Nissan Maxima vs BMW 7 Series

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, set a bold precedent for Nissan's design language. Its distinctive styling, featuring a "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille, was a trendsetter for other Nissan models like the Altima, Sentra, and Versa. The Maxima's aggressive front end and massive grille gave it an Art Deco locomotive appearance, especially with the blacked-out trim of the test car, which exuded a sinister vibe. The 40th Anniversary Edition added a touch of elegance with its two-tone exterior, Ruby Slate Gray Pearl paint, and black roof, complemented by gloss-black alloy wheels and red semi-aniline leather upholstery. The interior was tastefully adorned with dark-red leather seats and white gauge faces, offering a stylish yet functional cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2024 BMW 7 Series presented a more conventional luxury sedan design, albeit with a bold front grille that was a hallmark of recent BMW models. The car's appearance varied significantly with its wide array of color and trim choices, including striking two-tone schemes on the 760i trim. The interior of the 7 Series was a testament to luxury, featuring beautifully crafted metal speaker grilles and a choice of seat materials ranging from vegan leather to Cashmere wool blend. The cabin was adorned with a broad crystalline strip that illuminated with customizable ambient lighting, echoing the crystal theme throughout. The rear-seat theater screen and panoramic sunroof with patterned lighting added to the opulence, making the 7 Series a luxurious sanctuary on wheels.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While it wasn't a "four-door sports car," the Maxima delivered a satisfying driving experience with its quick acceleration and pleasing V6 engine sound. The CVT was surprisingly responsive, enhancing the driving dynamics. However, the Maxima's handling revealed its limitations, with steering that lacked precision and front-end grip issues leading to torque steer under heavy throttle. Despite these drawbacks, the Maxima offered a comfortable highway cruising experience with a quiet cabin and a suspension that balanced handling and ride comfort.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series offered three potent powertrains, including the 740i with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The 760i featured a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 536 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, while the 750e plug-in hybrid combined a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total of 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The 7 Series excelled in performance, with the 740i achieving 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and the 760i in 4.1 seconds. The 750e offered impressive fuel efficiency with an EPA rating of 65 MPGe and a 34-mile electric range, although real-world figures were slightly lower. The 7 Series handled like a sports sedan, with precise steering and minimal body roll, enhanced by optional rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat comfort, offering generous headroom and legroom for the driver and front passenger. However, this came at the expense of rear-seat space, with rear headroom and legroom among the lowest in its class. The cabin design focused on the driver, providing an expansive view of the road and excellent side visibility. The Maxima featured Nissan's "Zero Gravity" front seats, designed for optimal support, with power adjustments and extra bolstering. Despite its sedan design, the Maxima's trunk offered only 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the least among its competitors.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series, available only as a long-wheelbase sedan, excelled in passenger comfort and space. The front seats were well-padded and supportive, with numerous adjustment settings and an optional massaging function. Rear passengers enjoyed 42.8 inches of legroom, with options for ventilated and massaging seats and a lie-flat reclining rear passenger seat. The 7 Series offered ample cargo space, with 18.5 cubic feet for the 750e and 19.1 cubic feet for gas-only models, surpassing competitors like the Audi A8 and Genesis G90. Interior storage was unremarkable, but the trunk was easy to use with a low load height.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age, with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. A built-in WiFi hotspot and USB-A and USB-C ports were standard, along with an available 11-speaker Bose audio system. However, the infotainment system's graphics looked dated, and small icons made navigation challenging. The system's notification sounds were also jarring, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the Maxima offered analog controls for climate and audio, providing an alternative to the touchscreen.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series featured a massive curved-screen display combining a 12.3-inch driver's screen with a 14.9-inch infotainment display. The interface was primarily touchscreen-driven, with BMW's updated iDrive 8.5 software offering a smartphone-like experience. However, the system required time to get used to and was less intuitive than previous iterations. A voice assistant provided some relief, but it wasn't always accurate. The 7 Series included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but they couldn't control most vehicle functions. An 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins stereo was standard, with an optional 40-speaker system available. The 31.3-inch theater screen for rear passengers was a standout feature, though it blocked the rearview mirror when in use.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received top safety ratings, earning an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system enhanced safety, although the Maxima lacked the ProPilot Assist system available in other Nissan models.

The 2024 BMW 7 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it shared its platform with the 5 Series, which earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation. The 7 Series offered a comprehensive suite of standard active safety features, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Additional safety systems were available through optional packages, providing features like adaptive cruise control and partially automated driving assistance. While some competitors offered similar features as standard, BMW's systems were praised for their smooth and reliable operation.