See Chinese President Xi Jinping's luxurious 18-foot sedan — and how it compares to Biden's 'Beast' Cadillac

  • Chinese President Xi Jinping is in the United States this week.

  • He travels with a custom-built sedan by Chinese brand Hongqi.

  • It's a very different car than the White House's Cadillac, nicknamed Beast.

As Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives for his meetings with President Joe Biden and business leaders this week, he won't be chauffeured in a vehicle familiar to many Americans.

Instead, the leader will be whisked through California streets in his own state vehicle  — much like when American heads of state travel abroad.

Xi's steed of choice is made by Honqi, a Chinese automaker that also sells several car and SUV models to the public.

Chinese President Xi Jinping drives through San Francisco in a custom Hongqi L5 car
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting on November 14, 2023 in San Francisco, California.Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images

The manufacturer has been the source of state vehicles for over a decade. The name means Red Flag, the symbol of communism.

The L5, currently the most expensive Chinese car ever produced, has a relatively long length of 5.555 meters (an homage to the lucky number).

Motorcade of China's President Xi Jinping drives through San Francisco as supporters wave flags.
Supporters cheer as the motorcade of China's President Xi Jinping passes as he arrives to his hotel near the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit headquarters.ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP

Consumer versions go for the equivalent of about $800,000, according to Bloomberg. 

Its design is based on a classic model from the 1960s known as a CA770.

Hongqi Red Flag CA770 car in a museum exhibit
This CA770 originally belonged to Chairman Mao Zedong and is now on display in a museum.Tao Zhang/Getty Images

Discontinued in the 1980's, the CA770 was based on a Chrysler Imperial.

The exact specs of Xi’s state version of the L5 aren't known, but the consumer versions aren’t shy on power and luxury.

Chinese President Xi Jinping enters his car after a visit at the Elysee presidential palace in Paris
Chinese President Xi Jinping enters his car after his visit to the Elysee presidential palace in Paris on March 26, 2019.AP Photo/Francois Mori

The car is roughly comparable to a Rolls-Royce Phantom, at least based on looks.

The L5 is powered by a mighty 6.0-liter V12 engine, depending on the configuration — and state leaders are known to opt for souped-up versions.

Security guards run next to China President Xi Jinping's car as he departs San Francisco International Airport.
Security guards run alongside a limousine carrying Chinese President Xi Jinping after arriving at San Francisco International Airport ahead of the APEC summit on November 14, 2023.Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

It's heavy, too. Consumer versions without armor plating weigh over three tons.

Longtime autos journalist Jeremy Clarkson once took the L5 for a spin and noted luxurious touches like rosewood paneling and jade ornaments.

Interior of a Hongqi L5 consumer model on display at an auto show
Faw HONGQI premium model L5 is displayed at the "Chinese Brands Day" event at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Exhibition Center in Shanghai in May, 2023.CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

"It's like a cartoon baddie's car," he said, adding that it wasn't very fast thanks to the weight.

But no matter how powerful and stately of a domestic option for Xi, the L5 is still overshadowed by the rolling Oval Office that’ll whisk Biden to and from meetings in California this week.

The Beast limo
The Presidential Limo during a trip to New York. MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

The custom Cadillac is one of the most recognizable symbols of presidential travel.

The latest version debuted in 2018 after being commissioned by Barack Obama in 2014.

The Beast limo
The Presidential limo pictured in front of the White House. Al Drago-Pool/Getty Images

Among other unique features, the Beast is identifiable by presidential seals on the doors.

The Beast goes for about $1.5 million and is chock-full of features to make it (almost) a fully loaded White House on wheels.

obama secret service the beast limo
Secret Service agents stand at "the Beast," the armored limousine of President Barack Obama, before he steps off Air Force One at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York.AP Photo/Charles Dharapak

It's basically just a super-stretched Cadillac XT6 sedan, only much much more secure and powerful.

Most of The Beast’s details are closely guarded by the Secret Service, but we do know it weighs up to 20,000 pounds, seats seven people, and has a powerful engine.

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Secret Service agents stand around a presidential limo as President Barack Obama arrives at McCarran International Airport.AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

It's also believed to be bullet- and blast-proof with other special protections for chemical attacks, according to various reports throughout the years.

Not much is known about the protective features of Xi's L5.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's motorcade pictured in front of an Air China plane
The motorcade of Chinese President Xi Jinping prepares to depart after arriving at San Francisco International Airport ahead of the APEC summit. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

He is accompanied by his chief of staff, Cai Qi, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to the state news reports.

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