Plenty of other cars have a similar system to the i-drive, and did not move the shifter behind the steering wheel. Also, the new chief designer for BMW Chris Bengal said they're moving closer to American designs himself so this is not my opinion. They wanted more of the American market (i.e., Cadillac which owns a huge chunk of the luxury market in the US).

Aaah i dont see that as American design.. i dont know where u getting that...btw the reason BMW 7 series has a shifter is because they needed the space to put in their annoying iDrive system. If you havent noticed Its the American car makers who have copied Japaniese/German Car makers. Just look at Cadi and Linclon.

Yes well, it is the smarter design. The american cars may be a pos but their design layout isn't all that bad when you're talking luxury and convenience. It easily provides a more spacious cabin.