Luxury Vehicles Owned By World Leaders
World leaders command attention not only with their roles but also with their choice of extraordinary vehicles. From custom-built SUVs to vintage classics and armored limousines rivaling military vehicles, these rides reflect their power and prestige.
Pope Francis (Vatican City): 1984 Renault 4
Pope Francis favors modesty over luxury, often choosing a 1984 Renault 4 with 170,000 miles over the traditional armored "Popemobile." Gifted by a priest, the simple car reflects the pontiff’s humble approach to his role.
Kim Jong-Un (North Korea): Mercedes-Benz 600 Landaulet
North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un opts for luxury foreign cars, including rare Mercedes-Benz 600 Landaulets acquired in the 1960s and a black supercharged Range Rover. Despite domestic car manufacturers, the Supreme Leader favors German and American vehicles for official travel.
Emperor Akihito (Japan): Toyota Century Royal
The Japanese government owns all four Toyota Century Royals, reserved for imperial and official use. With features like granite steps and rice paper headlining, the Empress 1 serves Emperor Akihito, while Empress 2 functions as a hearse, and the remaining cars support the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—skipping the number 4 due to its unlucky connotation in Japan.
Justin Trudeau (Canada): 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau treasures his father's 1968 Mercedes 300SL, a classic roadster once owned by Pierre Elliott Trudeau during his tenure as PM. Restored for Justin's 2005 wedding, the car remains a cherished connection to his father's legacy.
Michele Bachelet (Chile): 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 XL
In 1970, Queen Elizabeth II gifted a black 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 XL convertible to Chile's President Eduardo Frei during her visit. The car, used by various leaders including Augusto Pinochet, Fidel Castro, and Indira Gandhi, is still in service for special occasions under modern Chilean leadership.
Queen Margrethe II (Denmark): 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith "Store Krone"
Denmark's King Frederik IX ordered a Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith fleet in 1958, including the "Store Krone" with its largest-ever 4.9L engine. Today, Queen Margrethe II uses it for official events, though she and Crown Prince Frederik often opt for eco-friendly hybrids like the Lexus LS 600h L and Tesla Model S.
Donald Trump (United States): Cadillac One
President Trump's official car, known as "The Beast," is a highly secure, eight-ton vehicle armored with military-grade materials to withstand chemical attacks, bullets, and bombs. Equipped with Kevlar tires, tear gas launchers, night-vision cameras, and satellite communication for emergencies, it's one of the most secure vehicles ever built.
Xi Jinping (China): Hongqi L5 Y
Worth over 1 million USD, Xi Jinping's official state car, the Hongqi, is the most valuable Chinese car ever made. With a 6.0L V12 engine and luxurious hand-carved wood inlays, jade door handles, and a Bose sound system, the vehicle is a blend of traditional Chinese symbolism and modern comfort, and Xi Jinping takes it with him on international trips.
Michel Temer (Brazil): 1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith
For daily use, Brazilian President Michel Temer drives an armored Ford Edge, but for special occasions, he rides in a 1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith cabriolet. Though an urban legend suggests it was a gift from Queen Elizabeth II, the car was actually ordered by President Getúlio Vargas in 1953 and still makes regular public appearances at the presidential palace in Brasília.
Sergio Mattarella (Italy): Lancia Thesis
Italian President Sergio Mattarella travels in one of two armored Lancia Thesis sedans, while visiting heads of state have access to Maserati Quattroportes. At his summer residence, Villa Rosebery, the president also keeps a unique Piaggio Ape Calessino, a three-wheeled autorickshaw with a white leather interior and wood accents, donated in 2008 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Italian Constitution.
Emmanuel Macron (France): DS 7 Crossback
Emmanuel Macron's inauguration in 2017 featured the first use of an SUV in a French presidential ceremony, with a custom blue DS 7 Crossback, requested by Macron himself. The French president, known for his practical tastes, also has access to two rare 1972 Citroën SM Présidentielle convertibles, originally built for a visit by Queen Elizabeth II.
Queen Elizabeth II (United Kingdom): Bentley State Limousine
The Bentley State Limousine, a rare and spectacular automobile valued at over 15 million USD, is the crown jewel of Britain's royal fleet. Built in 2002 and converted to run on biofuel in 2009, the armored limousine features an airtight cabin, Kevlar wheels, and rear doors that open at 90 degrees for Her Majesty’s dignified entry and exit, with only two of these vehicles in existence.
