The Vatican has unveiled a new open-roof popemobile – a fully electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class – which Pope Francis will use to greet pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square.
The vehicle is a modified version of a mid-size luxury SUV, featuring an elevated seat for the Pope to improve visibility for onlookers.
The car is painted in the traditional white color and includes heated seating and handles for the Pope to hold while standing in the vehicle.
“Every detail is perfection,” said Ola Kallenius, Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Mercedes-Benz Group.
He added that creating this unique popemobile required hundreds of hours of expert craftsmanship.
The Vatican has not yet announced when the new popemobile will come into use and declined to provide any information about the vehicle’s security features.
Mercedes officials also refused to disclose the car’s cost.
Francis, who has been Pope since March 2013, has generally avoided using bulletproof vehicles, preferring to remain as close to people as possible.
Photo: Automotive news
