Chinese President Rides the Costliest Chinese-made Vehicle, Marked by Distinctiveness from The Beast
In the realm of luxury and security, two iconic vehicles stand out: the Hongqi L5 (Guoli) and The Beast, the US Presidential limousine.
The Hongqi L5, a Chinese luxury sedan, is a testament to size and opulence. With dimensions of approximately 5353 mm in length, 1998 mm in width, and 1511 mm in height, it boasts a spacious 3260 mm wheelbase. Although the exact specifications of its engine and performance remain undisclosed, the vehicle is equipped with "max-level luxury features," and its market price is reported to be around $9,900 USD. However, this figure seems unusually low for a luxury presidential-style vehicle, which may suggest a pricing error or symbolic figure [1][2].
On the other hand, The Beast, the United States Presidential limousine, is a heavily fortified armored vehicle, built for security, protection, and communications. It features extensive armor plating, bulletproof glass, advanced communication systems, life-support and countermeasure equipment, and a high-performance V8 engine capable of maintaining high speeds despite its heavy weight. Price estimates for The Beast range in the multi-million USD bracket, often cited around $1.5 to $2 million USD or more due to its specialized build and armoring [3].
| Feature / Specification | Hongqi L5 (Guoli) | The Beast (US Presidential Limo) | | ----------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- | | Length | ~5353 mm | ~ 6 meters+ (exact varies by model) | | Width | ~1998 mm | Wider for stability and armor | | Height | ~1511 mm | Taller for added protection | | Wheelbase | 3260 mm | Longer wheelbase for spacious armored cabin | | Luxury Features | Max-level luxury features (exacts not detailed) | Armored, bulletproof, advanced communications, defense systems | | Engine | Details not specified | High-performance V8 or similar, armored | | Price | Around $9,900 USD (likely symbolic or inaccurate) | Around $1.5–2 million USD |
The Hongqi L5, a symbol of the Chinese Communist Party as its name 'Red Flag' suggests, represents a luxury chauffeur-driven sedan with a focus on opulence and size, primarily catering to high-profile individuals in China, but without public confirmation of its heavy armoring or military-grade security features. The Beast, on the other hand, is an extensively fortified limousine designed primarily for presidential-level security rather than pure luxury, reflecting its much higher price and specialized nature.
The President of China is chauffeured in a car called the Hongqi Guoli, or L5, while The Beast, internally known as a 'parade limousine,' is a bulletproof Cadillac built from scratch and is not a modified production model. The hub caps and steering wheel of the Hongqi Guoli are adorned with gold flowers, and the price of the Hongqi Guoli can range up to $1 million, depending on the model.
Interestingly, The Beast was featured on Jay Leno's Garage, while the Hongqi Guili, a car that is not commonly known, remains less publicly showcased. The Hongqi Guili is a tribute to capitalism, a stark contrast to The Beast, which embodies the essence of security and protection.
In conclusion, while both vehicles represent symbols of power and luxury, they cater to different needs and audiences. The Hongqi L5 focuses on opulence and size, while The Beast prioritizes security and protection, reflecting their respective roles and the unique demands they serve.
[1] Source 1 [2] Source 2 [3] Source 3
- Despite its opulent features, the Hongqi L5, a Chinese luxury sedan, has a reported price that seems unusual for a presidential-style vehicle, suggesting a pricing error or symbolic figure.
- In contrast, The Beast, the US Presidential limousine, while not focusing exclusively on luxury, boasts a significant price tag in the millions, reflecting its specialized build and security features.
- While both vehicles, the Hongqi L5 and The Beast, represent symbols of power and luxury, they serve different roles, with the former emphasizing opulence and size, and the latter prioritizing security and protection.
