Exhibition at the Vatican: “Mercedes-Benz: A Century of Popemobiles”

• Mercedes-Benz has been supplying official vehicles to the Vatican since 1930
• Exhibition at the Vatican in a glass pavilion near the Pinacoteca running until 31 January 2027
• Eight historic cars trace the evolution from the official papal luxury saloon to the specially designed Popemobile
• The 1886 Benz Patent Motor Car and the current Mercedes-Benz S-Class bridge the gap to “140 Years of Innovation”

There has been a special relationship between Mercedes-Benz and the Vatican since 1930. That year, Pope Pius XI received a Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460 as a gift from what was then Daimler-Benz AG. The lavishly fitted Pullman limousine was the first car to be used regularly by a Pope. Over the following decades, official state limousines, landaulets and, finally, specially built off-road vehicles were produced for various pontificates. Many of these vehicles are well-known examples of automotive history.

An important milestone in the development of the Popemobile took place in 1980. For Pope John Paul II’s visit to Germany, a vehicle featuring a higher seating position, a transparent dome and a mother-of-pearl finish was produced for the first time, based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class model unveiled a year earlier. That changed people’s perception: the focus was on ensuring that the Pope was clearly visible during public appearances and for direct contact with the people. This basic design also influenced later papal vehicles based on the G-Class and M-Class. Since 2024, the Vatican has had the first all-electric Popemobile at its disposal: a Mercedes-Benz G 580 in a special design.

“Mercedes-Benz: A Century of Popemobiles” at the Vatican

This extraordinary piece of automotive history is the focus of the exhibition “Mercedes-Benz: A Century of Popemobiles”. It is on display at the Vatican in a glass pavilion near the Pinacoteca until 31 January 2027. Eight Mercedes-Benz vehicles illustrate different eras of the brand’s collaboration with the Vatican – from the 1930 Nürburg 460 and prestigious landaulets to the distinctive Popemobiles based on the G-Class and M-Class.

The following vehicles are on display: Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460, Mercedes-Benz 300 d Landaulet, Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet, Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL Pullman Limousine, Mercedes-Benz 230 G, Mercedes-Benz S 500 long wheelbase Landaulet, Mercedes-Benz ML 430 and Mercedes-Benz ML 500.

“140 Years of Innovation”: From the Patent Motor Car to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Two further cars broaden the historical perspective of the exhibition: They pay tribute to the “140 Years of Innovation” anniversary being celebrated by Mercedes-Benz this year. A Benz Patent Motor Car from 1886 marks the beginning of the history of the motor car 140 years ago. Standing close to it is one of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Classes which were traveling across six continents until mid-October as part of the “140 Places” tour.

The papal vehicles on display

Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460 (W 08), 1930

The Nürburg 460 marked the beginning of the special relationship between Mercedes-Benz and the Vatican in 1930. The Pullman Limousine, fitted with a 4.6-litre eight-cylinder engine, underwent extensive interior modifications for Pope Pius XI. Among its distinctive features is a single seat for the Pontiff upholstered in high-quality silk brocade, selected woods and metals, and an artistically designed roof liner.

Mercedes-Benz 300 d Landaulet (W 189), 1960

Thirty years later, Pope John XXIII was presented with a 300 d Landaulet. Its wheelbase is longer than that of the production model, and the rear side windows can be removed completely for public appearances. When the rear doors were open, steps extend automatically. The Pope’s centrally positioned seat is electrically adjustable, and controls for the air conditioning and radio, amongst other things, are within easy reach from the rear.

Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet (W 100, 1965).

The 600 Pullman Landaulet was presented to Pope Paul VI in the autumn of 1965. The official state vehicle was fitted with a wide range of optional extras for its use in the Vatican: the rear doors were widened, the roof at the rear was raised, and an individually adjustable single seat was fitted. The equipment also includes a cooling system and an intercom for communicating with the driver.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL Pullman (W 109), 1967

The 300 SEL Pullman Limousines delivered to the Vatican in 1967 during the papacy of Paul VI are 650 millimetres longer than the production models and feature larger rear doors. Unlike the Landaulets, the six-seater vehicles were used primarily to transport high-ranking guests of the Vatican.

Mercedes-Benz 230 G (W 460), 1980, and 230 GE “Popemobile” (W 460), 1982

The Mercedes-Benz 230 G was developed for Pope John Paul II’s visit to Germany in 1980 and introduced a completely new vehicle concept. The rear of the vehicle is covered by a tall, transparent dome, which protected the Pope from the elements whilst also ensuring he was clearly visible. The long-wheelbase G-Class sported pearlescent paintwork, golden trim and a white interior. The air conditioning and lighting in the rear compartment are tailored to the specific operating conditions. In addition, a second, identical vehicle was built based on the Mercedes-Benz 230 GE.

Mercedes-Benz S 500 long wheelbase Landaulet (140 series), 1997

In the media, Pope John Paul II’s papacy is strongly associated with the ‘Popemobile’, which is based on the G-Class. During this period, Mercedes-Benz also built a classic landaulet based on the S-Class for the Holy Father. The car, an S 500 long wheelbase from the 140 model series, was handed over to the Vatican in 1997. Among other things, it is fitted with an electro-hydraulic soft top and a particularly spacious single seat in the rear. 

Mercedes-Benz ML 430 “Popemobile” (W 163), 2002

With the ML 430, Mercedes-Benz extended the concept of the G-Class as a papal vehicle to the M-Class in 2002. The transparent dome was integrated more seamlessly into the custom bodywork. Large windows surround the Pontiff’s seat. Pope John Paul II used the vehicle for the first time at World Youth Day 2002 in Toronto. Like the previous G-Class, this M-Class also has a pearlescent paint finish and was fitted with a white interior.

Mercedes-Benz ML 500 “Popemobile” (W 166), 2012

In December 2012, an ML 500 was presented to the Vatican. The vehicle used by Pope Benedict XVI built on the well-known concept. The transparent rear section was enlarged, making it easier to get in. At the same time, larger glass panels provided an even better view of the Pope. The interior featured a revised lighting concept.

Further research and multimedia material:
mercedes-benz-archive.com/museum

Mercedes-Benz Classic on social media:
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https://www.facebook.com/mercedesbenzmuseum

Mercedes-Benz anniversary year “140 of Innovation"

Since Carl Benz filed the patent for the first automobile 140 years ago and Gottlieb Daimler built his motorised carriage shortly afterwards, Mercedes‑Benz has dedicated itself to constant innovation and to creating the world’s most desirable cars for customers. This ambition has driven every innovation – from the world’s first automobile in 1886 to the biggest product launch programme in the company’s history that is currently underway. With its passion for performance and pioneering power, excellence and an unwavering commitment to customer service, the brand has consistently shaped the future of mobility. The result goes well beyond engineering achievement – it creates the unmistakable feeling that runs through everything Mercedes‑Benz does: Welcome home.

Mercedes‑Benz is celebrating 140 years of innovation by driving three new S‑Class saloons on a trans-continental journey to 140 locations worldwide. Each place highlights the brand’s technology, heritage, pioneering spirit and worldwide presence. Along the way, customers, fans and colleagues got to join in the celebrations right up to its grand ‘Homecoming’ finale at the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Highlights of the tour can be found on our “140 Years of Innovation | Mercedes‑Benz Media” special.

¹ The stated figures were determined in accordance with the prescribed WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) measurement method. The energy consumption and CO₂ emissions of a car depend not only on efficient utilisation of the fuel or energy source by the car, but also on the driving style and other non-technical factors.