[hcho]

None of the cars I have driven in the last decade had physical keys. Owned a Nissan, Mercedes and Toyota, rented various BMWs, Peugeots etc...

[zulln]

A lot of them actually have a real key "hidden" within the digital fob, see example: https://www.bimmer-tech.net/blog/item/105-about-bmw-key-fob

I have never had to actually use it, but looked into it when I got low battery-warnings to make sure I would not be locked out.

Assuming this is not a legal requirement I am sure there are models where this is not possible though.

[kyriakos]

those are for opening the doors but you cannot use them to start the engine

[zulln]

From the link: > Once inside your vehicle, insert your remote key fob in the ignition slot or, if your car doesn't have one, hold it against the key markings on the side of the steering column. You'll then be able to start your BMW with the start/stop button on your vehicle's dashboard, even if your key fob is dead.

Other cars probably have other solution. It was possible in my case as well (not BMW) but do not remember the process.

[nucleardog]

Mind listing some exact vehicle make+models?

Because besides personal experience, googling the proximity keys of all of those brands shows the expected pop-out keys.

Also photos of various models from all those brands in 2020 show key holes on the driver's door, which would suggest there is in fact a key somewhere that fits it.

[l33tman]

In the keyfob there is usually a foldout key hidden even in modern cars

[hcho]

None of the cars I owned had this. I hadn't fiddled with the rented cars keys so those might have had it.