lin8810

Quite short video, only 2 min 52s. But the conclusion was very positive.

guido3

AutoEvolution's take on CR's comments:

"Editor's note: It's pure nonsense what Consumer Reports is saying about the shifter. It's a standard safety feature built into most cars. Do people open the door and leave their car without putting it in park? Also, hitting the stalk by accident while driving would destroy the gearbox if it went into park instead of neutral."

JEVA

I'm sure it's electronically locked out from moving into any other gear inappropriate for the speed/direction of travel. Most cars have this today with more traditional shifters.

I agree with AE's assessment though. When you stop the car to park, what are the normal steps everyone follows?
1. Stop
2. Put the car in park
3. turn off ignition
4. exit

I can't think of why I would ever stop and hit the ignition button except by accident. I've done this before where I've stopped to park, got distracted by my phone or something and then turned off the ignition thinking I had put it in park already. It's only happened a time or two ever that I can remember.

Mickfx

I've done that in a couple of cars since I started driving automatics and I get a big message to put the transmission in "P".

dieseldoc

I had a GL with the stalk prior to ordering my GLC. Never was an issue. I always put the car in park then turned it off with the button no different than put in park and turn off car with key. I do not understand shutting car off prior to placing car in park!

tron786

My car doesn't have the button start.
When I turn off the car with the key it goes into park automatically. When I open the door after that then the e brake comes on.

JEVA

I tried on my X6 this morning for comparison...if I am stopped, foot on the brake, and hit the ignition switch, the engine quits and the car goes into park.