is it just me or does the placement of the touch shift controls on the steering column look like it is not going to be very easy to operate?

 

rennrcr, are you talking about the standard touch shift on the SL500 (shiftlever) or the shift buttons on the SL55?

I am not aware of any other other controls on the steering column

If you are talking about the SL55's steering wheel buttons, they are located on the front of the steering wheel and used with both thumbs. Sounds like the right place and should be comfortable since the steering wheel is shaped slightly different on the AMG. The buttons on the AMG are a cool feature, considering because that unlike the touch shift, this one really gives you down and upshift control.

It's just too bad they don't make a wood leather steering wheel combo. I was told that it's due to the fact that the car can go over 200 mph (unlocked) and the wood maybe too slippery for safe driving.

Wolfman

 

The Manual Speedshift buttons on the SL55 are located on the back of the steering wheel....the "+" and "-" on the front are only reminders as to which side is up and which side is down...If you are driving hard enough to be using the shift buttons you are going to want your hands in the correct position for the buttons...in all the reviews of the SL 55...no one has mentioned a problem with button position....

 

isn't the location of it a little odd...

made me think they were envisioning some sort of long-digited alien type being to shift with those buttons

 

personally i like the ferrari shift paddles the best among the true F1 semiautomatics....

but the audi tiptronic is well placed and easy to use...that is the controls on the Sport steering wheel on the A4 and S4.