Beast from the East: China’s Hongqi N701 Rolls Into Malaysia

As Malaysia prepares to host the ASEAN Chairman’s Summit, anticipation is running high not only for the arrival of key leaders but also for the state vehicles that accompany them. Among the most closely watched is the Hongqi N701, the Chinese President’s official state car - often dubbed “The Beast from the East.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia on April 15, 2025, for a three-day official state visit, and it includes attendance at the ASEAN Summit, which Malaysia chairs this year. Ahead of his arrival, the Royal Malaysia Police’s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (PDRM JSPT) confirmed the arrival of the Hongqi N701, which will ferry the Chinese premier throughout his engagements here.

Much like its American counterpart - the heavily armored Cadillac One, famously nicknamed “The Beast” - the Hongqi N701 is shrouded in secrecy. Official specifications regarding its armor, communication systems, defensive technologies, and structural reinforcements are kept under strict confidentiality, in line with global security protocols aimed at preventing vulnerabilities and deterring any security threats.
While technical details remain undisclosed, the Hongqi N701 is understood to represent the pinnacle of Chinese statecraft in automotive engineering, combining cutting-edge protection, robust communications, and the highest levels of comfort and prestige expected for the head of state. Its public appearance on Malaysian soil underscores the deepening diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China, which have seen significant engagements over the past year.

Interestingly, the Hongqi brand has recently become a symbol of diplomatic and ceremonial prestige in Malaysia.
His Majesty, KDYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, was also seen attending the opening ceremony of the GT World Challenge Asia at the Petronas Sepang International Circuit last Sunday, in none other than his personal Hongqi L5 - a vehicle that blends retro-inspired styling with modern engineering.
Presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong by Chinese Ambassador His Excellency Ouyang Yujing last April, the Hongqi L5 symbolizes the strengthening of bilateral relations between both nations.

Measuring 2,090 MM wide and 1,710 MM tall, the Hongqi L5 dwarfs many of its Western luxury counterparts, including the Mercedes-Benz Maybach S-Class Z223, which is notably 411 MM shorter in length, 19 MM wider, and 20 MM lower.
Under the hood, the L5 is reportedly powered by FAW Group’s CA8GV40T-03 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 387 HP and enabling a top speed of 220 KM/H — a remarkable feat for a vehicle that weighs 3,150 KG.


While the L5 serves as a rolling symbol of elegance and diplomatic presence, the N701 stands in a league of its own as an armored command center on wheels - a machine designed not for show, but for the absolute safety of the Chinese head of state.
With road closures scheduled across the capital from April 15, Malaysians will likely catch a glimpse of this rare and enigmatic vehicle as it escorts President Xi during his official visit. Though its secrets remain tightly guarded, the N701’s mere presence affirms its status as one of the most sophisticated and secure state limousines in the world - a true "Beast from the East."
Image Source: VNExpress & FB Sultan Ibrahim
Gallery
Written By
Kumeran Sagathevan
More then half his life spend being obsessed with all thing go-fast, performance and automotive only to find out he's actually Captain Slow behind the wheels...oh well!
JPJ Running Numbers
KUALA LUMPUR
VQR3071
SELANGOR
BSN4931
JOHOR
JYT5033
PULAU PINANG
PSA7087
PERAK
APG1662
PAHANG
CFF8641
KEDAH
KGE8554
NEGERI SEMBILAN
NEJ8264
KOTA KINABALU
SJQ9172
KUCHING
QAB4365N
Last updated 26 Mar, 2026
Fuel Price
Petrol
RON 95
RM 2.59
+0.05
RON 97
RM 3.15
+0.05
RON 100
RM 5.00
VPR
RM 6.23
Diesel
EURO 5 B10
RM 3.04
+0.05
EURO 5 B7
RM 3.24
+0.05
Last updated 26 Feb, 2026
Related News
Agong Becomes World’s First Overseas Ruler To Take Delivery Of A Hongqi L5 - China’s “Rolls-Royce”
Agong, Sultan Ibrahim officially becomes the first ruler abroad to take delivery of the Hongqi L5, a stately Chinese sedan made to rival against Rolls Royce.
12-04-2024
Agong Becomes World’s First Overseas Ruler To Take Delivery Of A Hongqi L5 - China’s “Rolls-Royce”
Agong, Sultan Ibrahim officially becomes the first ruler abroad to take delivery of the Hongqi L5, a stately Chinese sedan made to rival against Rolls Royce.
12-04-2024
Latest News
Fuel Subsidy Update: Your 300L Monthly Quota Could Drop to 200L This April
If you rely on subsidised RON95 petrol to get to work, take note: a major change is coming to your monthly fuel budget.
26-03-2026
Fuel Price Shock: Diesel Spikes to RM5.52, Unsubsidised RON95 Jumps 60 Sen
Massive 80-sen spike for Diesel (RM5.52) and 60-sen jump for unsubsidised RON95 (RM3.87). Learn how the Budi Madani RM300 aid and BUDI95 quota protect Malaysian drivers this week.
26-03-2026
Strait of Hormuz to Malaysia: Why We’re Paying for a War 6,000km Away
Why is RON97 at RM4.55/L? We decode the Strait of Hormuz conflict, the May 2026 subsidy deadline, and why Malaysia imports oil despite being a producer.
19-03-2026
From 82 Minutes to 8: How the Mutiara Line is Giving Penangites Their Time Back
Is the 80-minute Penang Bridge crawl finally ending? The Mutiara Line LRT links Butterworth to Komtar in just 8 minutes. Get the latest 2026 project updates, station lists, and more.
17-03-2026
The 2026 Proton X90 Buyer’s Warning: 5 Critical Safety Features You Are No Longer Getting
ASEAN NCAP revokes Proton X90’s 5-star rating. The 2026 facelift is downgraded to 1-star after stripping critical ADAS features. Is your family safe? Get the full safety specs here.
16-03-2026
9,000+ Drivers Chose Toyota Hybrids This Year: Proof That Toyota’s Multi-Pathway Strategy Works
Toyota Malaysia hits 9,556 sales in early 2026, proving the "Multi-Pathway" strategy works. From Vios Hybrid to Vellfire HEV, see why hybrids are winning the sales war.
12-03-2026
Chery Tiggo 7 is Now the Safest Chinese SUV on the Planet, This Is Why
The Chery Tiggo 7 makes history as the only Chinese SUV to sweep 5-star ratings from Euro NCAP, ANCAP, and ASEAN NCAP. With a record 94.68 points, see why this is 2026’s safest family SUV.
11-03-2026
Sepang Dates Confirmed: Catch Team Porsche Malaysia in Action on 21–23 August
While the 2026 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) season kicks off in Shanghai this weekend, Malaysian fans are already looking ahead to the highlight of the year: the homecoming.
10-03-2026
Show More
trending_flat
