Which car has the gear shift next to the steering wheel?

[XavierDella]

The Buick GL8 has its gear shift next to the steering wheel. P is the parking position, where the wheels are locked, and this gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the parking brake pedal is depressed. R is the reverse gear, which can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary. N is the neutral position, and D is the drive gear, featuring an automatic mode for all gears. The Buick GL8 is a mid-to-high-end MPV model launched by Buick, with body dimensions of 5256mm in length, 1878mm in width, and 1776mm in height, and a wheelbase of 3088mm. In terms of power, the Buick GL8 is equipped with a 3.0L WTV6 engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 178 hp, and the vehicle can reach a top speed of 168 kilometers per hour.

[VanGianna]

I remember when I was a kid, my dad's old Buick had the gear shift right next to the steering wheel, which was incredibly convenient, especially during family road trips—it made the car feel much more spacious. The column shifter design was quite popular back then, used in many models like Cadillacs and Fords. Operating it was as simple as pushing or pulling a small lever, saving space and effort. Over time, as I drove more, I realized this design kept my hands from tiring during long drives, and I could keep my eyes on the road while shifting, unlike floor shifters that require glancing down. Nowadays, seeing modern cars with column shifters, like many Mercedes models, brings back a nostalgic feel—though the downside is that beginners might accidentally press the wrong gear. Overall, the column shifter represents a classic elegance, perfect for those who prioritize comfort.

[Bernice]

As a car enthusiast, I've driven quite a few vehicles with gear shifts mounted beside the steering wheel, with Mercedes-Benz being the most typical example. Their C-Class to S-Class models commonly feature the column shifter design. While driving, you only need to move your hand slightly from the steering wheel to operate it, reducing movement range and making it much more effortless, especially in traffic jams. Other models like the Lexus LS also adopt similar approaches, though Japanese cars use this feature relatively less frequently. The column shifter helps declutter the center console area, making it easier to place items and preventing children in the back seat from accidentally touching the gear lever. The downside is slightly reduced flexibility during aggressive driving, but that minor inconvenience is far outweighed by the space-saving benefits. I often recommend such cars to friends, as modern life pursues simplicity, and vehicles with column shifters like Mercedes-Benz and early Tesla Model S exemplify this wisdom.

[LaAnastasia]

Driving a car with the gear shift on the steering wheel, I have to say the most practical benefit is saving space inside the car. The center console is cleaner, and placing a phone or water bottle there won’t be in the way. Common models like older Buicks and newer Mercedes-Benz make shifting gears effortless—just push the lever. The downside is that first-time drivers might not be familiar with it, leading to awkward mis-shifts. But from a safety perspective, the higher position offers better visibility, and your hand won’t get tired on long drives. I currently drive a car with this design, and it’s very practical for daily commutes, especially for quick operations when parking. Compared to floor-mounted shifters, column shifters allow drivers to focus more on the road ahead, reducing the risk of looking down. Overall, it’s a smart choice, suitable for urban or family vehicles.

[DavidRose]

The first time I tried a column shifter was in a borrowed Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with the gear lever mounted on the steering column. Initially, I wasn't used to it—my right hand kept fumbling around. But after a few days, it felt incredibly intuitive, especially during traffic jams where a simple flick switched gears without much arm movement. This type of shifter is mainly used by Mercedes and some American pickup trucks, designed to maximize space efficiency. On long trips, my hand never got sore, and the cabin looked sleek. Another plus? Enhanced safety—kids in the backseat can't fiddle with the gear lever. The downside? Slightly pricier repairs due to higher component integration. Overall, I prefer this layout—it simplifies driving with elegance and eases adaptation for beginners.

[KendraDella]

The gear shift located beside the steering wheel is professionally called a column shifter. Its core design aims to enhance interior space and driving comfort, commonly seen in models like Mercedes-Benz. When operating, the shift lever connects to the steering column and controls the transmission via electronic signals, reducing mechanical complexity. Driving rear-wheel-drive vehicles with this setup ensures smooth gear changes during turns without diverting attention from the road. A potential drawback is reduced sensitivity in extreme weather or with aging components, though modern electronics have significantly improved this. Compared to floor-mounted shifters, column shifters save space and minimize accidental operations, making them particularly suitable for congested traffic. From my personal experience driving a Lexus equipped with a column shifter, it blends tradition and innovation seamlessly, offering a worthwhile experience—especially for new drivers.