window switches in the mid of the car both is quite safe and also simplifies production, Both passenger and driver can use them, e.g. imagine a kid in the back doing stupid stuff like constantly opening a window in snow, driver cannot be distracted. front passenger than takes care of this issue.
the other case is that its easier as it requires less movement and manuevering (not all people are built small). these switches have been installed in MB, BMW, SAAB since ages.. Infact SAAB placed the ignition switch there too - I loved that feature.