The Pope’s Latest Whip Is A Coachbuilt Mercedes G-Class Electric

• The latest Popemobile has been revealed as a modified Mercedes-Benz G580 electric, making it the first non-naturally-aspirated vehicle for the head of the Catholic Church.
• This all-wheel-drive will do 0-100km in just 4.7 seconds, and has a top speed of 180km/h.
• Mercedes has been supplying the Supreme Pontiff with custom vehicles for almost a century, with the very first being a Nürburg 460 Pullman Saloon for Pope Pius XI in 1930.

The Popemobile has assumed many forms over the decades, counting everything from a humble Toyota Land Cruiser to a Fiat Campagnola. In 2024, Pope Francis enjoys significantly more comfort and security, with the latest Popemobile revealed to be a modified Mercedes-Benz G580 electric.

This is the first time a Pontiff has used an EV as his official car, with Pope Francis citing the need for “sustainable development” as the reason behind the decision.

But this example is far from your typical electrified G580, however, with the four near-wheel motors of the car modified to suit slow on-road speeds — well-suited to public appearances.

Other modifications include all but two of the rear bench seats being replaced with an adjustable centrally mounted swivel chair; a detachable hardtop roof for inclement weather conditions; and exterior paint job in clean (appropriately saintly) pearlescent white.

“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, Mercedes-Benz Group’s Chairman. “This is a special honour 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 decarbonisation. Mercedes-Benz not only stands for the special and individual – but also for consistently creating the conditions for a net-carbon-neutral.”

The Mercedes-Benz G580 electric Popemobile was delivered to Pope Francis this week at a meeting near St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, following over a year of research and development.