Drive to survive: How Biden’s ‘Beast’ Cadillac compares to Xi’s 18-foot bulletproof behemoth
November 15, 2023 12:26 PM
Chinese President Xi Jinping showed off his specialized armored car during his visit to the United States, drawing comparisons with President Joe Biden‘s own armored vehicle.
The vehicle used by Biden and former President Donald Trump is fondly referred to as “the Beast.” The 10-ton Cadillac, estimated to be worth about $1.5 million, features protections from nearly every attack imaginable, sporting military-grade armor and bulletproof glass. Xi’s vehicle, a specialized Hongqi L5, code name N701, features many of the same protections but is noticeably smaller than its American counterpart.
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(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
The N701, estimated to be worth less than half of “the Beast” at $700,000, is equipped with armored plates built to withstand both small arms and rocket fire, the Daily Mail reported. Air compression systems protect its occupants against chemical and biological warfare attacks. The windows and tires are bulletproof. It likely sports other classified elements to guard against attacks further.
Xi’s 18-foot rolling cage weighs roughly 3.1 tons and, thanks to its 6-liter V12 turbocharged engine, can reach speeds of more than 136 miles per hour.
The Beast is covered in 5-inch-thick, military-grade armor, while the 8-inch-thick doors sport additional armor. The doors, as heavy as those of a Boeing 757 aircraft, form a complete seal, protecting occupants against chemical and biological attacks. The Kevlar-reinforced tires are resistant to slashing and puncturing. The windows are 3 inches thick and have the ability to survive against armor-piercing bullets.
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In contrast to the N701, the Beast has tear gas cannons, a fire-fighting system, and the ability to deploy a smoke screen. The fuel tank is lined with a special foam to prevent explosion in the event of a direct hit.
Despite the extreme precautions, the safety mechanisms of each vehicle have not been tested in the field as of yet, with the impressive safety array serving as its own deterrence.