As global leaders arrived in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit 2026, it was Chinese President Xi Jinping’s unusually covered convoy that caught the internet’s attention. Images of cars transported under large black covers surfaced online, sparking curiosity over what was hidden underneath and why the vehicles were being kept out of sight.
The vehicles are understood to include Xi’s official presidential limousine, the Hongqi N701. The car is specially built for China’s top leadership and is not a regular luxury vehicle available to the public. Bringing a leader’s protected vehicle to the host country ahead of an overseas visit is not unusual, as such cars are often transported separately for security and logistical reasons.
Why Xi’s Cars Are Covered?
The use of heavy covers
also serves a practical purpose. Vehicles can be shielded from dust, sunlight, rain and possible damage while being unloaded, moved through airport facilities or transported on carriers. In the case of highly protected state cars, covering them also limits unnecessary exposure before they are required for official use.
That secrecy has added to the interest surrounding the N701, whose specifications are not publicly known in full.
What Makes The Hongqi N701 Special?
Built by Chinese luxury marque Hongqi, meaning “Red Flag”, the N701 is a bespoke presidential limousine associated with China’s leadership.
The vehicle is reported to be around 5.5 metres long, giving it a substantial presence on the road. Its exterior carries the large grille and red-flag emblem identified with the Hongqi brand.
Much of its protection system remains undisclosed. Reports have described the limousine as heavily armoured, with features including bullet-resistant glass, reinforced bodywork and protected wheels and tyres. Claims that it can withstand explosive or chemical threats have also appeared in reports, although Hongqi has not officially confirmed many of these details.
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s convoy cars have arrived in Delhi ahead of his visit for the BRICS Summit. pic.twitter.com/mPrqGZ40Bw
— DesiEsco🇮🇳 (@DesiEsco7) September 11, 2026
The N701 has also been reported to use a 6.0-litre V12 engine with around 408 horsepower. Its complete technical specifications, however, remain a closely guarded matter.
A Car Xi Has Used On Foreign Visits
The N701 has previously accompanied Xi on overseas trips, including visits to Russia, the US, Hong Kong and Egypt. Each appearance has attracted attention because relatively little is known publicly about the limousine’s security features.
The use of the N701 also reflects China’s preference for a domestically produced presidential vehicle. Hongqi, founded in 1958, has a long history of association with China’s political leadership and has since expanded into the luxury car market.
Putin’s Armoured Limousine Also In Delhi
The Chinese president is not the only BRICS leader to arrive with a specially protected state car.Russian President Vladimir Putin brought his Aurus Senat to India.
The Russian limousine was also seen during Putin’s latest India visit, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled with him in the armoured vehicle.
With two major BRICS leaders using their own heavily protected presidential cars in Delhi, the unusual convoy arrangements have become one of the more eye-catching features surrounding the summit.
