ML430 POPEMOBILE 3 TO BEAT - part II

Popes have passed slowly by many Catholics in a small selection of modified vehicles. GoodCarBadCar displayed a sampling in Part I of this 3 To Beat feature. Realizing upon first viewing that the ML430 Pope Benedict was using was a previous-generation Mercedes, a few years outdated, and that the first-gen ML-class Benz had always possessed an unfortunate minivan front end, it seemed important to me that the Pope be seen in something a little less soccer mom and a little more high-class. 
Here are three vehicles ripe for modifying for Popemobile duty. ML430: your day is done.
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CONTINUING SOCCER MOM OPTION: Though the Buick Enclave is a classy; handsome; and desirable vehicle, Benedict's age and the Buick badge should combine to make this first of three the "Continuing Soccer Grandma Option". One way or another, the Enclave is a step up from the old Mercedes ML430 but does hark back to similar roots. What roots? Crossoverish and SUVish, without being assuredly top-of-the-class in anybody's books. Recommended for Benedict (and you) includes The Good Car Guy's review of the Enclave after driving at GM's proving grounds and this post regarding its sales success. The Lambda platform's stiff structure shouldn't be terribly affected by a chop job. Removing two rows of seats should leave more than enough space for a Pope perch.
See all GoodCarBadCar 3 To Beat Features (including the Enclave's own) with a click

EURO DEFAULT CHOICE: European police, funeral homes, taxi drivers - they all love Volvo wagons. The Pope needs to be a little different from the everyday cop or mortician. How so? Suit the times, Benedict. The Cross Country version of the V70, aka XC70, provides a higher ride height and some tough body cladding. It maintains the typical Volvo traits of safety and ownership enjoyment, with a speck of uniqueness. Remembering those slow Popemobile speeds, it's interesting to note that the XC70 has already capitalized by becoming GoodCarBadCar's favourite car for parking lots.

VEHICLE FOR PLEASING THE BASE: 51% of France's population labels themselves as Catholic. Perhaps then, the best choice is a vehicle built by such a staunchly Vatican-supporting country. Citroen doesn't strike most North Americans as obvious, but the C4 Picasso will be a sales success. If Vatican City wants to continue its push for environmental awareness, a diesel powered C4 Picasso meets well with the Pope's expectations. Ignore guzzlers like the old Benz, new Buick, or Swedish wagon. At Popemobile speeds, the C4 Picasso would more than likely achieve substantially better than 40mpg on the EU cycle. These days Citroens even look cool. That should marry well with Benedict's Prada shoes. Amen.

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