When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, his choice of transport wasn’t just a luxury car—it was a rolling symbol of diplomacy. Modi was chauffeured in the Hongqi L5, China’s most prestigious state limousine and the personal vehicle of President Xi Jinping. But beneath its stately chrome grille and plush interiors lies a story rich in history, symbolism, and engineering marvels. Here are five things you probably didn’t know about the Hongqi L5—and why it matters.
1️⃣ It’s China’s Most Expensive Production Car
The Hongqi L5 isn’t just luxurious—it’s extravagant. With a price tag hovering around 5 million yuan (approximately ₹7 crore), it stands as the most expensive production car ever made in China. That figure doesn’t even include customizations, which can push the cost even higher for bespoke versions.
Powered by a massive 6.0-litre V12 engine that produces over 400 horsepower, the L5 can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in about 8.5 seconds and reach a top speed of nearly 210 km/h. Not bad for a car that weighs over three tonnes and stretches more than 5.5 meters in length. It’s a palace on wheels, built for heads of state and foreign dignitaries—not your average Sunday drive.
2️⃣ It’s Steeped in Political Symbolism
“Hongqi” translates to “Red Flag” in Mandarin—a name that carries deep political resonance in China. Originally launched in 1958 by the state-owned First Automotive Works (FAW), the brand was created to serve the Communist Party elite. Over the decades, Hongqi cars have been used in parades, diplomatic events, and state ceremonies, becoming a symbol of national pride and authority.
President Xi Jinping has made Hongqi central to his push for homegrown prestige. In a 2012 speech, he emphasized the importance of Chinese leaders using domestic vehicles, saying, “It doesn’t look right to sit in a foreign car”. Offering the L5 to PM Modi wasn’t just a courtesy—it was a calculated gesture of respect and a signal of warming ties between Beijing and New Delhi.
3️⃣ It’s Reserved for the Elite—But There’s a Civilian Version
While the L5 is typically reserved for top officials and visiting dignitaries, there was a brief moment when civilians could get their hands on one. In 2018, FAW released a limited run of 100 civilian-spec L5s, priced at around ₹8 crore. These models came with either the flagship V12 or a turbocharged V8 engine, offering slightly different performance profiles.
The V8 version, for instance, had a quicker 0–100 km/h time of 9.3 seconds compared to the V12’s 10.2 seconds. But make no mistake—this wasn’t a mass-market release. The civilian L5 remained ultra-exclusive, and owning one was as much about status as it was about horsepower.
4️⃣ It’s a Fortress on Wheels
Security is paramount when transporting world leaders, and the Hongqi L5 delivers. The car is equipped with bulletproof glass, heavy armor plating, run-flat tires, and secure communication systems. It’s designed to withstand attacks and ensure the safety of its occupants under any circumstance.
Inside, the L5 offers ventilated and heated massage seats, jade inlays, handcrafted wood accents, and personal entertainment screens. It’s a blend of traditional Chinese craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, tailored for comfort and command.
5️⃣ It’s a Diplomatic Power Move
Modi’s ride in the Hongqi L5 wasn’t just about luxury—it was about diplomacy. By offering their most iconic state vehicle, China sent a message: respect, recognition, and a willingness to reset relations. The gesture echoed past moments of symbolic diplomacy, such as when U.S. President Richard Nixon was driven in a Hongqi during his historic 1972 visit to China.
Modi’s use of the L5 marked his first trip to China in over seven years, following a period of strained relations after the Galwan Valley clashes. The car, in this context, became a metaphor—a vehicle not just of transport, but of intent.
🚘 Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Car
The Hongqi L5 is more than a luxury limousine. It’s a rolling embodiment of China’s political identity, engineering prowess, and diplomatic strategy. For Prime Minister Modi, riding in the L5 wasn’t just about comfort—it was about being part of a carefully choreographed message from Beijing.
Whether you see it as China’s answer to the Rolls-Royce Phantom or a symbol of statecraft on wheels, one thing’s clear: the Hongqi L5 is a car that commands attention, respect, and intrigue.
Hello, my name is Himanshu Kumar and I am an experienced Digital Marketer. I have been blogging for the last 4 years and I have special interest in SEO. Here I give you easy bikes and writes easy-to-understand reviews and news about the latest bikes, helping readers choose the best options.. My aim is to always provide you with accurate, new and useful information.
