Rolling Fortresses: Inside the Incredible Cars That Protect World Leaders

What types of vehicles do some of the most powerful people on the planet use in their daily routines? Select Car Leasing recently released a roundup of cars used to protect worldwide leaders, highlighting prices and special features.

“When it comes to world leaders, their vehicles are more than just a mode of transportation—they’re an extension of their power, priorities, and personality,” said Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing. “From the unrivaled security features of ‘The Beast’ to the eco-conscious innovation of Pope Francis’ electric ‘Popemobile,’ these cars highlight the unique challenges and responsibilities of global leadership.”

With unparalleled luxury and cutting-edge security, these vehicles demonstrate how innovation and tradition come together to create the ultimate transportation for the world’s most influential figures. Here are some of the best and most unusual vehicles that world leaders call their own.

Donald Trump: Cadillac “The Beast”

• Cost: $1.2 million
• Weight: 20,160 lbs.

Key Features:

• Armored plating with 8-inch-thick panels and 5-inch-thick windows
• Equipped to fire tear gas and shock intruders via electrified door handles
• Kevlar run-flat tires ensure it keeps moving even in extreme conditions
• Trunk fridge stocked with the President’s blood type for emergencies

Nicknamed “The Beast,” this formidable vehicle is a rolling fortress that combines luxury with unmatched security. Before the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963, presidents often drove around in vehicles uncovered; however, the assassination, which shocked the world, highlighted the need for much more secure vehicles.

The nickname for the president’s car first cropped up during George W. Bush’s presidency, when his Cadillac DeVille was given the apt nickname. While the presidential vehicle has changed since then, the nickname has remained.  The current version of the Beast was initially commissioned by the Secret Service in 2014 and was introduced during Trump’s first presidential term in 2018. The car reportedly cost over $1.5 million to manufacture.

When the car was commissioned, it was reported that there were three contracts issued to create the new Beast, before the final version was chosen. While it hasn’t been confirmed how many Beast vehicles there are, President Biden reportedly had at least seven present during his inauguration in 2020. On inauguration day, the Secret Service changes the license plates on the Beast to signify that a new president has taken office.

King Charles III: 2002 Bentley Limousine

• Cost: $12.4 million
• Weight: 8,960 lbs.

Key Features:

• Interior can be sealed off from chemical attacks
• Eco-friendly, runs on biofuel
• Equipped with blue flashing lights

The King’s bespoke Bentley blends heritage and modernity, reflecting his commitment to sustainability while maintaining impeccable British craftsmanship. The car was originally presented to Queen Elizabeth II in celebration of her Golden Jubilee.

Reflecting King Charles III’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the King plans to convert the State Limousines to run on biofuels. The Bentley is used for official state visits; however, King Charles has a number of luxury vehicles in his private collection too. This includes a 1965 Aston Martin DB6 Volante.

Pope Francis: Mercedes-Benz G-Class “Popemobile”

• Cost: $372,000 (estimated)
• Weight: 3,584 lbs.

Key Features:

• Fully electric, a nod to environmental consciousness
• Designed with a swiveling central seat for public appearances
• Heated seats and handrails

Unlike other world leaders, Pope Francis emphasizes simplicity and accessibility, foregoing bulletproof glass to connect more closely with audiences.  In 1929, the Vatican acquired its first car to transport the pope; however, the first official Popemobile was introduced in 1930 to more efficiently transport the pope. Mercedes-Benz was responsible for creating the first-ever Popemobile and is responsible for making the most recent electric version for Pope Francis.

There have been many iterations of the vehicle over the years, with some vehicles allowing for the pope to stand upright as he traveled through crowds. In 1981, there was an assassination attempt against Pope John Paul II, which introduced the need for bulletproof glass as a precaution.

The first fully electric Popemobile reflects his commitment to addressing climate change. It’s also reported that Pope Francis drives his own vehicle in the Vatican City, a 1984 Renault 4 economy car with 300,000 km (186,000 miles) on the clock.

Xi Jinping: Hongqi N701

• Cost: $700,000
• Weight: 6,944 lbs.

Key Features:

• Bulletproof 21-inch wheels
• Withstands small firearms
• Top speed of 136 mph

China’s President Xi Jinping travels in the Hongqi N701, a sedan that represents the country’s technological prowess and national pride. Blending high-end protection with understated sophistication, it is a quintessential state leader’s car.

Jinping’s official state vehicle is modeled around the Hongqi L5, which was first introduced in 2013. The car company first began manufacturing cars in 1958 for high-ranking government officials. In 2023, the latest version of the L5 was announced. While Jinping’s official state vehicle may share similarities with this car, its 20-inch tires, bulletproof glass and armor that can reportedly withstand bomb blasts and chemical attacks, set it aside from the mass-produced L5.  For official state visits to foreign countries, Jinping travels with his car.

Vladimir Putin: Aurus Senat

• Cost: $1.7 million
• Weight: 15,680 lbs.

Key Features:

• 20-inch bulletproof wheels
• VR10 ballistic protection rating
• Rearward-facing seats for security personnel
• Fire- and explosion-proof fuel tank
• External communication systems and emergency exits

President Putin’s Aurus Senat is the pinnacle of innovation, featuring advanced defensive capabilities and luxurious interiors. It’s a fortress on wheels, with systems ready for any emergency.

Under the Soviet Union, the General Secretary of the Communist Party always used Soviet-built vehicles. However, this changed when former Russian President Boris Yeltsin used a Mercedes-Benz W140 as his official vehicle. The cars used by Russian presidents, however, are stretched and armored to provide additional protection.

During state visits, the official state car is airlifted so that it can transport the president in foreign countries. Putin has been using the Aurus Senat as his presidential vehicle since 2018. It’s reported that Putin even gifted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a version of the luxury car.