Chinese President Xi Jinping's arrival in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit drew attention not just for diplomatic talks, but also for the secretive transport of his state limousine. The Hongqi N701, a bespoke armoured vehicle reserved for China's top leadership, was sighted moving through the city covered entirely in black material.
Why the Limousine Was Covered
The practice of covering high-profile state vehicles during overseas visits is a standard protocol driven by a combination of security, protection, and logistical considerations. When presidential cars are shipped internationally, they are often transported separately from the head of state.
Heavy-duty covers or tarpaulins serve multiple purposes during transit. They shield the vehicle from environmental elements like dust and weather, prevent accidental scratches, and ensure it remains in pristine condition for official use. Crucially, for highly secure state vehicles like the N701, reducing unnecessary visual exposure during unloading from cargo planes, movement across airport grounds, or transport on flatbed trucks is a key part of broader security and logistical planning.
About the Hongqi N701
The Hongqi N701 is not a commercially available model; it is custom-built for state duties, derived from the luxury marque's L5 limousine. Hongqi, meaning "Red Banner," has a long history tied to Chinese state occasions since its founding in 1958. Reports suggest only about 50 units of the N701 may be produced over the next decade, exclusively for official use.
While full technical specifications remain undisclosed, in line with security practices for head-of-state vehicles, the N701 is believed to measure approximately 5.5 meters in length. It reportedly features 21-inch bulletproof wheels, multi-layered bulletproof glass, and reinforced external armour plating designed to withstand small explosive devices. Some reports also indicate an air-compression system to protect against chemical attacks. Power is said to come from a 6.0-litre V12 engine, generating around 408 horsepower.
Comparisons to "The Beast"
Inevitably, the Hongqi N701 draws comparisons to "The Beast," the highly fortified limousine used by the US President. The Beast is renowned for its extensive protective features, which reportedly include a hermetically sealed cabin, run-flat tyres, night-vision equipment, and defensive measures like smoke screens and oil slick deployment. Its armour combines materials like aluminium, ceramic, and steel, with walls up to eight inches thick. The US presidential vehicle also functions as a mobile command center, equipped with encrypted satellite communications linked to the White House and Pentagon.
Whether the Hongqi N701 incorporates a similar level of integrated command capabilities remains unconfirmed. However, its prominent presence at the BRICS summit highlights China's advanced approach to leadership security and the symbolic importance of its bespoke state limousines.