Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to take part in the BRICS Summit 2026. His visit to India after seven years carries considerable diplomatic weight, but one particular detail has captured public attention his vehicle, the Hongqi N701, a heavily protected limousine built exclusively for China’s top leadership.
The Chinese president’s official vehicles are reported to have been transported to India ahead of his arrival.
All about Jinping’s armoured limousine
- It is a bespoke state limousine from Hongqi, the luxury marque.
- The vehicle, fitted with heavy armour and secure communication systems, has previously accompanied Xi on overseas trips including to Egypt, the United States, Russia and Hong Kong.
- Reports suggest only 50 units may be built over the coming decade, reserved solely for official state duties.
- Its early models were used by senior Communist Party officials and visiting foreign leaders.
Also Read:India Wants Zero Disaster Deaths, But Can It Stay Ahead Of The Himalayas? - Hongqi, the Chinese luxury car brand, was established in 1958 by First Automotive Works to build cars for China’s political leadership. It later lost prominence as foreign luxury manufacturers expanded in China, but has since revived itself as a premium domestic brand.
- China has released little detail about the limousine, though the vehicle is estimated to be more than 18 feet long and weigh over three tonnes.
- It carries heavy armour along with bullet-resistant glass and reinforced bodywork.
- Independent life-support and secure communication systems further make the vehicle a favoured choice for the president.
- Produced in very limited numbers, the vehicle is not available to private buyers.
- PM Modi himself travelled in a Hongqi L5 during his visit to Tianjin for the SCO Summit in 2025.
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