
Mercedes-Benz cars have the gear shift located on the right side of the steering wheel. The models under the Mercedes-Benz brand include: Mercedes-Benz A-Class, S-Class, G-Class, C-Class, Maybach, etc. Taking the S-Class as an example, it belongs to the full-size car category with body dimensions of: length 5290mm, width 1921mm, height 1503mm, wheelbase 3216mm, and a fuel tank capacity of 76 liters. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is equipped with a 3.0T twin-turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 230kW at 5500rpm and a maximum torque of 450Nm, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Speaking of the gear position in Mercedes-Benz cars, my own Mercedes C-Class has the gear shift on a small stalk to the right of the steering wheel, known as the column shifter. When driving, just twist it with your right hand: pull up for reverse gear, push down for drive gear, and the middle position is neutral. This design is quite convenient—no need to look down to find it, just operate near the steering wheel, making driving safer. Most newer Mercedes models are like this, such as the E-Class and S-Class. The column shifter saves space in the center console, making the interior cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing. However, some older models or SUVs like the GLC may have a rotary knob on the center console for gear selection, but the column shifter remains the most common.

Mercedes-Benz's gear shift design has undergone significant changes, which I've noticed over years of car enthusiasm. Classic models like the older S-Class featured a floor-mounted gear shift located in the center console, but now the mainstream design is a column-mounted shift lever on the right side behind the steering wheel. Shifting gears is quick and responsive—for example, moving from P to D directly engages drive. Variations between models are minor: the GLE might have a rotary knob on the center console, while the C-Class sticks to a pure column shifter. This shift is because column shifters offer better ergonomics, reduce misoperation, and enhance driving focus, complemented by Mercedes' integrated electronic systems that provide audible cues to ensure precise operation.

When I first learned to drive a Mercedes, I found the gear shift particularly easy to locate—it's just a short lever on the right side of the steering wheel. The operation is simple: hold the steering wheel with your left hand, and with your right hand, just flick the lever to shift gears. Push forward to go forward and pull back to reverse. The indicator light on the dashboard will display the gear status. After getting used to it, I found it very convenient, much easier than traditional floor-mounted gear shifts, especially when reversing—it feels more natural. If you ever get confused about the positions, just glance at the manual or wait for the prompt after starting the engine.


