Mercedes-Benz has made custom vehicles for the Vatican for the last 9 decades. Now the luxury automotive giant has designed the first ever electric popemobile for the holy father to make public appearance more satisfying, comfortable, and exciting for the public. This will be an ode to the environmental goals of the brand, sending out a clear message for electromobility and decarbonization. The project is a collaborative effort between the German marque and teams from Graz, Sindelfingen, and Rome who worked for over a year to craft the bodywork and interior using traditional methods.
The vehicle was delivered to Pope Francis personally by CEO Ola Kallenius, who expressed his gratitude to the Holiness for his trust in the brand. This one-off creation is based on the Mercedes G580 Wagon, having a modified version of the drivetrain, wherein all the wheels are powered by four individual motors delivering a controlled mechanism for low-speed travel.
Designer: Mercedes-Benz
This custom EV aligns with Pope Francis’ message for collective action to care for our common home, planet Earth. Moving on to the features of this custom G-Wagon, the roof is chopped off at the B-pillar, and replaced with an elevated hardtop for protection from inclement weather. When desired, the hardtop with a transparent protective shell can be removed for a more open view of the Pope to the general public.
The second-row bench seat has been removed to make way for the centrally positioned height-adjustable swiveling chair for the Pope. Adjacent to this are two fixed seats on each side for personnel from the papal to seat. The left door has also been rebuilt by the specialized team in coachbuilder style from a unibody piece welded into the bodyshell. The righthand side door is modified and the hinges are relocated to the opposite end for smooth entry.
The open-back G Class SUV is draped in a pearl white finish, just like other Popemobiles from the past which have been custom-made by Mercedes since 1930. When the Supreme Pontiff greets the public, this Popemobile reassures high security and a profound level of comfort. The Pope can address the public from multiple angles by just swiveling around in the seat, making it a more accessible option compared to a regular G-Wagon that you drive or desire to own one day.