[aigel]

I have a low trim level Ram 1500 with ecodiesel. It has that shifter and still has a key - albeit with a plastic tip that probably has a chip inside. Same key as the MB etc..

The dial shifter works flawlessly. I was skeptical but read reviews and there appears no reliability issue with it. Everyone driving it got used to it quickly. It is nice to have only one stalk on the column.

Like you guessed, most "shifters" on automatics nowadays are connected to an electronic switch. So, in terms of function, it is the same.

The truck has brains attached to the shifter. If you turn the truck off in drive, it will automatically switch it into park for you (you can chose to turn this option on / off).

G