The Pope's Newest Ride Is an Electric G-Wagen
The connection between the Vatican and Mercedes-Benz is nearly a century old at this point, with the automaker producing cars specifically for the papacy since 1930. Over the last half century or so, that relationship has centered around the mighty G-Wagen. With the Church’s 2025 Jubilee event just around the corner, the off-road specialists in Graz, Austria have just pulled the cover off of the latest Popemobile: a pearl-white G 580 with EQ Technology.
This all-new 4x4 build represents the first all-electric machine to have the honor of chauffeuring the Holy Father. The automaker states the electric drivetrain in the model is perfectly suited for the low-speed parade work that the pope is often involved in, while the large SUV provides a great platform for customization. This includes lopping off the roof at the B-pillars, the installation of a central swivel seat to maximize viewing opportunities, and another pair of additional seats for guests of the pope.
The end results is reminiscent of the drop-top G Wagens of yesteryear, something longtime fans of the off-roader will surely appreciate. The all-white appointments certainly create a big impression, as does the unique Vatican seal badging. Overall, it's quite a handsome off-roader for the task at hand.
Pope Francis will also surely appreciate the vehicle’s zero-emissions powertrain. The Holy Father has shared his views on sustainability and environmental protection well known via his second encyclical, titled "Laudato Si.”
“With the new Popemobile, Pope Francis is the first pope to be travelling in a fully electric Mercedes-Benz when making public appearances,” said Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz. “This is a special honor for our company, and I would like to thank His Holiness for his trust. With this Popemobile, we are also sending out a clear call for electromobility and decarbonization. Mercedes-Benz not only stands for the special and individual – but also for consistently creating the conditions for a net-carbon-neutral new car fleet in 2039."
While unlikely, it sure would be cool to see a version of the all-electric G-Wagen sporting this sort of half-roof setup. Americans love an off-roader with removable body parts, and I have a feeling this setup would be no exception.
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