Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin shared a ride in the Russian leader’s official car, the Aurus Senat, after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China on Monday. The limousine carried both leaders from the summit venue to their bilateral meeting at a hotel.
Aurus Senat: Russia’s Fortress on Wheels
The Aurus Senat, often described as a “fortress on wheels,” is a luxury armoured limousine developed under Russia’s Kortezh project. The car was designed by Aurus Motors, a venture involving the Russian state research institute NAMI, Sollers JSC, and the UAE’s Tawazun Holding. Inspired by the Soviet-era ZIS-110, the Senat became the official state car of Vladimir Putin in 2018, replacing the Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard Pullman.
The model showcased at Putin’s 2018 inauguration was the first public display of the Senat. Since then, it has been a fixture in diplomatic and ceremonial events. In 2024, a Senat was even gifted to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Production and Availability
Development of the Aurus Senat began in 2013, with production starting in 2021 at the Sollers JSC factory in Yelabuga. While it primarily serves as the presidential state car, a limited civilian version is available, restricted to 120 units annually. Each car is priced at around 18 million rubles (approximately ₹2.5 crore). Aurus Motors also plans to expand the lineup with SUVs and vans.
Key Features of the Aurus Senat
- Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with a hybrid system
- Power: 598 hp and 880 Nm torque
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Performance: 0–100 kmph in about 9 seconds, top speed 160 kmph
- Dimensions: 5,630 mm long, 2,000 mm wide, 1,700 mm high, wheelbase 3,300 mm
- Armour: Built to the highest security standards for presidential vehicles
- Safety: Active cruise control, lane departure warning, traction control, and advanced braking systems
- Interior: High-end leather, wood trim, advanced infotainment, and climate adaptability
The Aurus Senat is designed not just for luxury but also for extreme security, making it ideal for presidential duties.
PM Modi Also Travels in China’s Hongqi L5
During the SCO Summit, PM Modi was also chauffeured in the Hongqi L5, the luxury sedan used by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Built by China’s state-owned FAW Group, the Hongqi is nearly six metres long and weighs over 3,000 kg. It comes with a 4.0-litre V8 engine, luxurious interiors finished with leather and wood, and advanced safety systems, making it China’s flagship state car.
