Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs Nissan Maxima

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. We drove the Nissan Maxima Platinum trim level for this review.