This is the new Popemobile: a Mercedes-Benz G-Class electric, adapted to the needs of the Vatican

For a few days now, the Vatican has a new resident, Pope Leo XIV, and as usually happens with each change of Supreme Pontiff, he needs a new vehicle to move before the faithful who wish to welcome him. His predecessor already debuted a new Popemobile and the new Pope has debuted the one that will be, for the coming years, the vehicle that will take him wherever necessary.

The Vatican needs a vehicle that allows the Pope to move freely, that can be seen by the faithful and that represents the values of the Church. Among those values are respect for the environment and sustainable mobility. That is why this new vehicle is electric and offers everything the city-state needs for its work.

The new Popemobile is the result of a project created by several teams from several countries, such as Germany, Italy and Austria. Together, they have transformed a Mercedes Benz G580 electric into a practical vehicle prepared to serve in the transfers and events in which the Pope takes part.

As for the electric powertrain, this model offers four electric motors delivering a power of 587 CV and a maximum torque of 1,164 Nm. The battery offers a range of up to 473 km, more than enough to fulfil its function. The electric drivetrain has been modified to deliver smoother and more efficient operation during León XIV’s transfers.

It has been presented in pearl white, the traditional colour of the Pope’s car. At the rear a single seat has been fitted, which can be turned as the occupant wishes and adjusted to his needs. In addition, there are two seats for the Pope’s support staff.

The raised rigid roof gives León XIV more protection against the elements, and the rear doors have also been modified. The left one has been disabled, welded to the bodywork. The right one, on the other hand, opens in the opposite direction to usual to make access easier during events.

It is not the first electric Popemobile

The electric Mercedes G580 is not the first electric Popemobile to have been used. A few years ago a Nissan Leaf with solar panels was used. However, this model offers more advanced technological capability and allows the Pope to travel sustainably and safely on all his appearances.