New Nissan Maxima 4-door sports car

2016 Nissan Maxima

 As with the exterior, Maxima's interior design team aimed high. Understanding that most vehicles in the mid-size sedan segment lack an emotional connection with their drivers, the designers challenged themselves to create an interior with an excess of personality, one that after a month of ownership would still provide joy and a sense of discovery.

2016 Nissan Maxima

From the layout of the instrument panel to the high center console, the driver is cosseted and in control. The console was particularly challenging in that in order to raise its height to the desired level, it still needed to meet standards for knee clearance and seat movement. It was not only accomplished, but premium padding was added to the console sides, adding a sense of richness.

2016 Nissan Maxima

Another challenge was the extensive use of real stitching on the console, center stack and instrument panel - which had to be perfectly aligned so as not to draw attention for the wrong reason, especially when viewed from the rear seat.

One more decision made through the fighter jet influence was to tilt the center information display toward the driver, and to place all critical controls within short reach. The shifter lever itself is shaped to resemble an aircraft joystick and the push button start for the intelligent key has been moved to the console itself. The start button pulses when the driver enters the cabin.

Also located on the console is the Display Commander switch, which allows for fingertip control of the center display information screens. And, a special media bin is place forward on the console and includes two USB and auxiliary ports, along with room enough to hold an iPhone® 6 Plus.

2016 Nissan Maxima

Along with the high-tech feel of the instrument panel - with standard 7.0-inch Advanced Drive Assist Display (in-meter display) and Fine Vision 8.0-inch capacitive color display with smartphone-like controls (swipe and pinch-to-zoom) - the choice of interior materials leans much more toward classic motoring. Take, for example, the use of diamond-shaped faceted finishers, which offer a handcrafted feel. The tactile feel, the sense of creating a feast for the senses through use of shiny and matte finishes, carries throughout the interior, including to the seating and steering wheel.

The available premium Ascot Leather-appointed seats include diamond-quilted inserts - with Alcantara® diamond-quilted inserts on SR models. Even the unique D-shaped steering wheel is available with an Alcantara® insert, a design element intended to ignite the driver's senses when behind the wheel.

As with the new Maxima's exterior, interior colors were carefully considered. While most mid-size sedans stick with black and beige motifs, the new Maxima SR is offered with an additional deep, rich Camel interior. Even the standard Charcoal color seating features blue contrasting stitching and the Cashmere (beige) seat color is lighter than usual, offering a higher contrast with the black surface areas.

The last aspect of the new Maxima is how it achieved generous interior design without giving up an ounce of sports car-like driving flavor. Unlike many other segments where the goal is to eliminate as many features and equipment to save space, cost or weight, Maxima's very generous interior space did not demand an exercise in restraint. Maxima "overshoots" in terms of available features and user-focused technology.