Luxury Vehicles Owned By World Leaders

November 29, 2022

They hold the fate of society in their hands... as well as the keys to some truly stunning automobiles! When it's time to hit the road, the Presidents and Prime Ministers of the world have their pick of the finest vehicles on the planet. From one-of-a-kind custom SUVs to immaculately-kept vintage specimens to limousines with more armor and firepower than a military Humvee, all tastes are accounted for among the powers that be. Here we'll take a look at twelve world leaders and their cars of choice.

Pope Francis (Vatican City): 1984 Renault 4

Though he still has access to the armored "Popemobile" (a custom-built Mercedes M-Class with a glass cabin and oxygen supply for His Holiness), Pope Francis prefers a more modest set of wheels. Eschewing the luxurious vehicular tendencies of his predecessors, the pontiff acquired a white 1984 Renault 4 as a gift from a priest in 2013. The car came to the Pope with 170,000 miles on the odometer and a set of snow tires in the trunk. Upon receiving the car, Pope Francis could hardly wait to grab the keys and get behind the wheel, stating that he used to drive a Renault 4 before becoming pontiff.

Kim Jong-Un (North Korea): Mercedes-Benz 600 Landaulet

North Korea's reclusive, bizarre leader breaks from his isolationist policies when it comes to his preferred cars. In the late 1960s, Kim Il-Sung acquired two Mercedes-Benz 600 Landaulets. Fifty-nine of these vehicles were produced in total, and only twelve had longer convertible roofs. Of these twelve, two are garaged in the DPRK, where they are still used as state vehicles to this day. Kim Jong-Un has also been photographed traveling to rural areas in a black supercharged Range Rover. Although North Korea has several of its own vehicle manufacturers, it seems that not even the Supreme Leader can resist a good German or American ride.

Emperor Akihito (Japan): Toyota Century Royal

Only four Toyota Century Royals were ever produced, and all of them belong to the Japanese government. Emperor Akihito and members of his Imperial Palace are chauffeured in the Empress 1, which is outfitted with granite entry steps, wool upholstery, and rice paper headlining. Under the hood sits a 5.0L V12 engine borrowed from the conventional second-generation Toyota Century and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Empress 2 is a hearse that was used for the funeral of Prince Mikasa in 2016. The Empress 3 and Empress 5 belong to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But where is the Empress 4? It's nonexistent! In Japan, four is considered to be an unlucky number.

Justin Trudeau (Canada): 1960 Mercedes-Benz 300SL

Canada's Prime Minister could drive any vehicle he wants, but the pride and joy of his garage is his daddy's Mercedes. Pierre Elliot Trudeau acquired his 300SL in 1968 while he was PM of Canada. Vintage photos show him and his sons (including future PM Justin) smiling joyfully in the classy roadster. Pierre passed away in 2000, and the car fell into disuse. It received a new lease on life when Justin had it restored for his wedding in 2005. The new PM Trudeau adores the car to this day and says it helps him feel more connected to the memory of his father.

Michele Bachelet (Chile): 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 XL

In 1970, Queen Elizabeth II was due to make a visit to Chile. The vehicle she brought? A four-year-old black Ford Galaxie 500 XL convertible, which she donated to President Eduardo Frei upon completion of her tour. It has been used as a presidential car ever since, including by dictator Augusto Pinochet, who overthrew the Chilean government in the coup of 1973. Having withstood the coup and many subsequent power changes, the old Galaxie is still running strong. It has shuttled many prominent figureheads, including Fidel Castro and Indira Gandhi. Current leader Michelle Bachelet uses the Galaxie 500 mainly on national holidays; her daily driver is a Hyundai Equus limousine.

