Which cars have the gear shift lever next to the steering wheel?

[DiJessica]

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.

[VanMolly]

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.

[Jayla]

As an enthusiast who frequently test drives new cars, I've noticed that many high-end brands position the gear shifter on the steering wheel column. Mercedes-Benz adopts this across its entire lineup, such as the C-Class or S-Class, where a gentle flick allows gear changes—simple yet stylish. Tesla's Model S and Model X replace traditional levers with buttons behind the steering wheel, saving space and enhancing the tech vibe. Ford’s electric pickup, the F-150 Lightning, also features a rotary gear selector on the steering column. I believe this design is part of the modern EV trend, reducing mechanical components for smoother driving. Among mainstream family cars, the new Kia K8 occasionally offers a column-shifter style, ideal for urban commuting. However, this layout isn’t universal; luxury brands dominate it. A test drive quickly reveals its intuitive operation.

[VanAngelo]

The design of placing the gear lever next to the steering wheel, such as the column shifter, primarily enhances the practicality of the driving space. The center console remains unobstructed, making it more convenient to place items like water bottles or phones. Older American vehicles, like Chevrolet trucks, commonly used this design because it keeps the interior tidy and simplifies operation. Modern models such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC or E-Class retain this feature, allowing for easy gear shifts with a simple flick. Some vans, like the Toyota Hiace, also adopt this layout to free up the central aisle, facilitating smooth passenger movement. Overall, this arrangement suits vehicles that prioritize multifunctionality, saving space without compromising the driving experience.

[McKennedy]

I once drove my friend's old Mercedes-Benz, with the gear shift lever located on the right side of the steering wheel. At first, it felt a bit odd, but once I got used to it, I found it super convenient. In the city, parking and shifting gears were quick, with my hands never leaving the steering wheel. His car was a Mercedes CLS, and the column shifter design made the cabin look clean and saved space on the center console. Another colleague's Chrysler 300 had a similar layout, which was great for family trips. Among modern cars, Tesla's steering column controls left the deepest impression on me—they're very intuitive. This kind of setup is especially practical in congested traffic.

[LeOwen]

From the perspective of vehicle types, cars with gear levers located beside the steering wheel encompass classic American cars, luxury sedans, and some commercial models. Older Buick models and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class feature column shifters, embodying retro elegance; commercial vehicles like the Volkswagen T2 often place the gear lever on the steering column, emphasizing functionality; modern electric vehicles such as the Lucid Air adopt the column shifter style, blending it with a sense of technology. Compared to the center-mounted gear levers in sports cars or the button-style shifters in SUVs, this design enhances space utilization, making it suitable for daily driving and long-distance travel.