1 The centerline profile of the roof is superb, a gentle arc that should keep airflow attached almost all the way to the horizontal rear deck.
2 Yes, this line is just like a BMW's. No, the Maxima as a whole is not remotely like a rear-wheel-drive sport sedan from Munich.
3 Notice how nicely the curve at the forward edge of the taillight leads up to the upper side-window trim forward of the Hofmeister kink. It is elegant and effective, unlike the similar line on the front fender that connects to nothing at all.
4 This hard line fades in the front door and resumes just aft of the B-pillar. It adds to the sporty aspect of the styling and helps stiffen the skin.
5 Concave sections indented in the rear bumper fascia and the rocker panels are structural stiffeners and reduce the visual mass of the plain body sides.
6 The treatment of the dual exhaust outlets is convincingly sporty and is suitable to a 290-hp engine.
7 The optional tacked-on spoiler is an unfortunate piece, presumably intended to reinforce the "sports car" aspect of the sedan's styling. It would have been better were it integrated into the deck lid itself.
8 The lower-bumper air intake and the foglight opening is definitely sport-oriented and helps mitigate the massive bluff front end.
9 Headlamps set back into the surface provide a starting point for the front fender crease that emphasizes the body bulges at the wheel openings.
10 This crisp line on the hood gives the impression of more length to the typical short nose of front-wheel-drive vehicles.
11 This hard line rises all the way to the taillight and is unrelated to the rear wheel opening, giving the Maxima a wedge shape to at least suggest rear-wheel drive.
A Apart from the overwhelming darkness, this is a nicely designed and very well-made interior, with serious-looking bucket seats.
B There is little relief from the funereal black of the interior, but at least there's a bit more brightwork on the steering wheel and the center stack than on the instrument panel.
C These vertical rectangles alongside the information/navigation screen are a nice touch.