Exclusive! New 2025 Nissan Maxima Mid-Size Sports Car Review

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2025 Nissan Maxima: It is believed that the current Nissan Maxima production will end this spring, and may have already ceased. The 2024 Maxima will not be produced, however, there are rumors that it will return for the 2025 model year as an entirely new electric sedan. The design is thought to be influenced by the 2019 IMs concept, which was introduced four years ago.

Nissan has been facing difficulties for some time, and it appears that their new EV models are behind schedule. The Ariya was initially unveiled in July 2020 but only recently tested by the US press, despite plans to release it in 2021. Additionally, Nissan is working on a smaller and more affordable replacement for the Leaf.

The Maxima EV is expected to enable Nissan to enter the market for electric sedans, competing not only with the Tesla Model 3 but also with the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the upcoming VW ID.7. It is anticipated that the Maxima EV will have a design that is heavily based on the Ariya, much like the Ioniq 6 is similar to the Ioniq 5. As a result, it is expected that the Maxima EV will offer a longer EV range than the Ariya, utilizing the same battery technology.

It will be fascinating to witness the introduction of an entirely new Nissan EV sedan, and retaining the Maxima name instead of inventing a peculiar sub-brand, as VW and Mercedes have done, is a wise decision.

2025 Nissan Maxima Review

Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility concept encompasses not only the idea of moving intelligently but also a complete range of prototypes (IMx, IMq, IMs, etc.) that have demonstrated the advancement of new features and technology over several years. However, there comes a point when people begin to wonder when the company will cease teasing these concepts and begin incorporating the knowledge gained from them into mass production.

Based on their past track record, this is likely to take a considerable amount of time. The Leaf EV, for instance, has been in existence for more than a decade, and despite being surpassed by current EV models on the market, there are no indications of a significant shift in paradigm.

The Japanese car manufacturer has been promoting its first-ever electric crossover, the Ariya SUV, for several years. Unfortunately, there were many delays before it was finally released with a higher-than-anticipated starting MSRP of $43,190. Nowadays, it appears that the automaker is more focused on making promises that it cannot keep.

Fortunately, Nissan still has a vast model lineup that supports them. As evidenced by the first quarter of U.S. sales, which increased by 17.3% compared to the first three months of 2022, thanks to the strong performance of crossovers and SUVs. However, as far as passenger cars go, everything except the little Versa decreased, and by a significant margin.

This is unwelcome news for fans of conventional models, as Nissan was one of the last major automakers to offer a wide range of passenger cars, including the Versa, Sentra, Altima, Maxima, Leaf, Z, and GT-R models.

The Maxima, a large car that has been in production for a long time, is in trouble as it is not considered a good buy by many in its segment. For the 2023 model year, the car is on the brink of being discontinued and rumors suggest that it may have already ceased production, with the remaining inventory being sold by the automaker. Although sales for the car were poor in Q1 of the year, some people believe that Nissan has not given up on the Maxima entirely.

Perhaps, rather than abandoning the Maxima nameplate altogether, Nissan could reinvigorate it for the electric vehicle (EV) era. One possibility is a Maxima EV, which has been envisioned by the Halo oto YouTube channel. Using their expertise in virtual car design, they have created a concept for a Maxima EV that could potentially be released in 2025, as the model is skipping a year in 2024. The abundance of Intelligent Mobility concepts could serve as inspiration for this EV model, making the design process easier.

2025 Nissan Maxima EV

During Nissan’s ‘Ambition 2030’ presentation on November 29, 2021, a new electric sedan was teased, possibly a successor to the Nissan Maxima EV. The presentation showcased Nissan’s EV strategy and introduced three concepts – the Hangout, Surfout, and Chillout – which are expected to become production vehicles by the end of the decade.

At the 22:00 mark of the presentation, Nissan’s COO Ashwani Gupta described the company’s new design language, which draws inspiration from the Japanese words ‘shun,’ meaning to run fast and effortlessly, and ‘sho,’ meaning to soar with grace and power. The presentation originally showed the teaser, which is now used as the display image of the story, but it was subsequently edited out.

