New Benz SL and Ford Escape share magic feature

What do the brand new Mercedes-Benz SL luxury roadster and Ford Escape entry level crossover, both on prominent display at NAIAS, have in common?

Certainly not their price points, or their looks or their purposes. But they do share one very neat new convenience feature that’s worth checking out. Go to either vehicle and ‘wave’ your foot around under the rear bumper.

On the Escape, the rear tailgate will open magically and with the SL, the folding hardtop will collapse neatly into the trunk or raise itself. Of course this neat trick can only be done if you or the vehicle owner standing nearby has the appropriate key fob.