Pope Francis will ride in all-electric style

Mercedes-Benz made the news recently when company executives handed off a custom-built G-Class with a fully electric drivetrain to Pope Francis at The Vatican. While this is the first EV Popemobile, Popes have been riding in G-Class-based ICE Popemobiles for the past 45 years. Even before then, Mercedes-Benz's relationship with The Vatican goes as far back as the 1930s. Yes, really!

A long history of Vatican-Benz relations

Mercedes-Benz’s history of supplying vehicles to The Vatican goes back 94 years to 1930 when Pope Pius XI used a Nürburg 460 Pullman Sedan. The company received the contract for the first non-horse-pulled Popemobile because it was able to incorporate folding seats for dignitaries and other staff into the vehicle, which the previous horse-drawn carriages had used.

Fast forward to the 1960s and Pope John XXIII received a 300 Sedan with an extended wheelbase plus an automatic transmission. Paul VI, John’s successor, first used a 600 Pullman Landaulet followed by a 300 SEL Landaulet. 

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It was not until the 1980s that the first Popemobile based on the 460-series G-Class would be used by Pope John Paul II. This was changed out for a 463-series G-Class Popemobile in 2002, which would be used by Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis.

Extensive custom coachwork was performed on this unique vehicle

The new Popemobile is based on the G 580 with EQ technology. Its roof was taken off at the B-pillar and the left rear door was removed, replaced by a solid panel. The transition to a high side wall gives the vehicle an uncanny resemblance to a two-door pickup truck from its left side.

On the right side, the right rear door was restyled to match the B-pillar and is now hinged at the rear for access to the raised platform where the Pope and others would sit. The center part of the rear section has been removed to provide access to the rear via a step built into the rear bumper. A plushly upholstered swiveling seat, adjustable for height, is provided for the Pope, while two additional side-facing seats at the rear offer seating for other riders.

While the basic vehicle is open to the elements, a separate hardtop has also been included in the event of inclement weather. As with previous Popemobiles, the entire vehicle is finished in pearl white, both inside and out, with the exception of the scarlet carpeting used on the rear platform and in the cab of the vehicle.

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Mechanical modifications have been made to the four-motor powertrain, adapting it for its primary use of low-speed travel during the pope’s public appearances.

Final thoughts

The Pope will not be putting many miles on his new electric Popemobile, but that’s not the point. The Pope has put out an encyclical called “Laudato Si” on the need for sustainable development, so the Popemobile can be seen as an attempt to walk the walk, for both The Vatican and Mercedes-Benz.