By Theodore Opara

The first consideration when it comes to making the choice of an official car of a president or head of government of any country is usually security, then other things follow. The official vehicle of any head of government comes with anything that could be imagined in a top-class automobile in terms of security (armouring), luxury, speed, hi-tech features and best of refinements, among others.

As the problem of insecurity across the globe continues to be on the rise, world leaders are raising the stakes as far as their cars and security are concerned. Of course, no country would like to be caught napping with the security of its number one citizen, hence the vehicles are armoured to the highest level. This is because some world leaders have been assassinated while on the move in their cars, in the past.

Mercedes Benz

Predominantly, most heads of government favour Mercedes Benz, and they usually come in the S-Class Pullman or Mercedes Maybach. These German machines offer comfort at its peak. But the United States President and some others use automobiles produced by their countries, to show patriotism.

Notably, countries like France, China, the United Kingdom and Russia produce cars for their number one citizens’ use in their countries. These vehicles can simply be described as ‘heaven on wheels’ with all the luxuries you can imagine, while the armouring is usually top-notch. 

They make statements with these automobiles, which can withstand the toughest ballistics and chemical attacks. These cars come with special features to ward off aggression, if the need arises.

Nigeria

For the Nigerian President, the Mercedes Benz has been the ultimate choice since the days of General Murtala Mohammed to Shehu Shagari. In fact, a certain model of S-Class then was referred to as the Shagari model.

Generally, Nigerian Presidents use Mercedes S-Class or Maybach as official car. And they are usually top of the range, with the most advanced security features and luxury. But there could be other models – like the Mercedes G-Class and brands like the Toyota Land Cruisers and Lexus SUVs.

The Beast

The American president’s official car is known as the Beast – coming in the form of the Cadillac or the Lincoln Continental. It is built to the highest sophistication by General Motors.

The stretch limousines cost millions of dollars and could perform wonderfully in the event of any occurrence. There is this belief that under threat, the Beast could be shrouded in smoke, while it escapes from trouble scenes.

The British monarch rides the Bentley Limousine. Information has it that there are only two units of this vehicle produced for his majesty, Prince Charles. It comes with a 6.7-litre V8 engine. The doors are uniquely designed in such a way that the King can stand upright inside the car before alighting.

Also, the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister’s official car is the Jaguar SJ Sentinel 5.0-litre V8 engine, punching out massive power. 

Putin

The Russian President’s official car is the Aurus Senat, built in Russia. It is a statement by Russia in the automobile world. The Aurus Senat looks more like the Rolls Royce Phantom. It is sophisticated, plush and armoured to the level that only God and those who built the car can explain. 

The Aurus Senat is a luxury full-size car by Russian automaker Aurus Motors. It was developed by NAMI in Moscow, Russia. The Aurus Senat was retro-styled after the old ZIS-110 limousine of the 1940s.

The all-wheel drive sedan delivers 598 horsepower and weighs seven tonnes. As expected, it can withstand bomb and chemical attacks. It is Russia’s first entry into luxury.

China

China’s President’s official car is the Hongqi N501 an 18-foot sedan measuring 6.5 feet wide. It delivers 402 horsepower with a V8 turbocharged engine weighing 3000 kilograms. Hongqi N501 travels 800km on full tank and is heavily armoured. It is made by FAW group which has been producing cars since 1958.

The North Korean President is at home with his Mercedes-Benz Maybach with 517 horsepower. The S600 Pullman Guard is powered by a V12 engine. It is a monster of a kind.

Germany

The German head of government, otherwise known as the Chancellor’s official car is also a Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard weighing 4,200kg. Germany is the home of Mercedes and you can’t expect less from them when it comes to official car of the President.

The 6.0 litre V12 engine delivers 604 horsepower with 4matic all-wheel drive.

Finally, the French President uses the DS7 Crossback, a high-breed vehicle equipped with E10 powertrain plug-in. It delivers 300 horsepower.

However, this is not an exhaustive list. But which do you think is best? And which other world leaders’ cars do you know?

Vanguard News