In a blend of tradition and future-forward technology, Pope Francis has been presented with a unique gift from Mercedes-Benz: a custom-built, electric G-Class popemobile. Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, personally handed over the keys on December 4th, marking a century-long relationship between the luxury automaker and the Vatican. This special “Benz Gift” is not just a vehicle; it’s a symbol of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation and the Vatican’s dedication to sustainability.
The newly gifted popemobile is slated to make its debut in St. Peter’s Square for upcoming papal events, including those planned for the Jubilee Year. Pope Francis specifically requested the presence of the entire Mercedes-Benz team who contributed to this exceptional vehicle, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this significant “benz gift.”
A Century of Papal Rides: The Mercedes-Benz Legacy
For a century, Mercedes-Benz has been the chosen provider of vehicles for the Popes, a tradition that began in 1930 with Pope Pius XI. This enduring partnership underscores Mercedes-Benz’s legacy of quality and reliability, now extended into the electric era. Pope Francis’s current popemobile, a gasoline-powered G-Class used for weekly General Audiences, will now be complemented by this state-of-the-art electric successor, demonstrating a shift towards greener solutions.
A Green “Benz Gift” for a Green Vision
Reflecting Pope Francis’s well-known advocacy for environmental responsibility, this “benz gift” is an electric vehicle, aligning with the Vatican’s ambitious goal to transition its entire vehicle fleet to emission-free models by 2030 – a vision shared by Mercedes-Benz. A dedicated team of Mercedes-Benz specialists from various locations collaborated closely with Vatican representatives for nearly a year to tailor the car precisely to the Pope’s needs and preferences, with zero emissions being a paramount consideration.
“We are strongly committed to moving towards zero emissions and are actively launching a range of electric vehicles,” stated CEO Ola Källenius. “The electric G-Class, launched this year, is a testament to this commitment.” This particular model, however, is not just any electric G-Class; it is a unique creation, designed exclusively for Pope Francis. Peter Zotter, from the development division at the Graz factory where G-Class models are produced, explained the extent of customization: “Compared to the standard vehicle, significant modifications were made, making the starting point distinctly different.”
Uniquely Crafted: Features of the Pope’s Electric “Benz Gift”
This one-of-a-kind electric “benz gift” boasts several specialized features, including a rotating seat to facilitate the Pope’s interactions with the crowds and a handcrafted interior befitting its special purpose. Equipped with all-wheel drive, the popemobile is engineered for the slow speeds typical during public audiences in St. Peter’s Square. Mr. Zotter described it as “a unique piece with all the necessary features,” expressing his hope that it will provide the Holy Father with optimal comfort during his engagements.
Adding to its practicality, the new popemobile includes a retractable roof to shield the Pope from varying weather conditions. The right rear door is designed with rotating hinges for ease of access, while the left side is securely welded. Despite these modern enhancements, the electric “benz gift” retains traditional elements. Staying true to its predecessors, the vehicle is finished in white and bears the Vatican City license plate SCV 1, seamlessly blending heritage with innovation in this special Mercedes-Benz offering.
