François, Pope Zero Emissions!

Handcrafted based on the new all-electric Mercedes G-Class, here is a modern Papamobile.

For 94 years, Mercedes-Benz has collaborated with the Vatican to provide vehicles, and for 45 years, the Pope has traveled in a Papamobile inspired by the famous Mercedes G-Class. But today, it’s a first: the Papamobile becomes fully electric! Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius personally handed over a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted model based on the all-new electric G-Class directly to the Pope.

It all began in 1930 with a Nürburg 460 Pullman Berline given to Pope Pius XI. Mercedes-Benz won the contract by offering a practical vehicle designed to carry two dignitaries and their entourage with clever jump seats. In the 1960s, Pope John XXIII received a 300 Landaulet with automatic transmission and an extended wheelbase. Paul VI chose a 600 Pullman Landaulet, then a 300 SEL Landaulet. In the 1980s, John Paul II introduced the first official Papamobile, a modified G 460 series for events at St. Peter’s Square. Subsequently, a G 500 series, used from 2002, became the choice for Popes Benedict XVI and Francis. Other models based on the M-Class and GLE have also been designed for special occasions. Some of these icons are now on display at the Vatican or at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.

With this new electric model, the Pope can now move around without local emissions, just in time for the 2025 Jubilee, an exceptional event that attracts millions of pilgrims to Rome every 25 years. This vehicle, designed hand-in-hand with the Vatican, meets very specific requirements, including an electric transmission adapted for slow movements during public appearances. A nod directly to Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si,” which emphasizes the importance of sustainable development.

The interior of the vehicle has been carefully redesigned. The rear bench seat has been replaced with a single, height-adjustable, rotating seat to allow the Pope to easily address the crowd. Two additional seats, located on the left and right, accommodate companions.

In terms of design, the roof has been removed from the central pillars to offer a sleek profile, while a removable hard roof protects from the weather. A redesigned left rear door, welded into a single piece, completes this unique setup. As tradition demands, the bodywork features an elegant pearl white paint.

This new Papamobile marks a step into the future, combining technological innovation, environmental respect, and iconic aesthetics.