Which cars have the gear shift lever next to the steering wheel?
2 Answers
Cars with the gear shift lever next to the steering wheel include the Buick GL8 and Mercedes-Benz. Their advantages are: 1. It is very convenient to operate without taking hands off the steering wheel, which can improve the efficiency of switching driving modes; 2. It can save space in the car. Taking the 2021 Buick GL8 Comfort model as an example, its body dimensions are: length 5238mm, width 1878mm, height 1776mm, and wheelbase 3088mm. Taking the 2019 Mercedes-Benz C260L model as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4784mm, width 1810mm, height 1457mm, and wheelbase 2920mm.
As a seasoned driver who has driven many classic cars, I remember that in the 1960s and 1970s, many American cars had their gear shifters located next to the steering wheel, a design known as the column shifter. Back then, models like the Buick, Chrysler, and Ford Falcon featured this layout, which freed up more space in the front for storage and made operations smoother during long-distance driving. The Mercedes-Benz W123 or W124 series in the 1980s also retained the column shifter, making it a classic feature. Today, some vintage car enthusiasts can still spot these models on the road, and driving them gives a nostalgic feel. Column shifters are also common in trucks or vans, like the old Volkswagen T-series, as this design clears up the center console area. If you're interested, I recommend visiting a classic car show—models with this design are often displayed there. They drive quite steadily, though it takes some time to get used to them.