Queen Margrethe II (Denmark): 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith "Store Krone"

In 1958, Denmark's King Frederik IX decided to upgrade the monarchy's fleet. He placed an order for 66 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraiths, with the flagship car designated the "Store Krone" (Great Crown). Its 4.9L inline-6 engine is the largest Silver Wraith motor ever produced. Today the Store Krone is used by Queen Margrethe II (daughter of King Frederik IX) and the royal family for official events. The Queen sometimes travels in a Lexus LS 600h L hybrid limousine to save the environment. Her son, Crown Prince Frederik, also prefers a more eco-friendly ride: the Tesla Model S.

Donald Trump (United States): Cadillac One

President Trump's official car is nicknamed "The Beast" for a good reason. Weighing in at over eight tons, and plated all around with military-grade armor up to eight inches thick, the vehicle is formidable in every way. It is able to withstand chemical attacks, armor-piercing bullets, and roadside bombs. Kevlar tires, tear gas grenade launchers, night-vision cameras, and numerous onboard shotguns come together to make the Beast one of the most secure vehicles on the planet. Inside, a satellite phone connects the President directly to the Vice President and the Pentagon at any time, while the trunk has a special compartment for storing bags of blood that match the President's blood type in the case of an emergency.

Xi Jinping (China): Hongqi L5 Y

Worth over 1 million USD, Xi Jinping's official state car is also the most valuable Chinese car ever made. Styled with retro sensibilities and equipped with a 6.0L V12 engine, the Hongqi would be a head-turner even without the General Secretary of the Communist Party inside. The cabin sports hand-carved wood inlays on the console, dashboard and steering wheel. Jade door handles emphasize the Chinese symbolism, while a Bose sound system lends a modern vibe. Historically, Chinese leaders have used cars from their host country when traveling abroad; however, Xi Jinping apparently likes the Hongqi so much that he brings it with him on his travels.

Michel Temer (Brazil): 1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith

For day-to-day transportation, Brazilian President Michel Temer is transported in an armored Ford Edge. On special occasions and for ceremonies, he rides in the country's state car: a 1952 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith cabriolet. An urban legend claims that the car was given to Brazil as a gift from Queen Elizabeth II; it, along with a hardtop Silver Wraith, was actually ordered in 1953 by then-president Getúlio Vargas. The presidential Silver Wraith has a top speed of 50 miles per hour and makes a public appearance at least once a month at the presidential palace in the capital city of Brasília.

Sergio Mattarella (Italy): Lancia Thesis

Italy is known for its powerful, iconic sports cars, but President Sergio Mattarella travels in something a little more low-key: one of two identical armored Lancia Thesis sedans. Visiting presidents have access to three Maserati Quattroporte. And garaged at Villa Rosebery, the president's summer residence, is a real oddity in the world of presidential vehicles: a three-wheeled Piaggio Ape Calessino. A white leather interior with wood accents gives a luxurious flair to this otherwise utilitarian autorickshaw, donated in 2008 by the head of Piaggio in honor of the Italian Constitution's 60th anniversary.

Emmanuel Macron (France): DS 7 Crossback

Emmanuel Macron was inaugurated as President of France on May 14, 2017. That day also marked the first time an SUV was used in a French inauguration ceremony. The car, a blue DS 7 Crossback with a custom open roof, was made available to Macron by his special request, as it had not yet been officially released. Macron's practical tastes resemble those of his predecessor, François Hollande, who was known to travel by moped at times. Also available for presidential use, although rarely seen, are two Citroën SM Présidentielle four-door convertibles, built in 1972 for a visit by Queen Elizabeth II and sporting a special gear for cruising at low speeds.

Queen Elizabeth II (United Kingdom): Bentley State Limousine

Britain's royal family has one of the most impressive (and valuable) fleets in the world, but the real jewel of the collection is the Bentley State Limousine. Built in 2002, the car was converted to run on biofuel in 2009. An airtight cabin, Kevlar wheels, and an armored body protect its occupants, while the high-set roof and rear doors that open at 90 degrees allow Her Majesty to enter and exit with full regal dignity. The limousine is valued at over 15 million USD and is one of only two in the world, making it one of history's rarest - and most spectacular - automobiles.

MORE FROM AutoInfo