beyond that of its peers, and some sedans costing far more.

The 2016 Maxima comes in five different flavors. Each will offer no options other than what’s bolted on at the factory. The base S is equipped with navigation, a remote engine start and a rearview monitor. Next on the list, the SV adds leather, heated seats and mirrors, as well as a front and rear sonar system. The SL adds blind-spot warning with rear cross traffic alert, a Bose premium sound system, heated steering wheel and intelligent cruise control. Then there’s the ultra-sporty SR with a performance-tuned suspension, as well as black accents on the mirrors, rear bumper valance and wing and black wheels. Finally, the flagship Platinum, outfitted with Nissan’s Around View monitor, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel and premium leather seats.

Regardless of the trim, the new Maxima stands out from the crowd. Its coupe-like design features a bold mix of hard angles and gentle waves that combines to form a mostly cohesive, mostly attractive silhouette. However, its aggressive demeanor can seem a little overstated. Some might say it’s a bit cartoonish, a claim accentuated by the “floating roof.” In profile, it looks like a fighter jet canopy. Nissan’s bold V-shaped grille and exaggerated headlamps add to the effect.