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 "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille were standout features that influenced the styling of 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 added a sinister touch. The 40th Anniversary Edition further enhanced its aesthetic with a 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 dressed with dark-red leather seats and white gauge faces, offering a stylish yet functional cabin experience.

The 2027 BMW 7 Series underwent a significant aesthetic overhaul, addressing previous styling issues while maintaining its luxury appeal. The front fascia was refined with less black trim and sharper lines, although the oversized grille remained a defining feature. Optional grille illumination and crystal elements for the headlights added a touch of elegance. Despite its considerable height and length, the 7 Series managed to present a more cohesive design, especially with the M Sport Package's aerodynamic wheels and sportier styling elements. The rear received vertical trim pieces and larger taillights, but the overall look was still somewhat ungainly due to the car's tall body. Inside, the 7 Series offered high-end materials and customization options, including open-pore wood, carbon fiber, and Alcantara, with Veganza artificial leather as standard.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). While it didn't quite live up to the "four-door sports car" moniker, the Maxima was quick and the V6 engine produced an impressive sound. The CVT was surprisingly responsive, enhancing the driving experience. 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 ride, with a quiet cabin and a suspension that balanced handling and comfort.

The 2027 BMW 7 Series launched with rear-wheel drive (RWD) 740 and all-wheel drive (AWD) 740 xDrive variants, both powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 394 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. The engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and mild-hybrid system, offered improved fuel economy and a 0–60 mph time of under five seconds. The 7 Series featured an active anti-roll system for enhanced handling, although our test car didn't include it. The ride was well-cushioned, yet engaging, allowing for spirited driving. While more powertrain options were anticipated, the 750e xDrive plug-in hybrid was confirmed, offering a combined 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat space, offering generous headroom and legroom for the driver and front passenger, but at the expense of rear-seat comfort. Rear headroom and legroom were limited, making it less accommodating for back-seat passengers. The interior design focused on the driver, with a low window line and large mirrors providing excellent visibility. The "Zero Gravity" front seats, inspired by NASA research, offered comfort and support, though more thigh bolstering would have been appreciated. Cargo space was limited to 14.3 cubic feet, less than competitors like the Kia Stinger and Volkswagen Arteon, which offered hatchback designs for easier loading.

The 2027 BMW 7 Series excelled in interior space, particularly for rear-seat passengers, with abundant legroom and optional features like the Executive Lounge specification, which included a leg rest and reclining seat. The front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage functions, but finding a comfortable driving position was challenging due to the steering wheel's placement. The dashboard featured a panoramic display, enhancing visibility and providing a modern touch. Cargo capacity was 19.1 cubic feet, surpassing the Mercedes S-Class and offering ample storage for a luxury sedan.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology offerings showed signs of aging, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility as standard. A WiFi hotspot and USB ports were added for 2021, but the infotainment system's graphics and menu navigation were outdated and cumbersome. While analog controls were available, the system's notification sounds were jarring and unavoidable, detracting from the overall experience.

The 2027 BMW 7 Series introduced a new infotainment interface with a panoramic display across the dashboard, complemented by a 17.9-inch touchscreen for controls and a 14.6-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. The system ran on BMW's Operating System X, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AI-augmented voice recognition, and integration with Amazon Alexa+. The Theater Screen, a 31.3-inch monitor for rear-seat passengers, offered streaming capabilities and an integrated Zoom app. An 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system was standard, with a 36-speaker version available for an immersive audio experience.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima earned top safety ratings, including an IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from 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, though the ProPilot Assist system was not available.

The 2027 BMW 7 Series came standard with driver-assistance features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The new Symbiotic Drive software aimed to integrate these aids seamlessly with driver inputs, minimizing unnecessary interventions. The Parking Assistance Package included a surround-view camera system and semi-automated parking. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of writing.