Xi Jinping’s Hongqi N701 at Delhi BRICS Summit: How much does China’s secretive armoured presidential car cost?

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to New Delhi for the BRICS Summit has brought attention to another closely guarded element of his overseas travel — the Hongqi N701, a bespoke limousine built for China’s top leadership.

Made by Hongqi, the luxury marque of state-owned First Automobile Works (FAW), the N701 is not a regular production car available to consumers. Hongqi, which means “Red Flag”, has been associated with China’s political leadership since the brand was established by FAW in 1958.

How much does Xi Jinping’s car cost?

There is no officially disclosed price for the N701. Reports have estimated its value at around $700,000 (about ₹6 crore), although some estimates are considerably higher. The figures should therefore be treated as indicative rather than the actual purchase cost.

The N701 is a purpose-built state vehicle rather than a commercial model, with production also believed to be extremely limited. Some media reports have claimed that Hongqi plans to make only around 50 examples over a decade, although this figure has not been officially confirmed by the company.

What makes the Hongqi N701 different?

The limousine is understood to measure around 5.5 metres in length and shares design lineage with Hongqi’s L5 flagship. However, the N701 has been developed specifically for official state duties.

Reports have attributed features including bullet-resistant glass, reinforced armour and specialised run-flat wheels to the car. There have also been claims of protection against explosive and chemical threats. Hongqi, however, has not publicly confirmed the vehicle’s precise ballistic protection or other security specifications.

The N701 is also reportedly powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing around 408 hp, although this specification remains unconfirmed by Hongqi.

China’s answer to ‘The Beast’?

The N701 occupies a role similar to the US President’s armoured Cadillac limousine, popularly known as ‘The Beast’, while Russia uses the Aurus Senat as its presidential limousine.

Unlike commercially available luxury cars, these vehicles are designed around security and state requirements, making their actual cost difficult to establish. For Xi, the N701 also carries another significance: it represents China’s ability to build its own ultra-luxury, high-security state vehicle.

To be sure, the N701 has previously accompanied Xi on overseas visits, including trips to Hong Kong, the US and Malaysia, and is now set to become one of the more closely watched vehicles on Delhi’s roads during the BRICS Summit.