Actually, my dad had a pushbutton transmission in our beloved red and white 1958 Dodge Royal Lancer. If I remember correctly, it was to the left of the steering wheel on the dashboard (probably so kids couldn't fiddle with it from the front center seat!). I remember him saying he really liked it.Push buttons for auto transmissions go back to Chrysler/DeSoto vehicles around '62. Buick had one for some of their cars at around '58-'60. I know. I was a passenger and observed them in operation myself.
If Lincoln marketing tries to convince buyers this is a new development do not fall for it.
I ordered my MKC a month ago, currently also in a 2011 MKX.I had a 2011 MKX which had the shifter and the armrest so I am finding it very different to not have the shifter. I like the buttons and it is definitely going to take some getting used to. I did find the shifter more comfortable and more natural to use than the buttons but then I guess shifters are old school now.