Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are bringing more than their official delegations to the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Their presidential motorcades include two heavily armoured, specially designed state vehicles built to provide maximum security.
Putin, who arrived in the capital on September 11, is travelling in the Russian-made Aurus Senat. Xi, who is scheduled to arrive on September 12, is expected to use China's Hongqi N701.
Both luxury limousines combine extensive armour with secure communication technology, enabling the leaders to stay protected while maintaining contact with officials during travel.
Here is a closer look at the two high-security cars expected to be seen during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
PUTIN'S AURUS SENAT
Putin began using the Aurus Senat in 2018, replacing the Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman that had previously served as the Russian presidential vehicle.
The Senat was developed as part of Russia's Kortezh project, which aimed to create domestically produced vehicles for the country's senior leadership. The presidential L700 variant is approximately seven metres long and weighs several tonnes, with much of its weight coming from armour and security equipment.
Power comes from a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 hybrid engine that generates around 598 horsepower and 880 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system.
While the precise level of protection remains classified, the Senat is reportedly designed to withstand high-calibre and armour-piercing ammunition. Its windows feature several-centimetre-thick, multi-layer bullet-resistant glass.
The vehicle is also equipped with run-flat tyres, a reinforced fuel tank and underbody protection designed to guard against explosions. The passenger cabin reportedly features its own oxygen supply and air-filtration system in case of a chemical attack, as well as fire-suppression equipment.
Secure communication systems allow Putin to stay connected with government officials while travelling.
Inside, the rear passenger compartment features heated, ventilated and massage-enabled seats, digital displays, work tables, a refrigerator and a partition for privacy.
A standard civilian Aurus Senat costs approximately 18 million roubles, or around Rs 2.5 crore. However, Putin's presidential version includes additional security technology and is not sold to the public.
The car also has an India connection. Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled alongside Putin in the Aurus during the SCO Summit in China last year.
XI'S HONGQI N701
Xi's presidential limousine belongs to Hongqi, meaning "Red Flag", a marque founded in 1958 by First Automotive Works specifically to produce vehicles for China's political leadership.
The brand's early cars were used by senior Communist Party leaders as well as visiting foreign dignitaries. Hongqi later became less prominent as international luxury carmakers expanded their presence in China, before being revived as a premium Chinese automobile brand.
The Hongqi N701 is now closely associated with Xi's high-security movements, although Chinese authorities have disclosed very little official information about the limousine.
The N701 is estimated to be more than 18 feet long and weigh above three tonnes. It is believed to feature heavy armour, bullet-resistant windows and a reinforced body, along with independent life-support and secure communication systems.
Unlike the Aurus Senat, even the basic mechanical details of the N701 remain largely secret. China has not officially disclosed its engine specifications, power output or exact level of ballistic protection.
The limousine is reportedly manufactured in extremely limited numbers and is not offered for sale to private customers.
Hongqi also has an India connection through another of its flagship models, the L5.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled in a Hongqi L5 during his visit to Tianjin for the SCO Summit in 2025. Xi had previously used an L5 during his 2019 India visit, when he held informal talks with Modi in Mahabalipuram.
The L5 measures more than 5.5 metres in length and weighs over three tonnes. It has been offered with a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing more than 400 horsepower and is reportedly capable of reaching close to 210 kmph.
The interior features leather upholstery, wood and jade accents, heated, ventilated and massage-enabled seats, along with individual entertainment displays. The Hongqi L5 costs nearly 5 million yuan, equivalent to around Rs 7 crore.
