The luxury sedan, often called "China's Rolls-Royce," symbolizes national pride and is usually reserved for top dignitaries
Tianjin: During his visit to Tianjin, China, for the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was chauffeured in the Hongqi L5, the preferred flagship luxury car of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The selection of this iconic Chinese vehicle for PM Modi was a major diplomatic gesture symbolising goodwill between the two countries.
The Hongqi L5: China’s flagship luxury sedan
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The Hongqi L5 is an exclusive luxury sedan produced by First Automotive Works (FAW) under the Hongqi (“Red Flag”) brand, which has been China’s official state car maker since 1958. With a striking, stately design, the L5 is a large four-door sedan, measuring nearly 6 meters in length (5980 mm) and weighing around 3,150 kilograms, offering ample space and comfort for dignitaries. It is often described as the “Rolls-Royce of China” due to its prestigious position in the country’s automotive hierarchy.
Performance and features
Under the hood, the Hongqi L5 comes equipped with a powerful 4.0-litre V8 engine producing approximately 387 horsepower, with top speeds reaching up to 220 km/h. The vehicle emphasises luxury and safety over outright speed, featuring high-strength steel construction, advanced driver assistance systems, luxurious leather interiors, handcrafted wood trims, ambient lighting, and personalised climate control. It boasts a comprehensive safety package including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and surround-view cameras to provide occupants with maximum protection and comfort.
Symbolism and diplomatic significance
The Hongqi brand is deeply embedded in Chinese political symbolism; its name and logos are written in the handwriting of Mao Zedong, reinforcing the car’s stature as a symbol of China’s national pride and industrial capability. Having PM Modi ride in Xi Jinping’s preferred vehicle is viewed as a mark of respect and a gesture aimed at fostering stronger diplomatic ties during a visit that marked the first official India-China summit in over seven years.
The use of the Hongqi L5 parallels similar protocols seen around the world where heads of state travel in highly customised luxury vehicles that symbolise status and security, such as Russia’s Aurus limousine for President Putin or the US President’s “Beast.”
Context of the SCO Summit visit
PM Modi’s visit to China for the SCO Summit was historic, given recent border tensions, and his ride in the Hongqi L5 symbolically underscored efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation. The gesture aligns with broader diplomatic overtures emphasising mutual respect, peace, and collaboration on regional and global challenges.
Published: 01 Sept 2025, 12:17 pm IST
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