The 2017 Nissan Maxima Platinum represents the pinnacle of the long-running Maxima sedan lineup, blending assertive styling with a refined interior and a powertrain that satisfies both daily driving practicality and spirited performance expectations. As a vehicle sitting above the base S and mid-level SV trims, the Platinum trim is defined by its focus on luxury, technology, and the available turbocharged engine that defines its driving dynamics.
2017 Nissan Maxima Platinum Engine and Power Output
At the heart of the 2017 Maxima Platinum lies the signature 3.5-liter V6 engine, a naturally aspirated unit that has been the standard and optional powerplant for generations of Maximas. For the Platinum trim, this 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 is standard, delivering a specific output of 300 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque. This combination is managed by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a sport mode and paddle shifters, translating the smooth power delivery to the front wheels with efficiency and responsiveness that defies the engine's traditional displacement.
Performance Capability and Driving Dynamics
While the numbers place the Maxima in the upper-middle of the mid-size sedan segment, the true measure of the 2017 Platinum's performance is its execution. The 300 horsepower figure provides ample acceleration for highway merging and passing, allowing the sedan to move with a confident urgency that is often lacking in its class. The CVT, while sometimes a topic of debate among driving enthusiasts, is tuned to hold ratios that maximize fuel economy during cruising while downshifting quickly under throttle to simulate a traditional automatic's engagement when the driver seeks a more spirited pace.
Handling and Suspension Tuning
Power is only one aspect of the driving equation, and the Maxima Platinum addresses handling with a suite of standard electronic aids and a physically upgraded suspension. The Platinum trim benefits from larger 18-inch alloy wheels all around, which provide better tire contact patch and improved heat dissipation compared to the smaller wheels found on lower trims. This is complemented by a more aggressive steering ratio and a suspension that is calibrated to be firmer, reducing body roll through corners and providing a planted, stable feel at higher speeds without sacrificing too much ride comfort on everyday roads.
Design, Luxury, and the Platinum Experience
The 2017 Maxima Platinum's visual presence is defined by its aggressive front fascia, featuring a larger chrome grille, LED headlights with adaptive front-lighting system (AFS), and a unique rear diffuser that sets it apart from the S and SV models. Inside, the Platinum transitions from a well-appointed cabin to a genuinely luxurious environment. Premium features include heated front and rear seats, a power-adjustable front driver's seat with memory, a panoramic moonroof, and a Bose premium audio system that transforms the cabin into a concert hall for daily commutes.
Technology and Infotainment
Technologically, the 2017 Platinum is well-equipped to compete with contemporaries. The available navigation system integrates with an 8-inch touch-screen display that also provides access to Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and an auxiliary input for smartphone integration. The inclusion of Nissan's Around View Monitor, which uses cameras mounted at the corners of the vehicle to create a top-down view during parking, is a significant asset in urban environments and for mitigating blind spots, enhancing both convenience and safety for the driver.
