Electric Mercedes G-wagon Popemobile revealed

Pope Francis has taken delivery of the Vatican’s first-ever battery-electric Popemobile, with Mercedes-Benz delivering a new droptop based on its latest G 580 with EQ Technology.

The one-off model is said to have been developed by Mercedes in close cooperation with the Vatican, and not only chops the roof off and deletes two of the three rear doors of the G 580, but also adds a rear step, surround railing, an entry walkway and a raised platform that includes podium-style, height-adjustable rear seat.

Look closer and you’ll also spot the remaining rear door is now rear-hinged, providing another way to access that VIP seat.

Lurking behind the single pew is a pair of jump seats, presumably to seat the pope’s security.

Mercedes hasn’t revealed full details of the zero-emission Popemobile, but it’s thought to come with a large 116kWh battery pack that will provide for a range of up to 473km against the WLTP test cycle.

As for power, the new Popemobile should be the quickest yet, with the dual motors kicking out 432kW/1163Nm, which should mean it can launch from 0-100km/h in less than five seconds.

The latest G-wagon-based Popemobile cements a long tradition of Mercedes-Benz supplying the pope that dates back to 1930.

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