Which Cars Have the Gear Shift on the Steering Wheel?
2 Answers
Some cars with paddle shifters and column-mounted gear shifts have the gear shift on the steering wheel. Here are some details about these gear shifts: 1. Column-mounted gear shift: The column-mounted gear shift is typically located on the right rear side of the steering wheel and is shaped like a lever. The most representative models are Mercedes-Benz and Tesla, as Tesla also uses the gear shift assembly from Mercedes-Benz. In most cars, the lever on the right rear side of the steering wheel is used to adjust the windshield wipers. However, in cars with column-mounted gear shifts, this lever serves as the gear shift. 2. Paddle shifters: Drivers of cars equipped with paddle shifters can shift gears without stepping on the clutch pedal, directly using the paddle shifters instead. Paddle shifters were initially widely used in racing cars due to their convenience and high efficiency in shifting.
I usually drive to and from work and have noticed that some sports cars and luxury vehicles prefer to place the gear shift on the steering wheel, such as Ferrari and the Porsche 911. It feels incredibly exhilarating—just a flick of the fingers to shift up or down, smooth like playing a racing game. This design isn’t just stylish; it also saves space, avoiding any obstruction and suiting experienced drivers who enjoy manual control. Even family cars have adopted it—like the high-end Honda Civic, which adds paddle shifters to the steering wheel, making overtaking on mountain roads much easier. I once tried a friend’s Mercedes, and its steering wheel shift response was lightning-fast, with no slippage even in the rain. If your budget allows, I highly recommend trying such a car to elevate your driving pleasure.
