The Popemobile Goes Electric With New Mercedes-Benz G 580

Continuing its 94-year-old tradition of supplying cars to the Vatican City, Mercedes-Benz has delivered it again, but this time in an electric avatar. It is the latest Mercedes-Benz G 580 with an open top. And it's not just any open-top Merc EQG; it’s the Pope’s electric G-Wagon called “Popemobile”. He has been using one for the past 45 years, and the latest is the first electric Mercedes-Benz in his Apostolic Palace garage. This also makes Pope Francis the first Pope to “be travelling in a fully electric Mercedes-Benz when making public appearances”. 

“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,” said Ola Källenius, chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. 

So How Is The New Mercedes-Benz “Popemobile” EQG Different?

Visually, the butch-boxy design with those strong shoulder lines at the front has been retained. From the B-Pillar onwards, the SUV is completely redesigned, right from the doors to the tailgate. The doors are now hinged on the opposite side and open in suicide style, as seen in Rolls-Royces. The roof and tailgate are completely removed, and the B-Pillar has been reshaped with a nice motif design of the Pope. There is a detachable top available separately, though, in case of bad weather. 

Inside, the second row has been completely removed. In comes a raised platform, with a comfortable captain chair on it for the Pope. The chair is flanked by two adjacent chairs placed facing each other. And just like the previous Popemobiles, the new Mercedes-Benz G 580 also continues to be available in an exclusive Pearl White colour option. On the mechanical front, the G580’s quad motors have been tuned for low-speed driving for papal ceremonies, like greeting followers. 

“We build the perfect Mercedes for every customer – including, for almost 100 years, the Vatican. We are overjoyed to be able to fulfil the Holy Father's wish for an electric Popemobile and are particularly proud to be able to build the vehicle according to his requirements,” acclaimed Britta Seeger, member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, responsible for Sales & Marketing design.