China’s heavily armoured presidential limousine has drawn attention during Xi Jinping’s first India visit in seven years for the 2026 BRICS Summit.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday for the BRICS Summit, but it was not just his diplomatic schedule that caught attention. His highly secure presidential limousine, the Hongqi N701, was seen travelling through Delhi under black covers, prompting curiosity about the unusually secretive vehicle.
The N701 is a special-purpose armoured limousine built for China’s top leadership. Unlike ordinary luxury cars, it is not a model sold to the public. The vehicle is believed to be around 5.5 metres long and features extensive armour and other security-focused technologies.
Why was it covered?
The black covering appears to be primarily about security and confidentiality. Presidential vehicles can reveal sensitive details through their design, protective features and equipment. Keeping the N701 concealed while it was being moved around Delhi therefore adds another layer of protection.
The secrecy has also contributed to the car’s nickname as a “secret” Hongqi. Although the N701 has been publicly photographed on previous overseas trips, many technical details about the vehicle remain undisclosed.
What makes the Hongqi N701 special?
Reports describe the limousine as heavily armoured, with advanced protection systems and a powerful engine. Some reports have linked it to a V12 powertrain, while other technical specifications remain unconfirmed. Its design combines the long-wheelbase proportions of a traditional presidential limousine with modern security requirements.
The N701 also carries symbolic importance. Hongqi, meaning “Red Flag”, has a long association with China’s political leadership and was originally developed as a prestige vehicle for senior officials.
Xi’s arrival in the N701 is particularly notable because his Delhi visit is his first trip to India in seven years, coming as New Delhi and Beijing attempt a cautious improvement in relations after years of tension following the 2020 border clash.
For now, the black-covered N701 remains one of the most intriguing sights surrounding the BRICS summit—a presidential car designed to be seen as a symbol of power, while keeping much of what makes it secure firmly out of sight.
