Pope Francis is making history by becoming the first Pope ever to switch to an electric vehicle for official papal use. With 94 years of history between Mercedes-Benz and the papacy, of which 45 years have seen the Pope use a G-Wagon, it’s but natural that the evolution of the Popemobile is in the electric G-Class.
Yes, the same electric 4×4 G-Class that can turn on a dime, also known as the tank turn. Presumably, we won’t see the Pope doing tank turns anytime soon but with the custom two-door conversion and signature elevated swivel rear-seat, the Pope’s view is unhindered. There are additional side-facing seats at the rear and additional platforms for security personnel.
The electric G580’s electric powertrain is said to have been modified for low-speed use but details are scarce on what those changes are. It stands to reason the electric G-Class still uses a 116kWh battery pack, quad electric motors, and 579 horsepower with a 0-60mph capability in 4.6 seconds.
Rewinding the clock takes us back to the first ever Mercedes-Benz supplied to the Pope — a 1930 Nürburg 460 Pullman Saloon for Pope Pius XI. Apparently, the Mercedes was chosen because it allowed the Pope to travel with two dignitaries and other staff thanks to its folding seats.
The first official ‘Popemobile’ was indeed a G-Wagon in the 1980s, so this electric G-Class has a standing tradition to follow. Much like the Pope, if you think about it.
