When the 2016 Nissan Maxima first rolled out, most people had to take a step back, as the redesign was pretty dramatic. Now that everyone has had their opportunity to take it in, Nissan->ke62 is showing off what buyers can do with their four-door sports car->ke506, by releasing the Maxima SR Midnight at the BET Experience.

The additional equipment that makes up the 2016 Maxima SR Midnight gives the sports sedan->ke142 a dark and sporty look. While I can appreciate the additional bits that give it this look, I have to tell you that there is nothing special about this car. This is simply a Maxima SR with a handful of optional equipment added in.

Despite not being anything special, is this group of options worth adding to your Maxima SR?

Continue reading my full review to find out.

Exterior

For the 2016 model year, the Maxima->ke540 underwent a huge transformation, giving it a bolder and more daring appearance. In fact, the appearance is so bold and daring that it is polarizing. The Midnight model takes this polarizing look and adds a touch more sportiness to it.

The first addition is the obligatory deep-black exterior hue that Nissan calls Super Black. Following the hue, Nissan added in a rear sports spoiler, rocker-panel moldings, a rear diffuser, splash guards, and 19-inch aluminum wheels.

Interior

Inside, the 2016 Maxima also underwent a transformation, putting the four-door sports car in the company of more premium sedans. The Midnight edition has just one interior upgrade, and that is the charcoal-colored premium Ascot leather upholstery with Alcantara seat inserts.

With the SR trim level that it is based upon, the Midnight models also gets premium features like heated and cooled front seats, aluminum sport pedals, paddle shifters, and an Alcantara insert on the steering wheel.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain carries over from the standard 2016 Maxima, which is a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. This engine mates to an Xtranic continuously variable transmission that delivers the ponies to the front wheels. This revised powertrain bumps the highway fuel economy by 15 percent to 30 mpg.

Because the Midnight is based on the SR trim level, it has a sport-tuned suspension with upgraded dampers.

Prices

Pricing for this special model remains unknown, but it shouldn’t be too big of a bump over the Maxima 3.5 SR’s $37,670 base price.

Competition

2016 Toyota Avalon

The Toyota Avalon->ke350 is a key competitor for the Maxima, and the trim that would best compete with this model is the XLE Touring Sport. This model has 18-inch black-painted aluminum wheels, premium leather trim with heated front seats, HID headlights, aluminum door-sill panels, and more.

Under the hood of the Avalon is a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, putting it at a huge disadvantage when compared to the Maxima Midnight.

Read our full review of the Avalon here.

2016 Chevrolet Impala Midnight Edition

The Impala->ke1792 is yet another big sedan that the Maxima must take on. What’s more, the Impala actually has a Midnight Edition all its own. This special package, like the Maxima’s Midnight model, only adds a few style features to the sedan. Its additions include a Jet Black exterior, 19-inch machined aluminum wheels with black accents, black Chevy->ke199 bowties, a Jet Black interior, sport pedals, and a rear spoiler.

Unlike the Maxima Midnight, the Impala Midnight Edition has two drivetrains available. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 195 horsepower or a 3.6-liter with 303 ponies.

The Impala Midnight Edition is available only with the Impala 1LT, 2LT and LTZ trim levels, and it adds between $995 and $1,595 to the base MSRP.

Read out full review of the Impala Midnight Edition here.

Conclusion

I am likely in the minority here at TopSpeed, as I actually like the looks of the new Maxima, and I think this package is pretty neat. However, I don’t like how Nissan deceptively showed it off as if it were some special-edition model. Instead, the Maxima Midnight is nothing more than a black Maxima with a few options checked.