Mercedes-Benz delivers first electric "Popemobile"

Having supplied cars to the Vatican for 94 years and "Popemobiles" based on the G-Class to the Pope for the past 45 years Mercedes-Benz has now delivered its first all-electric "Popemobile" based on the G580.

The handover event saw Mercedes-Benz employees including Ola Kallenius, Britta Seeger, and Marc Langenbrinck, who travelled to St. Peter's Basilica to present Pope Francis with the keys to his new carriage, after which the employees were granted a private audience with the Pope.

The modified G580 gets a centrally positioned, height-adjustable, swivelling main seat at the rear, making it possible for the Pope to address his audience from different angles

Developed in close cooperation with the Vatican, the new, emissions-free "Popemobile" has arrived in time for the 2025 Jubilee. The new G580's electric drivetrain with EQ technology has been adapted to make use of the four near-wheel motors for low speeds during public appearances.

In the rear, its bench seat was replaced by a centrally positioned, height-adjustable, swivelling main seat, making it possible to address the audience from different angles. The roof was removed at the B-pillar, which itself was transitioned into the side wall. In the event of bad weather, a separate hardtop offers protection. Just like previous Popemobiles, the vehicle's exterior is painted in classic pearl white.