For nearly a century, Mercedes-Benz has been the trusted provider of vehicles for the Vatican, crafting custom cars for Popes since 1930. Now, the automaker is making history again with its first all-electric Popemobile, specially designed for Pope Francis. This innovative vehicle aligns with the Pope’s call for environmental stewardship, as outlined in his encyclical Laudato Si, and will debut just in time for the 2025 Jubilee, an event that draws millions of pilgrims to Rome every 25 years.
The new electric Popemobile is based on the Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ and features an emission-free drivetrain adapted for the slow, ceremonial speeds required during public appearances. A collaborative effort among Mercedes-Benz teams from Graz, Sindelfingen, and Rome, the vehicle combines cutting-edge technology with handcrafted details tailored to meet the Vatican’s specifications.
The design of the new Popemobile ensures both functionality and elegance. Painted in the signature pearl white, it features a reconfigured rear area with a centrally positioned, height-adjustable swivel seat for the Pope. This seat allows for flexibility during appearances, enabling him to address audiences from various angles. Two additional passenger seats are integrated into the rear cabin, and a removable hardtop provides weather protection when needed. Enhancements like a seamless, coach-built left rear door and a harmoniously transitioned B-pillar maintain the vehicle’s sleek profile.
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius expressed pride in delivering this groundbreaking vehicle. “With this Popemobile, we send a clear message about electromobility and decarbonization. It’s an honor to contribute to sustainable change together with His Holiness.”
The electric Popemobile continues a tradition of innovation in papal vehicles, from the Nürburg 460 Pullman of 1930 to the G-Class Popemobiles of the 1980s and beyond. Several retired Popemobiles are now displayed in the Vatican and the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, symbolizing the enduring partnership between the automaker and the Catholic Church.
This electric Popemobile not only fulfills Pope Francis’s vision for a greener future but also serves as a beacon of sustainable progress for millions of onlookers worldwide.
Shawn Henry 
Steven Symes