Presidential State Cars
A state car is a car that is used to transport a head of state. State cars are also used occasionally to transport other members of the government, or visiting dignitaries from other nations.
Most State cars are luxurious and are loaded with various security equipment. Here is a brief overview of the 20 most luxurious state cars.
United States – Cadillac One
This state car is used by the President of the United States of America. This custom-built heavily armored limousine is often referred to as Cadillac One. “The Beast” is its other nickname.
India – Mercedes Benz S600 (W221) Pullman Guard
This state car is used by the President of India. This black car is a heavily armored custom-built stretch limousine. It meets the requirements of the highest protection class VR6/VR7.
United Kingdom – Bentley State Limousine
The members of the British royal family have used bespoke limousines for years. On state occasions, Queen Elizabeth II usually travels in one of the two armored Bentley state limousines.
Prime Minister of the UK – Jaguar XJ Sentinel
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom uses one of a fleet of armored Jaguar XJ Sentinel models, escorted by Range Rover or Land Rover Discovery vehicles and police motorcade outriders.
China – Hongqi Limousine
Chinese leaders have been using Hongqi limousines for years. The HQE is powered by an independently researched and developed aluminum V12 cylinder engine of Chinese design with a displacement of 6.0 liters.
Italy – Lancia Thesis
The current President of Italy uses two identical armored Lancia Thesis, with a third unarmored car kept as backup. A Lancia Thesis Stola S85 limousine and three Maserati Quattroporte are used to serve visiting heads of state.
Germany – Mercedes-Benz S600L
German presidents, chancellors and senior politicians have used Mercedes-Benz S-Class cars for years. The current Chancellor of Germany uses an armored Mercedes-Benz S600L.
Japan – Toyota Century Royal
The Emperor and the Empress of Japan use Toyota Century Royal, a one-off $500,000 custom car. This bulletproof car is 20 feet (6.2 meter) long and 6.5 feet (2 meters) wide.
Kenya – Mercedes-Benz Pullman S600
The President of the Republic of Kenya uses an armored Mercedes-Benz Pullman S600. This state car has the Kenyan coat of arms instead of the regular license plate.
Malaysia – Maybach 62
The current Yang di-Pertuan Agong uses a black Maybach 62. He also has a dark blue Bentley Continental Flying Spur and a bulletproof stretched red Bentley Arnage at his disposal.
South Korea – Hyundai Equus VL500 (550) Limousine
The President of South Korea uses an armored Hyundai Equus VL500 (550) limousine. Three of these vehicles were produced in 2009 by Hyundai Motors.
