In a historic first, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the first fully electric Popemobile for Pope Francis, supreme leader of the Catholic church. The custom-built vehicle, based on the new electric G-Class, was handed over to the Pope in a ceremony at the Vatican by Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius and members of the development team.
The introduction of a fully-electric papal carrier marks a significant shift toward sustainability for the papal fleet, aligning with Pope Francis’s environmental vision outlined in his Laudato Si’ circular.
The handover of the G-Class comes just in time for the 2025 Jubilee, a major event held every 25 years that will see millions of pilgrims travel to Rome.
The bespoke vehicle, designed in collaboration with the Vatican, features an electric drivetrain tailored for low-speed public appearances. Its unique craftsmanship ensures both functionality and symbolic sustainability, a nod to the Pope’s advocacy for ecological responsibility, according to Mercedes-Benz.
A unique design for a unique purpose
The new Popemobile includes several custom features for papal use. The rear of the vehicle is equipped with a height-adjustable central seat, allowing Pope Francis to address crowds from different angles. It also boasts a removable hardtop for weather protection and seamlessly integrated modifications, such as a reconfigured side door crafted in traditional coach-building style.
Exuding elegance
Painted in the classic pearl white, the vehicle exudes the elegance and tradition associated with the papal fleet, a press release from Mercedes-Benz explains.
The drivetrain, part of Mercedes-Benz’s EQ technology, has been adapted to ensure smooth and efficient operation at slow speeds. With zero tailpipe emissions and energy consumption of approximately 29 kWh/100 km, the vehicle reflects both the Pope’s commitment to sustainability and Mercedes-Benz’s goal of achieving a net-carbon-neutral fleet by 2039, the carmaker claims.
A legacy of innovation
Mercedes-Benz has been supplying vehicles to the Vatican for nearly a century, beginning with a Nürburg 460 Pullman Saloon for Pope Pius XI in 1930. Over the decades, Popemobiles have evolved, incorporating modern technology while maintaining their distinct design. This new electric model builds on the legacy of the G-Class, which has been a foundation for Popemobile designs since the 1980s.
A collaborative effort
The development of the electric Popemobile was a year-long collaboration among teams in Graz, Sindelfingen, and Rome. Specialists from design, research, manufacturing, and marketing contributed their expertise, resulting in a vehicle that balances tradition, innovation, and sustainability. In recognition of their efforts, several team members were invited to the Vatican to personally present the vehicle to Pope Francis.
A call for change
Speaking at the handover, Ola Källenius emphasised the significance of the project. “With this Popemobile, Pope Francis becomes the first to travel in a fully electric Mercedes-Benz for public appearances. It’s a testament to our commitment to electromobility and decarbonisation,” he said.
Pope Francis’s new electric Popemobile is set to make its debut during the Jubilee celebrations, reinforcing his message of environmental stewardship and highlighting the possibilities of sustainable innovation.
The non-papal (standard) version of the electric G-Class, the “G 580 with EQ Technology,” goes on sale in South Africa in 2025. We estimate the retail price of the car (pictured above) to come in at just below R4m.
