Mercedes-Benz modifies an electric G-Class to serve as latest 'Popemobile'

MANILA: Mercedes-Benz has turned over electric G-Class to the Vatican that was modified to be the latest Popemobile.

The custom-built vehicle was personally handed over by Mercedes-Benz Chief Executive Officer Ola Källenius to Pope Francis, which will mean that that the head of the Holy See will be travelling emissions-free in time for the 2025 Jubilee.

According to the Three-Pointed Star marque, the bespoke unit was developed in close cooperation with the Vatican specifically for the Pope's use.

“Its electric drivetrain, which was adapted to the particularly low speeds required for public appearances, contributes to the realization of the encyclical "Laudato Si." In it, Pope Francis describes the need for sustainable development,” the company said in a statement.

During the official handover, Källenius thanked Pope Francis emphasized the sustainable business strategy of Mercedes-Benz:

"With the new Popemobile, Pope Francis is the first pope to be travelling in a fully electric Mercedes-Benz when making public appearances. This is a special honor for our company, and I would like to thank His Holiness for his trust. With this Popemobile, we are also sending out a clear call for electromobility and decarbonization. Mercedes-Benz not only stands for the special and individual – but also for consistently creating the conditions for a net-carbon-neutral new car fleet in 2039," he said.

Electric Popemobile’s specifications

Based on the Mercedes-Benz new G 580, the electric Popemobile has an electric drivetrain EQ technology to fully utilize the four motors near each wheel for the special purpose of slow journeys at public appearances.

At the vehicle’s rear, the bench was replaced by a height-adjustable single chair with swiveling function to help His Holiness address the audience from different angles. Behind it are two chairs integrated on the left and right for additional passengers.

Further, the roof was removed at the B-pillar, and the B-pillar itself was transitioned into the side wall. A separate hardtop may be installed to provide protection should rain start.

Meanwhile, the left rear door was removed and rebuilt by the specialists from a single piece and seamlessly welded into the bodyshell. On the right-hand side, the rear door’s hinges were moved to the opposite side.

Like all Popemobiles in the past, the new version is still covered in classic pearl white paint.

History of Mercedes-Benz with Vatican 

To note, the company has been producing vehicles for the leader of the Catholic Church for nearly a century — with the first vehicle Papal car being the Nürburg 460 Pullman Sedan for Pope Pius XI from 1930.

During the 1960s, Pope John XXIII got a 300 Landaulet with an automatic transmission and extended wheelbase.

After that, his successor — Pope Paul VI — had a 600 Pullman Landaulet and later, a 300 SEL Landaulet.

In the 1980s, Pope John Paul II used a modified 460 series G-Class model which is the first vehicle that was called the "Popemobile". By 2002, he then used a 463 series G 500, which was also used by Benedict XVI and Francis. Specially-designed vehicles based on the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and the GLE were also used at times. After retirement from service, some of the Popemobiles were placed for viewing in the Vatican and the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.

“We build the perfect Mercedes for every customer — including, for almost 100 years, the Vatican. We are overjoyed to be able to fulfill the Holy Father's wish for an electric Popemobile and are particularly proud to be able to build the vehicle according to his requirements. This cooperation at eye level honors us deeply and is a valuable symbol of sustainable change together,” Mercedes-Benz Group AG Member of the Board of Management Britta Seeger was quoted as saying.

For his part, Mercedes-Benz Group AG Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener expressed pride on the utilization of the electric G-Class as a  Popemobile.

“The first all-electric G-Class combines sustainability, elegant design and maximum functionality. It is a great honor for us to be able to present this special vehicle to Pope Francis today,” he noted.

“Today we are experiencing an important moment that underlines the deep bond that has united Mercedes‑Benz Italy and the Vatican for more than half a century. As Pope Francis emphasizes, business must be an integral part of the community. Thus, it is a great honor for us to contribute to this unique project. On behalf of the large family of Mercedes-Benz Italy, I would like to extend to the Holy Father my sincerest wishes for his well-being and the fruitful continuation of his Magisterium. We look forward to a wonderful Jubilee and we are certain that 'our Papamobile' will be a valuable support for His Holiness in the many engagements that await him,” Head of Mercedes-Benz Italy Marc Langenbrinck added.

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