Carlex Introduces Its 6x6 Take on The Popemobile

A six-wheeled Mercedes G-Wagen with gold accents and a throne-like seat turns heads, but is it anything more than a design experiment?

By Verdad Gallardo - February 19, 2025
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A G-Wagen Unlike Any Other
1 / 5
An Impractical Off-Roader
2 / 5
A Throne at the Center
3 / 5
Not an Official Popemobile
4 / 5
A Statement in Luxury, But for Whom?
5 / 5

A G-Wagen Unlike Any Other

Carlex Design, a Polish company known for extravagant custom interiors, has revealed an outrageous six-wheeled Mercedes-Benz G-Class dubbed the "Habemus." While the aftermarket industry has seen its fair share of eccentric G-Wagen builds, this one stands apart with its Popemobile-inspired aesthetic, gold accents, and an unconventional seating arrangement. Despite its religious symbolism, it is highly unlikely to serve any practical function for the Pope or anyone else in a similar position of authority.

An Impractical Off-Roader

The Habemus presents a unique contradiction. Typically, a 6x6 vehicle is designed for extreme off-road capability, but the gold-colored wheels and whitewall tires suggest that this one would struggle beyond city streets. The front and rear bumpers, while appearing rugged, seem too pristine for any real off-road use. More notably, the open-bed configuration eliminates any notion of utility, with its rear section being more of a luxury viewing platform than a cargo space.

A Throne at the Center

The defining feature of this build is a large, throne-like seat positioned centrally in the rear bed. This seat, which appears to swivel, is flanked by four smaller seats on either side. While reminiscent of the elevated seating found in traditional Popemobiles, it lacks the necessary enclosure to provide security or protection from the elements. Adding to the spectacle, the cabin is lined with plush white leather and a red carpet, enhancing the sense of grandeur.

Not an Official Popemobile

Carlex has not confirmed whether the Habemus is destined for production or simply a conceptual exercise. While the design borrows elements from religious processions, it is unlikely to be adopted by the Vatican, especially considering that Pope Francis recently received an all-electric Mercedes G 580. Furthermore, the hashtag “papamobile” in Carlex’s post appears to be more of a playful reference than an actual endorsement of its use by the Pope.

A Statement in Luxury, But for Whom?

Ultimately, the Habemus raises more questions than answers. Who would actually want a six-wheeled G-Wagen with a golden throne in the back? Its excessive styling and impractical layout suggest that it is more of a design statement than a viable mode of transport. While Carlex has built a reputation for high-end automotive customization, this particular creation seems more like an artistic expression of opulence than a practical vehicle. Whether it remains a rendering or becomes a reality, the Habemus is undoubtedly one of the most bizarre takes on the G-Class to date.

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