Mercedes-Benz Unveils the 2025 Popemobile & Its Electric

Mercedes-Benz and G wagons are terms used together quite often. But the electric G wagons don’t have the cult following the G63 AMG has. Well, that is all about to change as Mercedes-Benz just announced an all-electric version of the iconic G-Wagen, explicitly designed for Pope Francis’s public appearances.

Mercedes-Benz is not new to making great cars. In fact, they were the first ones to build a car. They have been dominating the automobile industry since then, leaving no pace. This custom-built vehicle is also unique and luxurious.

What is a Popemobile?

Mercedes-Benz has been the Vatican’s trusted car supplier for an impressive 94 years, providing the Pope with vehicles suited to his unique needs. For the last 45 years, the “Popemobiles” have been based on the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a symbol of both rugged reliability and luxury. 

Now, in a significant move towards sustainability, Mercedes-Benz is unveiling the first-ever electric Popemobile. The new all-electric Popemobile will make its debut at the 2025 Jubilee in Rome, an event that occurs only once every 25 years. 

Millions of pilgrims are expected to attend, making it a monumental occasion for both the Vatican and the faithful. The vehicle was developed in close collaboration with Vatican officials to ensure it meets Pope Francis’s specific needs during public appearances, from safety to visibility.

Stability and Safety

Equipped with an electric drivetrain, this Popemobile will offer an environmentally friendly, emissions-free way for the Pope to travel through crowds. Designed for low-speed public appearances, it ensures stability and safety, even on uneven or crowded streets. 

This new Popemobile aligns with Pope Francis’s commitment to sustainability, as emphasized in his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si. In the document, he stressed the importance of sustainable development and the urgent need to care for our planet, making the electric Popemobile a fitting symbol of his environmental advocacy.

Embracing Modern Solutions

The vehicle’s design not only fulfills practical needs, such as providing an elevated seat for better visibility but also reflects the Vatican’s growing commitment to eco-friendly practices. With the Pope’s approval, the transition to an electric vehicle represents a powerful statement that the Church is embracing modern solutions to address the global climate crisis. 

The 2025 Popemobile sets a new standard, combining innovation, tradition, and a shared vision for a greener future. Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, said, “With the new Popemobile, Pope Francis is the first pope to be traveling in a fully electric Mercedes-Benz when making public appearances. 

“This is a special honor 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 decarbonization. Mercedes-Benz not only stands for the special and individual – but also for consistently creating the conditions for a net-carbon-neutral  new car fleet in 2039.”