"Presidential vehicles" are not mass-produced and are typically only seen at major national events. More than just a means of transporting and protecting high-ranking leaders, these cars, whenever they appear, are considered the ultimate symbol of power and showcase the pinnacle of each country's automotive industry.
Below are some of the most prominent presidential vehicles in the world today. They all share the commonality of being domestically produced, possessing special standards such as bulletproofing, private partitions, and a range of luxurious amenities. Among them, the appearance of the Lac Hong 900 LX – Vietnam's first bulletproof vehicle – demonstrates the transformation of the Southeast Asian automotive industry.
The Beast 2.0 (USA)
Cadillac One – Photo: northernvirginiapolicecars
The special limousine serving the US President, also known as Cadillac One, is manufactured by General Motors (GM). The Beast 2.0 is dubbed a "mobile fortress" with the ability to protect the US President from any threat.
Specifically, the vehicle has an outer shell made of a combination of materials including steel, aluminum, titanium, and ceramics, strong enough to withstand armor-piercing rounds and explosives.
The windows are made of multi-layered bulletproof glass, impenetrable even by sniper rifles. The undercarriage is reinforced with titanium, ceramic, and bomb-resistant plates. The vehicle also has ultra-durable specialized tires capable of high speeds even when punctured.
The vehicle's interior is designed for complete isolation with a separate partition and air filtration system to protect against chemical attacks, advanced satellite communication systems, and top-tier security.
The Beast 2.0's defensive equipment also includes tear gas, fire extinguishers, and possibly a smoke screen system to distract attackers, making it one of the safest cars in the world.
Aurus Senat (Russia)
Aurus Senat - Photo: Daily Sabah
Similar to The Beast 2.0, the Aurus Senat is also a domestically produced limousine for the Russian President.
The Aurus Senat presidential edition for Russia was manufactured by Aurus Motors, in collaboration with the Central Research Institute of Automotive and Engine Sciences of Russia (NAMI).
The vehicle's bulletproof capabilities are enhanced by a multi-layered, thick armored body and reinforced glass up to 65 mm thick. The floor has bomb-resistant reinforcement. Solid rubber (run-flat) tires allow it to continue moving even if punctured.
Similar to the US President's The Beast, the Aurus Senat also integrates light assault weapons for bodyguards to use, along with an independent oxygen supply system, ensuring absolute safety for occupants in the event of a chemical or biological attack.
Notably, the Russian President's Aurus Senat is also capable of ensuring the safety of its occupants even when completely submerged, using technology applied to Russian submarines. People in Russia call the Aurus Senat a "mobile bunker" due to its ability to provide maximum protection for VIPs inside.
DS No. 8 (France)
DS No. 8 - Photo: DS Automobiles
One rare electric vehicle chosen to serve a head of state is the DS No. 8 used by French President Emmanuel Macron. Unlike the luxurious limousines of American or Russian leaders, the DS No. 8 has a coupe-style crossover design, a blue exterior paint job, and a grille that illuminates in the colors of the French flag.
Notably, this electric vehicle features a sunroof and grab handles, allowing French President Emmanuel Macron to stand up and wave to the public whenever he appears in public.
The interior of the DS No8 is finished with a variety of high-quality materials, with handcrafted details such as pleated door panels, embroidered center armrests, and barley straw fiber inlays on the dashboard and door trim.
The vehicle used by the French president has been reinforced with armor protection by Centigon, a manufacturer of armored vehicles. Most of the vehicle's specifications are kept secret.
Lac Hong 900 LX (Vietnam)
Lac Hong 900 LX - Photo: VinFast
Vietnam's Lac Hong 900 LX is the newest addition to this lineup, making its debut at the 80th anniversary celebration of National Day (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025). The vehicle is produced in limited quantities with two versions: a standard version and a bulletproof version for heads of state.
In particular, the bulletproof version is fully armored, with reinforced body and chassis, bulletproof windows and rear bulkhead by INKAS Armored Vehicle Manufacturing (Canada) - a leading global manufacturer of armored vehicles.
This protective layer provides resistance against NATO M80 Ball rifle rounds and DM51 grenades. Like other presidential vehicles around the world, the Lac Hong 900 LX is also equipped with run-flat tires, allowing it to travel 80-100 km even after a puncture, along with a range of specialized equipment such as an oxygen supply system, an integrated fire suppression system, and satellite phone. The bulletproof version has a maximum power of 455 horsepower and a maximum torque of 620 Nm, upgraded to suit the vehicle's weight of over 5 tons.
The luxurious design of the Lac Hong 900 LX is highlighted by its logo and gold-plated details both inside and outside the vehicle. The interior exudes opulence with premium materials such as Golden Nanmu wood and Nappa leather. The spacious rear presidential compartment features a footrest, a soundproof glass partition, and a state-of-the-art communication system.
Among the vehicles designed for heads of state, the Lac Hong 900 LX is a rare case that uses a purely electric powertrain. Notably, this is the first vehicle of its kind originating from Southeast Asia. The successful development and completion of a bulletproof presidential vehicle places Vietnam in the same group as countries with the most advanced automotive industries.
This also demonstrates the capabilities in manufacturing, integrating complex technologies, and managing the supply chain, showing that Southeast Asia is not just a consumer of vehicles but has begun to join the group of countries capable of creating iconic products that meet global technical standards.
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/top-phao-dai-di-dong-phuc-vu-nguyen-thu-lac-hong-900-lx-sanh-vai-cung-loat-ong-lon-co-mot-diem-a195028.html
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