Something about internally geared hubs that makes them Ideal for Commuting, and now the manufacturers are competing to see who can pack the most gear ratios in there.

3 speed is a hundred year old innovation, 5, 7, 8, 9, and Shimano is set to sell an 11 speed in a year..

why so great for commuting ?, no deralleur to whack , and you can pick a gear when not moving much or at all.
advantage when you hit a red light in too high a gear just downshift at a standstill while you are waiting for the light to change.