Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Nissan Maxima

2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$62,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Maxima
2021 Nissan Maxima
$37,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$62,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Maxima
$37,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

Years produced

1994-Present

Years produced

1980-2014

MSRP

$62,300

MSRP

$37,090

Average price

$27,886

Average price

$18,302

Listings

8336

Listings

3013
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Premium interior materials
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • High price
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Minor driving assistance irritations
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Powerful engine
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Cramped back seat

Reviews Summary

Long the yardstick against which its rivals are measured, the 2024 Mercedes E-Class gets a redesign. In addition to understated styling that can stand the test of time, the elegant interior adds an infusion of technology that sets new standards in the segment. Mild-hybrid engines, standard all-wheel drive, the return of the All-Terrain wagon, and an upcoming plug-in hybrid massaged for performance by AMG are all on the new E-Class menu.

Verdict: Based on observations from several days spent with the E 350 4Matic sedan, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class remains at the top of its midsize luxury sedan game when equipped with all the extras. Refined, sophisticated, and soothing to drive, it embodies what a car like this should be.

Reviews Summary

The 2021 Nissan Maxima celebrates 40 years on sale, making it one of the oldest Japanese automotive nameplates in continuous use. While it’s impressive for any model to survive four decades, the Maxima has spent most of its history mired in mediocrity.

The Nissan Maxima name first appeared in 1981 as a rebranding of the Datsun 810 sedan. The original Maxima/810 was a true enthusiast’s car, boasting rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a sporty character that led Nissan to declare it a “four-door sports car.” However, that only lasted for a few years.

With its first redesign for the 1985 model year, the Maxima switched to front-wheel drive (FWD) and was positioned as Nissan’s flagship sedan. It’s been that way ever since. Nissan has continued to gesture in the direction of that original RWD model, but for most of its 40 years, the Maxima has been a slightly sportier alternative to full-size sedans like the Toyota Avalon, rather than a BMW beater.

So it is with the current, eighth-generation, Maxima, which debuted for the 2016 model year. It enters the 2021 model year with few changes, the most significant being a 40th Anniversary Edition option package for the top Platinum trim level, which sits above the base SV and mid-range SR trim levels. That’s what we test drove for this review.

No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 255 hp I4

Engine

3.5L 300 hp V6

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

255 hp @ 5800 rpm

Horsepower

300 hp @ 6400 rpm

MPG City

24

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

30
2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$62,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Maxima
2021 Nissan Maxima
$37,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
$62,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Nissan Maxima
$37,090MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
Years produced
1994-Present
1980-2014
MSRP
$62,300
$37,090
Average price
$27,886
$18,302
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.4
Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Great ride quality
  • Premium interior materials
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • High price
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Minor driving assistance irritations
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Powerful engine
  • Premium interior materials
Cons
  • All-wheel drive not available
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Cramped back seat
Summary

Long the yardstick against which its rivals are measured, the 2024 Mercedes E-Class gets a redesign. In addition to understated styling that can stand the test of time, the elegant interior adds an infusion of technology that sets new standards in the segment. Mild-hybrid engines, standard all-wheel drive, the return of the All-Terrain wagon, and an upcoming plug-in hybrid massaged for performance by AMG are all on the new E-Class menu.

Verdict: Based on observations from several days spent with the E 350 4Matic sedan, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class remains at the top of its midsize luxury sedan game when equipped with all the extras. Refined, sophisticated, and soothing to drive, it embodies what a car like this should be.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima celebrates 40 years on sale, making it one of the oldest Japanese automotive nameplates in continuous use. While it’s impressive for any model to survive four decades, the Maxima has spent most of its history mired in mediocrity.

The Nissan Maxima name first appeared in 1981 as a rebranding of the Datsun 810 sedan. The original Maxima/810 was a true enthusiast’s car, boasting rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a sporty character that led Nissan to declare it a “four-door sports car.” However, that only lasted for a few years.

With its first redesign for the 1985 model year, the Maxima switched to front-wheel drive (FWD) and was positioned as Nissan’s flagship sedan. It’s been that way ever since. Nissan has continued to gesture in the direction of that original RWD model, but for most of its 40 years, the Maxima has been a slightly sportier alternative to full-size sedans like the Toyota Avalon, rather than a BMW beater.

So it is with the current, eighth-generation, Maxima, which debuted for the 2016 model year. It enters the 2021 model year with few changes, the most significant being a 40th Anniversary Edition option package for the top Platinum trim level, which sits above the base SV and mid-range SR trim levels. That’s what we test drove for this review.

Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 255 hp I4
3.5L 300 hp V6
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
300 hp @ 6400 rpm
MPG City
24
20
MPG Highway
33
30
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