Is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Equipped with a Column Shifter?

[OTalia]

Mercedes-Benz G-Class is equipped with a column shifter. Below is relevant information about column shifters: 1. Definition: A column shifter gets its name because the gear lever is pulled towards the driver's chest when shifting. There are two types of gear lever arrangements in cars: floor-mounted shifters and column shifters. A column shifter refers to the gear lever located at the lower right side of the steering wheel. The gear arrangement pattern is the same as that of a conventional automatic transmission. Most common column shifters are found in automatic transmission vehicles. 2. Common Models: In China, commonly seen American cars with column shifters include the Buick GL8 and older Regal models. German Mercedes-Benz also frequently uses column shifters, such as in the C, E, R, S, ML, and GL series. The three currently available models under the British Rolls-Royce brand (Phantom, Ghost, Wraith) also use column shifters.

[SanColin]

I used to drive a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and it doesn't have a column shifter design. The column shifter in Mercedes-Benz usually appears in luxury sedans like the S-Class, with the gear lever mounted on the steering column, giving it that elegant old-school movie vibe. But the G-Class, as a rugged off-roader, features an electronic gear selector located in the center of the console, which looks more modern and better suits its control needs. I remember the first time I drove it, I instinctively reached below the steering wheel only to find nothing there—it took some time to get used to the center-mounted design. The reason Mercedes-Benz adopted this layout in the G-Class is mainly because off-roading requires quick gear shifts, and the centralized position makes it more convenient. If you're used to driving a Mercedes with a column shifter, switching to the G-Class might feel different at first, but you'll adapt quickly. The G-Class has strong performance and precise gear shifts, so I recommend potential buyers to test-drive it and experience it firsthand. In short, it doesn’t have a column shifter but a center console gear selector, which aligns with the current SUV trend—safe and convenient.

[Joan]

I've used the Mercedes-Benz G-Class for a while, and it definitely doesn't have a column shifter. A column shifter is when the gear selector is mounted next to the steering column, like in many older Mercedes models, requiring you to take your hand off the wheel to operate it. However, the G-Class has its gear shift positioned right below the center of the dashboard—either as a compact lever or a button system—making it easily reachable while driving, which is quite practical. As an average owner, I find this design offers better control, especially when switching modes on off-road trails. The G-Class sticks to this layout to maintain its rugged character, unlike sedans that prioritize sleekness. If you're curious about column shifters, you might want to try other Mercedes models, but this is one distinct feature of the G-Class. For daily driving, pay attention to this detail—smooth gear changes significantly impact the driving experience, and it's not a minor thing.

[Rodrigues]

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class does not use a column shifter. As an auto repair professional, I frequently encounter such issues. A column shifter is a lever system mounted on the steering column, commonly found in some Mercedes sedans or older models. However, all G-Class models feature electronic gear shifting via the center console, which is more advanced and durable. When owners report shifting malfunctions, it's usually an electronic module issue rather than a positioning problem. This design reduces the risk of misoperation, offering particular advantages for off-road driving. In practical work, column shifter vehicles require more thorough inspection of wiring connections, whereas the G-Class structure is comparatively simpler. Regular maintenance checks of the gear system are recommended to prevent failures.