In February 2022, Nissan’s COO held a press conference in Canton, Mississippi, where he revealed a glimpse of a new electric sedan that could potentially be the successor to the gasoline-powered Maxima. Although Nissan has described it as “all-new, all-electric,” it’s also possible that the electric model could serve as a replacement for both the Maxima and Altima, as they have similar dimensions, according to Nissan’s blog.

If the current sales trend for the Nissan Maxima continues, the sedan may have a worse year in 2022 than in 2021 when it sold 16,386 units. During the first half of 2022, only 3,753 Maximas were sold in the US. In contrast, the smaller and less expensive Altima has sold better, with 103,777 units sold in 2021 and 78,610 units sold in H1 2022.

On August 3, 2022, Nissan announced that it will stop producing the gas-powered Maxima in mid-2023. However, in a statement to Motor1.com on August 4, 2022, the company suggested that it may replace the gas-powered Maxima with an electric version instead of discontinuing the nameplate.

An article in Automotive News from August 2020 stated that an electric vehicle was planned to replace the Maxima. Despite the Maxima’s lackluster sales, its reputation for performance and luxury could make it a more suitable candidate for branding the electric model. However, Nissan could also consider a different branding strategy altogether. With the current trend in the market favoring crossovers, it is likely that Nissan will only need one electric sedan in this segment.

READ NEXT: 2024 Nissan Maxima: Next-Gen Nissan Maxima Sporty Look Review

Design

The Nissan Maxima EV successor’s concept version takes on a fastback shape from the B-pillar, similar to the Tesla Model S, which may suggest that it has a hatchback opening to maximize trunk space. This feature may make the car more practical for trips to Costco or while carrying hardware and appliances. Nissan plans to offer an exciting and technologically advanced EV, while the new Infiniti will have a luxurious and sleek design inspired by modern Japanese culture.

Exterior Design

The exterior of the 2025 Nissan Maxima has been completely redesigned, giving it a more aggressive and modern look. The front grille is larger and more prominent, and the headlights have been slimmed down to give the car a more aerodynamic profile. The rear of the car has also been updated, with a new bumper and sleek taillights that give the car a more cohesive look.

Interior Design

The interior of the 2025 Nissan Maxima has also been updated, with a focus on comfort and technology. The seats have been redesigned to provide more support and cushioning, and the dashboard has been updated with a new infotainment system that includes a larger touchscreen display and a more intuitive user interface.

Performance

The 2025 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for smooth and seamless acceleration. The Maxima also boasts a sport-tuned suspension that offers exceptional handling and a comfortable ride.

Color Options

The 2025 Nissan Maxima is available in several color options, including Deep Blue Pearl, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Super Black, Gun Metallic, and Pearl White Tricoat. Each color option is designed to complement the sleek and modern exterior design of the Maxima.

Platform & Battery

The upcoming Nissan EV sedan that is likely to replace the Maxima is scheduled for release in the first half of the decade and is expected to use the CMF-EV platform developed by the alliance that also underpins the Ariya and the Megane E-Tech. Since solid-state batteries are not due until 2028, the sedan is likely to use lithium-ion batteries. It is possible that the vehicle will feature an 87 kWh battery, similar to the one in the Ariya, and could compete with the VW Aero B sedan and the Hyundai Ioniq 6.

2025 Nissan Maxima Price & Release Date

Nissan has officially announced that it plans to launch its electric sedan, which may potentially be a successor to the Nissan Maxima, in 2025. Although there is no additional information currently available, it is expected that the car will be priced in the range of $35,000 to $45,000 and will compete against models such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the VW Aero B. In addition to this, the car could also face competition from the Toyota bZ3 and BYD Seal in the Chinese market.

Verdict

Overall, the 2025 Nissan Maxima is a significant improvement over the current model, with a refreshed and redesigned exterior, updated interior, and improved performance. With its blend of style, comfort, and performance, the Maxima is sure to continue to be a favorite among drivers in the midsize sedan segment. So, if you’re in the market for a new car in the next few years, the 2025 Nissan Maxima is definitely worth considering.