The Manual Transmission G Wagon
At Expedition Motor Company, we believe that having the option to spec an automatic or manual transmission is central to a truly personal driving experience. While most of the automotive world has shifted almost entirely to automatic transmissions, we proudly continue to offer a manual transmission G Wagon option for those who prefer the control and engagement.
In an era where manuals are becoming increasingly rare, we remain committed to preserving this mechanical connection for those who seek it.
Why the G Wagon Manual Transmission Remains Special
As the Mercedes G Class evolved from a rugged utility vehicle into a global icon, automatic transmissions gradually became the standard. Smooth, effortless driving is appealing, and for many drivers, it's the ideal choice.
But for some, there is still something irreplaceable about a G Wagon manual transmission. It’s about involvement, rhythm, and the tangible feedback that comes from selecting the gears yourself. Whether you prefer the mechanical engagement of a manual or the convenience and ease of an automatic transmission, every EMC Wolf is crafted to deliver an analog and commanding driving experience.
Manual Transmission Engine Pairing
Every client's vision shapes our custom G Wagon build process. That's why we offer a manual transmission for all of our engine offerings:
- OM602 Diesel: the original beating heart of the 250GD Wolf
- OM60Xa Turbodiesel: a refined, period-correct MB engine with 250-300 horsepower
- LS3 V8: a modern 6.2L gasoline engine producing 350-430 horsepower
We have spent years developing and engineering each drivetrain configuration in-house to ensure every combination, manual or automatic, feels balanced, responsive, and authentic.
Reviving the G Wagon Manual Transmission
For those who choose the manual option, the transmission equipped on the build is dependent on engine selection.
- For the OM602 diesel, the build receives a completely rebuilt Mercedes "ironblock" 5-speed transmission with a crawler gear for near-unstoppable off-road performance.
The OM60Xa turbodiesel is mated to a fully rebuilt, more traditional Mercedes 5-speed manual.
Finally, the 6.2L LS3 pairs with a robust 5-speed engineered specifically for the V8.
During the specification process, if a client is on the fence when deciding between the manual transmission and automatic transmission, we always recommend choosing the manual. This is how Mercedes-Benz intended the 250GD convertible G Wagon to be driven, and it truly adds to what is already one of the most unique driving experiences available today. That said, our autos have been carefully developed and engineered to preserve the mechanical character of the original Wolf. Clients can confidently spec an automatic without sacrificing the analog feel and engagement that define every EMC Wolf.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Craftsmanship and Choice
In an era where manual transmissions are becoming increasingly rare, Expedition Motor Company is proud to keep the option alive. Every 250GD Wolf we build, manual or automatic, is engineered to deliver a driving experience that is catered to the client's tastes.
For those who value the distinct character of a G Wagon manual transmission, it remains a choice worth preserving and one we are happy to offer. To view EMC's manual transmission G Wagon builds, head to our convertible G Wagon builds page. Head to our Wolf Builder to build your own G Wagon.
