Why were Xi Jinping’s cars transported under black covers in Delhi? The mystery behind the Hongqi N701

New Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in Delhi for the BRICS summit has drawn attention to an unusual sight on the capital’s roads: vehicles believed to be part of his official convoy being transported under heavy black covers before the Chinese leader reached the city.

Images and videos of the covered cars have circulated widely on social media, triggering curiosity about what was being transported and why the vehicles were kept out of view.

At the heart of the speculation is the Hongqi N701, the highly secretive, heavily armoured limousine used by Xi. The Chinese president’s official vehicles are understood to have been brought to India ahead of his arrival, a practice commonly followed for specially protected state cars during overseas visits.

Why was Xi’s car covered?

The use of covers during the transportation of official vehicles is generally linked to protection, logistics and security. Presidential cars are often shipped separately and may arrive in the host country before the visiting leader.

Heavy-duty covers or tarpaulins are typically used while vehicles are unloaded from cargo aircraft, moved through airport premises or transported on flatbed carriers. They help protect the cars from dust, rain, sunlight and accidental damage, while keeping them in good condition until they are required.

For highly secure state vehicles, keeping them covered during transit may also reduce unnecessary exposure, photography and scrutiny before they are deployed.

The black coverings seen in Delhi, therefore, are best understood as part of the transportation and protection arrangements for Xi’s official vehicles, rather than as a response to any incident after his arrival.

Hongqi N701: The mystery limousine used by Xi Jinping

Xi’s primary presidential vehicle is the Hongqi N701, a bespoke limousine made by Chinese luxury carmaker Hongqi, whose name translates to “Red Flag”.

The N701 is not a conventional luxury sedan available to the public. It is believed to have been developed specifically for China’s top leadership, with its detailed specifications remaining undisclosed.

The vehicle is heavily armoured and is believed to feature bullet-resistant glass, reinforced bodywork and specially protected wheels and tyres. Some reports have attributed protection against explosive threats and chemical attacks to the limousine, though many of these claims have not been officially confirmed by Hongqi.

Reports have also claimed that the N701 is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing approximately 408 horsepower. However, the vehicle’s exact specifications remain officially undisclosed.