By Tim Esterdahl
The all-new 2016 Nissan Maxima has created a stir among auto journalists and consumers with its striking looks, new powertrain and its host of technology features. Here are the features that stand out for us.
New Multi-Touch Display with Pinch and Zoom
Standard on all Maxima models is a large 8” screen featuring a host of apps and informational screens such as audio, phone, car information, map and navigation.
The navigation screen is quite advanced with a pinch and zoom feature where you can pinch the screen with your fingers and then expand or contract to zoom like a cellphone.
Also, you can use navigation in conjunction with NissanConnect services to download directions. Plus, when using navigation, you can use the “Swipe to Meter” feature to send the map to the 7” screen located on the Advanced Drive Assist Display next to the speedometer and tachometer.
Bird’s Eye View Via Around View Monitor With Moving Object Detection
Cameras are all the rage right now for automakers and Nissan has done a great job of incorporating this new technology into the Maxima. At a push of a button, you can see a visual representation of the area around the vehicle from a bird’s eye view. This is incredibly helpful backing out and pulling into parking spots since you can see everything around you at a quick glance.
Unlike mirrors which can have big blind spots, the bird’s eye view monitor gives you the ultimate visibility of your surroundings. Plus, with a moving object detector, the system can alert you if an object is moving near you at low speed (under 5 mph).
Automatic Collision Notification (ACN)
While being in an accident where airbags deploy is traumatic is bad enough, the worst part is gathering yourself enough to call the police. That is, if you are able to call the police. The Nissan Maxima has you covered through an automatic collision notification system through NissanConnect Services.
This system is simple. You get into an accident where airbags deploy, and then NissanConnect calls your vehicle to find out if you are OK. If you don’t respond, they immediately send help. Talk about peace of mind.
Curfew Alert, Boundary Alert
Last, but not least, are new features every parent wishes they had – curfew alert and boundary alert. These alerts work just like you would think. The Maxima will alert you when it exceeds a preset boundary area and it will also alert you when the vehicle was driven outside predetermined hours. Yep, no need to try and guess when and where the Maxima went. The car will alert you when that happens either via a text, email or a phone call.
Cost, and which trim levels offer it?
Sadly, not all of these features are available in each of the five trim levels – S, SV, SL, SR and Platinum. However, quite a few of the ones we mentioned are available throughout. For example, with an active NissanConnect membership, the curfew and boundary alert, automatic collision alert and pinch and zoom navigation is available on all Maxima models.
The Around View Monitor is currently only available on the Platinum model which begins at $39,960.