The Secretive Armored Hongqi N701 Limo That Chinese President Xi Brought To The USA

Chinese President Xi Jinping touched down on U.S. soil on Wednesday for high-level talks with President Joe Biden, and while the visit is interesting for a number of reasons, it is the car that the powerful foreign leader was riding in that really caught our eye.

While Biden likes to ride around in a custom Cadillac limo known as ‘The Beast,’ China’s president rides in something slightly more understated, but equally intriguing. It is known only by its codename – N701 – and has been previously used by the president during trips to Hong Kong and Russia. Two examples look to have been flown in for his visit to the U.S., but reports suggest that Hongqi is building around 50 examples over the coming decade, all for official state duties.

Read: Hongqi’s New Chinese State Limousine Spotted During Presidential Visit To Hong Kong

The Hongqi used by President Xi Jinping is not a series production model, although it does share some similarities with the Chinese firm’s large H9 sedan. Media reports suggest the N701 is about 5.5m or 18 feet long and based around the L5. It’ll come as little surprise that many details about it remain closely guarded secrets but it is thought to be riding on 21-inch bulletproof wheels and tires, rocks bulletproof glass, and has some serious armor plating across the exterior.

It has also been suggested by the Daily Mail that Xi’s state car can withstand impacts from small bombs and has an air compression system to protect him against chemical attacks. Power is thought to come from a 6.0-liter V12 pumping out approximately 408 hp, although this appears to be unconfirmed as Hongqi also builds a V8 that could be used.

Screenshots via CobraEmergency/ABC News

Visually, the N701 stands out from other current Hongqi models. Dominating the front fascia is a grille with vertical uprights and chrome surrounds, complemented by a pair of darkened headlights. As is customary of Hongqi models, there is a large red flag badge on the hood. Other elements that catch the eye include the red flag badges on the front fenders, the chrome window surrounds and thick B-pillars, and the simple LED taillights.

President Xi is on his first visit to the U.S. since 2017 and after meeting with President Biden, is attending the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco.