Are Mercedes-Benz the Only Cars with Gear Shift on the Steering Wheel?
1 Answers
Cars with gear shifts on the steering wheel are not exclusive to Mercedes-Benz. This setup is most commonly found in racing cars like F1 vehicles, where drivers need both hands on the wheel at all times for control, making the gear shift placement on the steering wheel highly convenient for operation. Advantages of steering wheel-mounted gear shifts: Placing the gear shift on one side of the steering wheel allows drivers to switch gears without taking their hands off the wheel. It also frees up space previously occupied by a traditional gear lever. However, this design relocates functions originally on the right side of the steering wheel to the opposite side, requiring some time to adapt. Introduction to car gear shift methods: Curved Type: This is a common gear shift design, widely used and popular. Its advantage is the clear tactile feedback during gear shifts, reducing the likelihood of incorrect shifts. The downside is that shifting may not be as smooth, especially for beginners who need time to get used to it. Straight-Line Type: A frequently seen design that moves straight up and down, making it simple. However, it is prone to accidental shifts, so it usually includes a lock button. To engage reverse gear, the button must be pressed. Electronic Type: Commonly found in BMW models. Besides its sleek appearance, this gear lever can determine if the driver's shifting action is correct. If not, it will not execute the shift, thereby protecting the transmission. Rotary Knob Type: Rises when the ignition is on and lowers when off. It is a variant of the electronic gear shift, just in a different form. While often seen in luxury brands like Jaguar and Land Rover, some domestic models priced around 100,000 yuan have also started adopting this design. Button Type: Another form of electronic gear shift, typically seen in Lincoln models. It features a novel design, usually located to the left of the central control screen, saving more space than other shifting methods. Shifting requires pressing the buttons.
