Push-button start is a love-or-hate it feature. But it may be hard to find anyone who doesn't appreciate not having to take a key out of a pocket or purse to open a car door, especially on rainy days.
A 2010 BMW 328i Coupe I recently tested had a Comfort Access keyless entry feature, and during frequent April showers I was glad I could just touch the ridges on the driver's door handle to get inside and get dry. But such convenience comes at a price.
On the 328i, it's a $500 option. But that's cheap compared to the Keyless-Go option on the Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport, which is $1,130. And on the Audi A4 the advanced key option is part of the Prestige package that starts at $7,300, while Infiniti's Intelligent Key is standard on the G37 Coupe and the Lexus SmartAccess feature is standard on all IS sedans and convertibles.
So it depends on how deep your pockets are -- and which car you pick -- whether or not it's worth it to not have to dig for a key in those same pockets.
By brn
on April 27, 2010
11:59 AM
"So it depends on how deep your pockets are"
Not so deep that I can't put my hand in there and press the unlock button on my keyfob. Even $500 isn't worth it.
By sabastian
on April 27, 2010
12:58 PM
"And on the Audi A4 the advanced key option is part of the Prestige package that starts at $7,300."
These option packages are so annoying. You have to spend a ton of money on a package just to get a couple key features that you actually want. At least BMW's option structure allows you to pick and choose for the most part.
By dougnewcomb
on April 27, 2010
01:45 PM
@sabastian: "You have to spend a ton of money on a package just to get a couple key features that you actually want." No pun intended? And agreed.
By ahightower
on April 27, 2010
01:46 PM
I agree with brn. Nice to have, but definitely not worth paying for.
By vvk
on April 27, 2010
02:09 PM
I hate those things.
I also hate not having a real key. Seems like most auto keys these days are shaped to be a key ring charm. Well, that would work if I used a key ring. Since I always use JUST the key, it just looks and feels silly.
By blueguydotcom
on April 28, 2010
09:45 AM
Should be standard. It costs them next to nothing. Then again BMW somehow charges over 700 for bluetooth. WTH?! BT costs them about $5.
Had Comfort Access on my 2006 ED 330i. Dug it - could be better though (all doors should open when you get near, not just the front, doors should lock when you walk away). Would pay for it again over something like leather or a moonroof or a stereo any day.
By DLu
on April 29, 2010
06:28 AM
Our Sienna's system seems similar to the BMW -- put your hand around any of the 4 door handles and it unlocks right away. It works very well and I love it. The G37 requires you to push a little button for locking and unlocking -- not nearly as cool (at least it came standard).
Either way I enjoy putting the "key" somewhere safe on me and never having to reach for it (especially if my hands are full, I don't have to wait for the wife try to find the key in my pocket).