Agong Gets To Grips With Aurus Senat In Russia

His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim is on a state visit to NAMI in Moscow. During which, he had a moment that would make any car enthusiast excited, taking the wheel of the Aurus Senat - Russia’s homegrown luxury sedan that serves as President Vladimir Putin’s official state car.

The test drive capped off a programme that saw His Majesty receive a detailed briefing on Russian automotive technology and tour of NAMI’s research and development facilities. These were established in 1920 by the automaker responsible for designing, engineering and building the Aurus Senat. They are also home to some of the country’s most advanced engineering projects.

Sultan Ibrahim’s passion for cars is no secret. His personal collection is vast and varied, and he was recently presented with a Hongqi sedan - tipped as an ‘equal’ to the Aurus Senat - by the Chinese government, a gesture that reflected both his automotive enthusiasm and close diplomatic ties. 

The Aurus Senat now joins that exclusive roster of state-level vehicles he has personally experienced.

Aurus Motors was established in 2018 under the guidance of NAMI to create a fully homegrown fleet of luxury state cars. Today, the line-up includes the Senat sedan, the Komendant SUV and the Arsenal luxury MPV.

The Senat made its debut in 2018 during President Putin’s inauguration. civilian versions of which then reportedly entered production in 2021 alongside long-wheelbase and limousine models.

Under the bonnet, the Senat pairs a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing about 598 HP with a 62 HP electric motor paired with it. Altogether, the powertrain drives all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.

As for size, the standard Senat measures 5,630 MM long and 2,020 MM wide, while the limousine variant stretches the former to 6,630 MM in total. That puts it in the same territory as the Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB, and it even sits slightly longer than the Hongqi N701 used by China’s Premier.

By comparison, the US President’s Cadillac “Beast” is shorter at around 5,500 MM. it does however stand taller and is far more heavily armoured.

The Senat features a broad grille and clean lines inspired by the Soviet-era ZIS-110, with more than a passing resemblance to the formality of a Rolls-Royce. Inside, the cabin is decked in leather and rich wood trim, complemented by modern infotainment displays. Rear passengers can choose between two fully reclining seats or a traditional bench.

Despite its size and armour-ready structure, the Aurus Senat is no slouch. It can sprint from 0 to 100 KM/H in around 6 secs whilst en route towards a top speed of 250 KM/H.