Xi Jinping's armoured car arrived under black covers in Delhi—here's why

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in New Delhi for the BRICS summit was preceded by an unusual sight—vehicles from his official convoy being moved through the capital under large black covers.

The images quickly drew attention online, with many wondering what was hidden beneath the coverings. At the centre of the curiosity was Xi’s highly protected presidential limousine, the Hongqi N701.

Why was Xi's car covered?

The use of heavy covers during the transportation of official state vehicles is linked to security and logistics. Presidential cars are often transported separately and can reach a host country before the leader.

During unloading and movement around airports or on flatbed carriers, tarpaulins can protect vehicles from dust, rain, sunlight and accidental damage. In the case of highly secure state vehicles, keeping them covered also limits unnecessary exposure before they are required for official use.

The black coverings seen in Delhi therefore appear to have been part of the arrangements for transporting and protecting Xi’s official vehicles ahead of his arrival.

What is the Hongqi N701?

The Hongqi N701 is a bespoke limousine made by Chinese luxury carmaker Hongqi, which means “Red Flag”. It is designed for China’s top leadership and is not a model sold as a regular luxury sedan.

The limousine is reported to be around 5.5 metres long, giving it a distinctly imposing profile. It carries Hongqi’s signature grille and red-flag emblem.

Much of the N701’s specification remains undisclosed. Reports have described it as heavily armoured, with bullet-resistant glass, reinforced bodywork and specially protected wheels and tyres. Claims about protection against explosive and chemical threats have also circulated, although these details have not been officially confirmed by Hongqi.

Reports have also attributed a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing around 408 horsepower to the vehicle.

N701 has travelled abroad before

The Delhi appearance is not the limousine’s first overseas outing. The N701 has previously been seen during Xi’s visits to countries, including Russia, the US and Egypt, attracting attention because of its imposing design and limited publicly available details.

Hongqi, established in 1958, has a long association with China’s political leadership.

Xi’s limousine is also not the only armoured presidential car in Delhi for the BRICS summit. Russian President Vladimir Putin has brought his Aurus Senat, another bespoke state limousine built for high-level security.