Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India on December 4–5 for the Annual Summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his first trip since the Ukraine war began. Beyond geopolitics, the visit has stirred curiosity over the heavily customised presidential car he will use during his stay.
As New Delhi gears up for the high-stakes talks, here’s a look at Putin’s Aurus Senat, and how it stacks up against the US president’s famed “Beast.”
What is Putin’s official state car?
Russia’s presidential limousine, Aurus Senat, was unveiled during Putin’s 2018 inauguration, replacing the Mercedes-Benz S-600 Pullman and marking Moscow’s push for a fully home-grown luxury fleet.
Often referred to as the “Russian Rolls-Royce,” the Senat is manufactured by Aurus Motors under the Kortezh project and blends high protection with luxury.
Key highlights:
- Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 (hybrid-assisted), ~598 hp
- Performance: 0–100 km/h in ~6 seconds, top speed ~249 km/h
- Size & build: ~7 metres long; armoured to VR10 ballistic standards
- Protection: Can withstand armour-piercing bullets, grenade blasts
- Features run-flat tyres, 6 cm thick reinforced glass, and emergency exits
- Has a fire-suppression system, chemical-attack protection with extra oxygen
- Equipped with a mini command centre for secure communications
- A civilian version exists, but production is limited to around 120 units a year.
The Aurus Senat has increasingly become a symbol of Russia’s statecraft. It was even gifted to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2024.
During a previous meeting in China, PM Modi had shared a ride with Putin in his car.
“President Putin and I travelled together to the venue of our bilateral meeting. Conversations with him are always insightful,” Modi wrote on X.
What is the US President’s car, ‘the Beast’?
The US presidential limousine, widely known as “The Beast,” is a custom-built Cadillac that prioritises maximum security above speed and luxury.
- Developed by General Motors
- Built on a Chevrolet Kodiak heavy-duty truck chassis
- Estimated cost: $1–$1.5 million
- Used during both Trump and Joe Biden’s presidencies — including the 2025 inauguration
- Typically flown abroad using a US Air Force C-17 transport aircraft
- Likely a Duramax 6.6L V8 diesel or similar
- Estimated top speed: 96–112 km/h
- Weighs roughly 9,000 kg
Armour, Security and Secret Systems
“The Beast” is built like a rolling bunker with highly classified specifications.
Protection systems reportedly include:
- ~8-inch thick armour and 3-inch ballistic glass
- Night vision, tear-gas launchers, and smoke-screen ability
- Electrified door handles
- Direct communication links with the Pentagon and the Vice President
- Emergency blood supply matching the president’s blood type
- It can accommodate seven passengers, including aides and security personnel
Design Focus: Putin’s Aurus Senat emphasizes a balance of luxury, speed, and security, combining elegance with high-performance protection. The US President’s Beast, in contrast, prioritizes maximum security, sacrificing mobility and speed for uncompromising defence.
Engine Performance: The Aurus Senat is equipped with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with hybrid assistance, producing around 600 horsepower and offering rapid acceleration. The Beast, built on a heavy-duty truck chassis, is much slower due to its extreme weight, prioritizing armour over speed.
Civilian Version: Russia offers a limited civilian edition of the Aurus Senat, whereas the Beast is exclusively reserved for the US President with no civilian counterpart.
Global Deployment: While the Aurus Senat is mainly used for official domestic and diplomatic engagements, the Beast travels abroad with the US President on military aircraft, ensuring protection wherever the president goes.
As Putin arrives in India amid a changing global order, his car, like the visit, sends a clear signal: Russia intends to project strength, sovereignty, and high-tech self-reliance. Meanwhile, comparisons with the US president’s “Beast” underline how security symbolism has become central to modern power diplomacy.
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