SWB 250GD Wolf vs. LWB 250GD
Background: Two Paths from the Same Lineage
The 250GD sits at the center of the 1990s G Wagon story: a diesel-powered, body-on-frame Gelandewagen configured for military and governmental service across NATO partners. Short-wheelbase (SWB) “Wolf” trucks and long-wheelbase (LWB) 250GDs share the same fundamentals—ladder frame, coil-sprung solid axles, locking differentials, and a utilitarian interior that favors function and serviceability. Both were designed to work predictably in varied climates and terrain, and both became staples in fleets that needed simple upkeep and consistent traction. In period, the SWB Wolf typically emphasized compact footprint and agility, while the LWB variant extended the concept with additional seats, payload room, and mounting options.
As a result, the two versions represent different expressions of the same template. The SWB Wolf is the reference point for many enthusiasts—a compact, soft top G Wagon platform with a clear view and an unmistakable profile. The LWB 250GD applies the very same logic to a longer chassis: more space, more seating, and greater flexibility for equipment, without abandoning the straightforward mechanical layout that made the platform durable in the first place.
Military Roles and Hardware Differences
Across NATO fleets, both SWB and LWB 250GDs were used for liaison, reconnaissance, and light transport. The differences emerge in how units allocated the vehicles. SWB Wolfs were commonly tasked where maneuverability, tight-area access, and quick dismounts mattered. LWB trucks often handled roles that benefitted from added volume—carrying additional personnel, communications gear, or mission-specific equipment. Unlike other long-wheelbase models such as certain 230GE configurations, the 250GD LWB retained the desirable field features enthusiasts associate with the Wolf: a fold-down windshield and frameless windows. That continuity means both SWB and LWB examples can be configured for open-air operation and simplified field service—useful traits in their original context and appealing to modern owners who value analog driving.
From a packaging standpoint, the longer chassis changes the day-to-day experience in predictable ways. The SWB Wolf feels compact and direct; the LWB delivers space for more people and equipment. Where the SWB’s footprint suits tight trails and urban streets, the LWB’s wheelbase and cabin volume favor higher passenger counts. In practical terms, both carry the same family DNA; the longer truck simply extends the use case.
Restoration Approach and Option Sets
Our restoration program treats the SWB Wolf and the 250GD LWB with the same process and standards. Each is disassembled to bare metal and rebuilt in-house, with renewed hardware and a driveline calibrated for reliable, modern-day drivability. The result is a fully-restored vintage G Wagon that preserves the geometry and character of the original while benefiting from minimally-invasive updates: proprietary suspension, upgraded braking, and a redesigned interior with weatherproof materials and integrated conveniences. The craftsmanship, attention to detail, and engineering choices are consistent across both wheelbases; the key difference is space. The LWB offers more interior volume and seating for up to eight, without changing the core feel that defines the platform.
Exterior and interior choices mirror what our clients know from the Wolf program. Color palettes, stitching, soft-top options, wheel designs, lighting guards, and auxiliary equipment can be specified to match a client’s vision. Drivetrain selection is tailored to the chassis. The SWB Wolf can be built around original-style diesels or modern upgrades, including period-correct options referenced in our OM605 work. The LWB, due to its additional mass and the driving experience we target, is configured with either the OM606a turbodiesel or the LS3 V8. These engines provide great power and composure that suit the longer chassis, especially when carrying eight passengers. If you want to map out a specification in detail, our custom G Wagon configurator is the simplest way to view options.
Choosing Between SWB and LWB
The decision usually comes down to aesthetics and required interior space. The SWB Wolf feels immediate and light on its feet, with an open-top experience that underscores the appeal of a vintage Mercedes convertible in a compact form. The 250GD LWB carries everything people like about the Wolf into a longer cabin—more seating and cargo flexibility—while retaining hallmark features such as the fold-down windshield and frameless windows. Both trucks deliver the straightforward controls and mechanical transparency that define the G Class Gelandewagen. Both can be specified to reflect different priorities, from original-style analog driving to modernized road manners, both lead back to the same lineage that made the platform durable in service.
The 250GD sits squarely in the 1990s G Wagon era that shaped the trucks many enthusiasts seek today. And for anyone scanning the market, “Mercedes Wolf for sale” or "Mercedes 250GD for sale," listings tend to focus on SWB builds, while long-wheelbase 250GDs offer a different kind of rarity—everything familiar, just with more room. If you’d like to see how your preferences translate into a final specification, feel free to reach out us any time.
Paul Stehn
Product Director
732-993-3116