In a remarkable demonstration of automotive innovation and enduring partnership, Mercedes-Benz has gifted Pope Francis a custom-built, all-electric G-Class popemobile. Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, personally presented the vehicle to the Pope on December 4th, accompanied by the dedicated team behind this special project. This event underscores the long-standing relationship between Mercedes-Benz and the Vatican, and highlights Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to sustainable mobility – a truly thoughtful gesture and one of the most unique Mercedes Benz Gifts imaginable.
Mercedes-Benz presents a bespoke electric popemobile as a significant and innovative gift to Pope Francis.
The presentation, described by Mr. Källenius as “a great honor,” took place with the entire Mercedes-Benz team who meticulously crafted the popemobile present at Pope Francis’s request. This new vehicle is poised to become a familiar sight in St. Peter’s Square, serving as the Pope’s transport during papal events, starting with the upcoming Jubilee Year. This electric popemobile is not just a vehicle; it’s a symbol of progress and a very special Mercedes Benz gift representing a century-long tradition.
A Century of Papal Mobility and Automotive Excellence
The collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and the Vatican dates back an impressive century, beginning in 1930 when Pope Pius XI received the first Mercedes-Benz popemobile. This enduring relationship speaks volumes about the trust and reliability the Vatican places in Mercedes-Benz. For years, Pope Francis has utilized a gasoline-powered G-Class for his weekly General Audiences. This history of providing vehicles to the Holy See makes this latest electric popemobile an especially significant Mercedes Benz gift, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology.
An Eco-Conscious Gift for a Green Vision
The development of this unique electric popemobile was a year-long endeavor involving a team of specialists from various Mercedes-Benz locations working closely with Vatican representatives. A core priority was achieving zero emissions, aligning with the Vatican’s ambitious goal to transition its entire vehicle fleet to emission-free alternatives by 2030 – a vision shared by Mercedes-Benz. This commitment to sustainability transforms this popemobile into more than just a vehicle; it becomes a powerful Mercedes Benz gift that embodies environmental responsibility.
The dedicated Mercedes-Benz team, the creators of this exceptional electric vehicle gift, meet Pope Francis.
As Mr. Källenius noted, Mercedes-Benz is actively “moving towards zero emissions” and introducing a range of electric vehicles, including the electric G-Class launched this year. Peter Zotter, from the development division at the Graz factory where G-Class models are produced, emphasized the bespoke nature of this popemobile. He explained that it is a “unique piece” with significant modifications compared to the standard electric G-Class, making it a truly one-of-a-kind Mercedes Benz gift.
Unique Features for Papal Comfort and Accessibility
This exceptional electric vehicle is truly one of the most thoughtful Mercedes Benz gifts, incorporating features designed specifically for Pope Francis’s needs. It boasts a rotating seat for ease of access and handcrafted interior furnishings, ensuring comfort during papal appearances. Equipped with all-wheel drive, the popemobile is engineered for the slow speeds at which it typically travels through St. Peter’s Square during public audiences, providing stability and smooth operation.
Mr. Zotter expressed his hope that this “unique piece with all the features… will provide the Holy Father with the comfort he needs for his travels.” Adding to its practicality, the popemobile includes a retractable roof to shield the Pope from varying weather conditions. The design also features a right-side back door built on rotating hinges and a welded left door, further customizing it for its specific purpose.
While embracing modern advancements, this 2025 popemobile maintains traditions. It is finished in the iconic white color and bears the license plate SCV 1 (State of Vatican City), echoing its predecessors. This blend of innovation and tradition makes this electric popemobile a remarkable and symbolic Mercedes Benz gift, continuing a legacy of service and forward-thinking mobility solutions.
