Vatican City – History was made today as Pope Francis received his first-ever all-electric Popemobile from Mercedes-Benz. Based on the innovative electric G-Class, the bespoke vehicle symbolizes the Vatican’s growing commitment to sustainability and aligns with the Pope’s ecological encyclical Laudato Si’, which emphasizes care for the environment.
The handcrafted Popemobile was officially handed over in a special ceremony outside St. Peter’s Basilica. Attending the event were Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius, along with a dedicated team of designers and engineers who worked on the project. The electric vehicle will make its public debut during the 2025 Jubilee, a once-in-a-quarter-century event expected to draw millions of pilgrims to Rome.
A Milestone in Tradition
The electric Popemobile continues a nearly century-long partnership between Mercedes-Benz and the Vatican. The collaboration began in 1930 with the delivery of a Nürburg 460 Pullman Saloon for Pope Pius XI. This new model not only builds on that legacy but introduces groundbreaking innovation.
“The new Popemobile represents a pivotal moment in our shared history with the Vatican,” said Källenius. “It is a privilege to contribute to Pope Francis’s vision of sustainability. This vehicle is a clear statement of our commitment to a net-carbon-neutral fleet by 2039.”
Craftsmanship Meets Innovation
The electric G-Class Popemobile was tailored to meet the Vatican’s rigorous requirements. Key features include a height-adjustable central seat that swivels, allowing the Pope to engage with audiences from multiple angles. The vehicle’s exterior boasts a classic pearl-white finish, while its roofless design enhances visibility. Advanced EQ technology ensures a quiet, emission-free ride, even at the low speeds typical of papal processions.
The project was a global effort involving teams from Graz, Austria (specializing in drivetrain adaptation), Sindelfingen, Germany (handling bodywork and interior design), and Rome, Italy (project management). The final product is a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and state-of-the-art engineering.
A Private Papal Audience
In recognition of their efforts, Pope Francis invited the participating Mercedes-Benz team members to a private audience. For Klaus Millerferli, a development engineer from Sindelfingen, the experience was unforgettable. “From the initial sketches to the final sign-off, this project has been a labor of love. Meeting the Pope is something I’ll tell my grandchildren about.”
Peter Zotter, a development engineer from Graz, echoed these sentiments. “Building a vehicle for the Pope is a rare honor. This electric G-Class is not just another car—it’s a symbol of hope and progress.”
Looking to the Future
As the world prepares for the 2025 Jubilee, the all-electric Popemobile stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. Marc Langenbrinck, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Italia, emphasized its significance: “This Popemobile isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a testament to the Vatican’s and Mercedes-Benz’s shared vision for a more sustainable future.”
The electric Popemobile will soon take its place in a long line of iconic papal vehicles, from the classic 300 Landaulet to the modern G-Class models. For now, it serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when tradition and innovation come together in service of a greater mission.
