PMX Takes a Ride in "The Beast’ During ASEAN Summit

President Donald Trump’s official state limousine, the Cadillac One, better known as The Beast, was seen in Kuala Lumpur during his visit for the 47th ASEAN Summit, marking the vehicle’s second appearance in Malaysia, the last being in 2014 when it ferried then-president Barack Obama.

As reported by Malay Mail, two units of the presidential limousine were flown onboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III ahead of the visit. One served as a decoy, while the other ferried Trump to the summit together with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Built by General Motors for the U.S. Secret Service, The Beast entered service in 2018 and remains among the most heavily protected vehicles in operation. Although styled after a Cadillac CT6, it is based on a modified Chevrolet Kodiak truck chassis to support its significant weight and armour.

Power comes from a 6.6-litre Duramax V8 diesel engine producing around 300 horsepower and 700Nm of torque. The vehicle weighs close to nine tonnes and features a layered construction of steel, aluminium, titanium and ceramic composites. 

Its armour plating is estimated to be up to eight inches thick, while the multi-layer bullet-resistant glass measures about five to eight inches. The doors reportedly weigh as much as those of a Boeing 757 aircraft.

Inside, the cabin is hermetically sealed with its own oxygen supply and protected by Kevlar-reinforced run-flat tyres. The rear compartment functions as a mobile command centre with secure communications linked to the White House and Pentagon. 

A refrigerated section stores blood bags matching the president’s blood type, while the fuel tank is armour-plated and explosion-resistant.

According to New Straits Times, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim shared a light-hearted moment during his address, revealing that Trump had personally invited him to ride in The Beast, an offer that reportedly broke standard U.S. Secret Service protocol.

“Trump was delighted to break the rules. It was a nice ride,” Anwar said, adding that the experience was both unexpected and memorable.

Valued between USD1.5 million and USD2 million (RM6.3–8.4 million), The Beast represents one of the most advanced examples of armoured state transport, combining security engineering with purpose-built functionality for presidential duty.

Read about the Premier Xi's "Beast from the East" HERE.

Image Source: PM Anwar Ibrahim FB, Martin Abbugao