Pope Francis drives a customized Mercedes-Benz G-Class electric car

Pope Francis is the owner of a unique all-electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class, specially designed and customized for his needs. The new Popemobile was presented to the pontiff by Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius and a team of employees from Graz, Sindelfingen and Rome.

Features of the electric Popemobile

This vehicle marks a departure from the traditional Popemobile with internal combustion engines. The new electric vehicle features a four-motor drive system adapted for the low speeds typical of papal processions. This allows for environmentally friendly transportation both within the Vatican and during public events.

Technical and design changes:

• Base: The vehicle is based on the G 580 EQ.
• Interior:
  • The back row of seats has been replaced with a center height-adjustable chair that swivels, allowing the Pope to easily address the public.
  • Rear row of seats replaced with a center height-adjustable chair that swivels, allowing the Pope to easily address the public.
  • Behind the papal chair are two separate seats for attendants.
• Exterior:
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  • The roof of the car is retracted from the center pillar backwards, creating an open area to greet the public.
  • A removable rigid roof is provided for weather protection.
  • The left rear door has been removed and the hinges of the right rear door have been moved to the opposite side.
  • The body is painted in pearlescent white, the traditional color of the Popemobile.

Car Transfer

The handover ceremony took place outside St. Peter’s Basilica, where Pope Francis personally met with the Mercedes-Benz team that created the new car.

The ceremony was held at St. Peter’s Basilica, where Pope Francis met with the Mercedes-Benz team that created the new car.

Tradition of Cooperation

The new Popemobile continues the long tradition of providing Mercedes-Benz vehicles for the Vatican, which began back in 1930 when Pope Pius XI received a Nürburg 460 Pullman Sedan model. For 45 years, various versions of the G-Class have served as transportation for the pontiffs.

Debut at the 2025 Jubilee

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The official unveiling of the new electric Popemobile will take place during Jubilee 2025, an important event that will attract millions of pilgrims to Rome.

A new electric Popemobile will be officially unveiled during Jubilee 2025, an important event that will attract millions of pilgrims to Rome.