Introduction: The Symbol of China’s Power and Prestige
The official state car used by the President of China, Xi Jinping, is much more than a transportation vehicle—it is a moving fortress, a national symbol, and a showcase of China’s growing industrial, technological, and geopolitical strength.
China uses Hongqi (Red Flag) vehicles for its top leadership. Hongqi is the country’s oldest passenger car marque, owned by the state-owned FAW Group, and has long been associated with power, dignity, and national pride.
Two models form the backbone of China’s presidential fleet:
- Hongqi N701 – The current main limousine
- Hongqi L5 – The predecessor and official state guest car
These cars are specially built, heavily armored, and rarely seen by the public. They represent the highest level of Chinese engineering and are comparable to the U.S. President’s limousine, “The Beast,” or Russia’s Aurus Senat.
This article explores the full, detailed specifications and features of both limousines based on publicly known and reported information.
Hongqi N701—The Current Presidential Limousine
The Hongqi N701 is the primary state car currently used by President Xi Jinping. Introduced for high-level motorcades, international summits, and national events, it remains highly secretive due to national security reasons.
Overview of the Hongqi N701
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Armored Presidential Limousine |
| Codename | N701 |
| Manufacturer | Hongqi (FAW Group) |
| Length | ~6.0 meters |
| Production | Ultra-limited (around 50 units in 10 years) |
| Primary Use | President of China’s official and international travel |
1. Design and Exterior
The N701 features a massive, elegant, and authority-focused design. It is built to look imposing, stable, and secure:
- Extra-long wheelbase for stability
- Thick armored panels (several hundred kg per door)
- Reinforced roof and chassis
- A modern take on the classic Hongqi grille
The vehicle is typically finished in black or deep midnight colors, symbolizing power and formality.
2. Engine and Performance
The exact powertrain of the N701 remains confidential. However, reports suggest:
- A 6.0-liter V12 engine or
- A high-output V6 hybrid setup
- Estimated power output: 450+ hp
This is not a performance car; instead, it prioritizes:
- Torque for moving heavy armor
- Reliability under attacks
- Smoothness for motorcade operations
3. Armor and Security Features
This is where the Hongqi N701 truly becomes a state-level machine.
Security Features (Known/Reported):
- Full body armor capable of withstanding high-caliber rounds
- Multi-layer bulletproof glass
- Run-flat military-grade tires
- Biochemical attack protection system
- Air filtration & compression chambers
- Fire suppression system
- Encrypted communication network
- EMP-protected (Electromagnetic Pulse) components (reported)
The N701 is built to protect the President in every possible scenario — chemical attacks, explosives, firearms, and hostile infiltration attempts.
4. Exclusivity and Production
Only a very limited number of N701 units exist.
- Reports indicate 50 units over a decade
- Entirely hand-built and custom-modified
- Used only by national leadership; not sold to civilians
This makes the N701 one of the rarest and most secure vehicles in the world.
Hongqi L5—The Iconic State Guest Car
Before the N701, China’s presidential fleet was dominated by the Hongqi L5, a neo-retro luxury limousine inspired by the classic Hongqi CA770 from the 1960s.
It continues to be used for state guests, parades, and diplomatic events.
Overview of the Hongqi L5 (Official/State Version)
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Armored Presidential/State Guest Limousine |
| Engine | 6.0-liter V12 |
| Power | ~402–408 hp |
| Torque | 550 Nm |
| Dimensions | 5555 × 2018 × 1578 mm |
| Weight | ~3,150 kg |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drive | AWD |
| Top Speed | Up to 210 km/h |
| 0–100 km/h | 8.5–10.2 seconds |
1. Design and Heritage
The L5’s styling reflects deep Chinese cultural elements:
- Vertical-stacked retro grille
- Red “Hongqi flag” ornament on the hood
- Squared-off profile inspired by classic Chinese limousines
- Traditional jade-inspired interior touches
It serves as a moving cultural artifact, showcasing China’s elegance and heritage.
2. Engine and Performance
The L5 is powered by a 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12, one of the few V12 engines ever produced in China.
Performance Highlights:
- Smooth, dignified acceleration
- Strong low-end torque (550 Nm)
- Top speed up to 210 km/h
Despite its weight, the car moves confidently due to the large engine and AWD system.
3. Security and Armor
The official state version of the L5 is fully armored:
- Thick ballistic steel layers
- Multi-layer bulletproof glass
- Reinforced underbody protection
- Run-flat tires
- Secure communication systems
This version is not available to the public, and its armor ratings are classified.
4. Ultra-Luxury Interior
The L5 is known for its lavish, handcrafted interior, which includes:
- Premium leather upholstery
- Wooden panels with traditional Chinese patterns
- Jade-inspired decorative elements
- VIP rear seating with:
- Massage
- Heating & Ventilation
- Reclining functions
- Dedicated communication consoles
- Ultra-soft headrests and armrests
The focus is comfort, elegance, and national identity.
5. Price and Exclusivity
The civilian-spec L5 (called the Hongqi Guoli) is one of the most expensive cars ever sold in China:
- Price starts around ¥5 million
- Equivalent to ~US$800,000
This version lacks some classified armor but retains the iconic design and V12 engine.
🇨🇳 Why Hongqi? The Strategic Importance of China’s State Cars
Using domestically-produced, highly advanced limousines like the N701 and L5 sends a clear message:
1. National Pride
Hongqi symbolizes China’s industrial capability and self-reliance.
2. Technological Showcase
These vehicles prove China can build machines that rival Western state cars in:
- Armor
- Luxury
- Engineering
- Security
3. Political Messaging
During parades, summits, and international events, the Hongqi limousines represent China’s power and prestige.
Hongqi N701 vs Hongqi L5 – Quick Comparison
| Feature | Hongqi N701 | Hongqi L5 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Armored Presidential Limousine | Armored State Guest Limousine |
| Engine | V12 / Hybrid V6 (reported) | 6.0L V12 |
| Power | ~450+ hp | ~402–408 hp |
| Armor Level | Higher (new-gen) | High |
| Design | Modern, sleek | Neo-retro classic |
| Length | ~6.0 m | 5.555 m |
| Availability | Only for top officials | Civilian version available at high cost |
| Role | President’s personal car | Guest car & ceremonial car |
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Conclusion
The official cars of Chinese President Xi Jinping — the Hongqi N701 and the Hongqi L5 — stand as powerful symbols of China’s automotive engineering, luxury craftsmanship, political strength, and national pride.
- The N701 represents the modern face of China’s leadership with cutting-edge armor and technology.
- The L5 honors China’s heritage with its retro design, V12 engine, and ceremonial presence.
Together, they form one of the world’s most secure and culturally significant state car fleets.
These vehicles embody far more than transport — they represent China’s rise as a global power.