I fitted retro deployable steps when i had MY13 L405. The steps that i bought came with the plastic type panels which go under each side of the RR. They had the cut outs already in etc.

If you did purchase L405 13 to 17 and take the deployable steps off, i still have the 2 original full length panel with no cut outs. You could have them with pleasure.

Its personal choice, i prefer the clean look of the deployable steps when stowed. Once you get used to them they are great. When I changed RR, deployable steps were a must for me, however they are not for everyone. ------------------------------------------
L405 4.4 V8 18 FFRR Autobiography (facelift) Santorini Black with Shadow Pack
L405 3.0 V6 13.5 FFRR Autobiography Santorini Black
L322 4.4 V8 12 FFRR Autobiography Santorini Black (RR Styling Pack)
L322 3.6 V8 10 FFRR Autobiography Santorini Black
L322 3.6 V8 07 FFRR Vogue SE Santorini Black
L322 3.0 I6 55 FFRR Autobiography Santorini Black

I have a few sets of genuine fixed steps with all fixing boltsand the cut panels for the underside if required when you buy one sir...

Kot wrote:

On a safety note, my snowflake daughter dropped her life (Iphone) while getting out of the car.
She closed the door and started to put her hand in between step and car.
I shouted at her so loud she herself, but it had the desired effect of her pulling her hand out just in time.

I had visions of fingers everywhere and it's still on my mind, are they failsafe? do they re-open if they see an obstruction ?

Yes in theory sir... The motors have a torque reverse function when they feel an obstruction! How much force and how a small hand/arm would fair? I'm unsure...

I had the deployable side steps on my L322 so had to have them on my L405 fitted both my brothers and my own

I have deployables on mine, I think that they are great and wouldn't be without them. However just lately they have locked themselves out a couple of times. I understand that they will lock if it thinks you are offroad. Well with the deep drains and potholes around here, they sometimes get confused. But a quick five second push of the reset button by right drivers knee resets easily.
I had fixed steps on my last D3, they looked ok on that one, but not so cool on a FFRR. 2013 SDV8 4.4 SE Luxor.
1960 Series 2 88 inch diesel.
1955 Series 1 86 inch petrol.

Yes they have a failsafe but i would suggest they are set more to stop breaking a leg than a finger!

Sit on the floor and stop one from deploying by kicking it, then you'll see how much force it takes sir

Oh and i absolutely love mine! But then I'm just a big kid who loves his gadgets