Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit has sparked curiosity after vehicles from his official convoy were seen being transported under heavy black covers.
Images and videos of the covered cars quickly circulated on social media, with many people wondering what was hidden underneath. The vehicle at the centre of the interest is believed to be the Hongqi N701, a highly secured limousine used by Xi.
The black covers, however, are not believed to indicate any unusual security situation. Presidential vehicles are often transported separately and may reach a host country before the visiting leader. Covers help protect the cars from dust, rain, sunlight and accidental damage during loading, unloading and road transportation.
For highly protected state vehicles, keeping them covered can also reduce unnecessary exposure and prevent detailed photographs of the vehicle before it is officially used. In Xi’s case, the unusual appearance of the convoy attracted additional attention because of the secrecy surrounding the limousine.
The Hongqi N701 is a bespoke vehicle produced by Hongqi, the Chinese luxury automobile brand whose name means “Red Flag”. It is not a regular model available to the public and is understood to have been designed specifically for China’s top leadership.
Reports suggest that the limousine is around 5.5 metres long and features extensive armour protection, including reinforced bodywork and bullet-resistant glass. Some reports have also claimed that the vehicle has additional protection against explosive and chemical threats, although such specifications have not been officially confirmed.
The exact technical details of the N701 remain closely guarded. Reports have attributed a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing around 408 horsepower to the vehicle, but its official specifications have not been publicly disclosed.
Xi has previously used the N701 during overseas visits, including trips to Russia, the United States, Hong Kong and Egypt. Its appearances have repeatedly attracted attention because of its imposing design and limited publicly available information.
The Chinese president’s limousine is not the only heavily armoured state car in Delhi for the BRICS Summit. Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived with the Aurus Senat, another specially built presidential vehicle designed with extensive security features.
The presence of both high-security limousines in the Indian capital has added an unusual automotive spectacle to the high-profile BRICS gathering, even as world leaders focus on diplomacy, trade, security and global cooperation.
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