World leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi often command countries and lead them toward new dynamics, being stalwarts in their respective domains. Hence, it’s important that the vehicles they are transported in are well-equipped to provide them with end-to-end security – capable of withstanding anything from a minor scuffle to a full-blown apocalypse.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known for supporting indigenous goods. Even in 2014, when he attended his swearing-in ceremony, he used a Mahindra Scorpio. The rumor mill suggested that the Prime Minister would continue to use Indian vehicles for his everyday errands. However, soon after the swearing-in, his security detail was upgraded, and he began using a BMW 7 Series.
For a while, the BMW 7 Series served as the official vehicle of the Prime Minister of India, after the Special Protection Group (SPG) upgraded from the Hindustan Ambassador due to security concerns.
Here is a look at some of the cars Prime Minister Narendra Modi has used over the years.
BMW 760Li High Security Edition
The first official car designated to Prime Minister Modi after the swearing-in ceremony was the BMW 760Li High Security Edition. These high-security versions were heavily armoured and could easily withstand high-calibre assaults from weapons like the AK-47. Beyond that, the car also featured underbody armour.
Apart from ballistic protection, the vehicle offered unparalleled comfort and class-leading driving dynamics.
The car came equipped with specially designed run-flat tyres and could be driven at speeds of up to 80 km/h, even if the tyres were flat or damaged. The 760Li was powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine, producing around 544 BHP and 750 Nm of torque. Despite being a heavily armoured vehicle, it was capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.2 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h.
Range Rover Sentinel
Soon after the trusty BMW 760Li was retired, Prime Minister Modi shifted to the Range Rover Sentinel — a vehicle custom-made to meet the specific requirements of the Indian state. The SUV made its first public appearance on the 71st Independence Day.
With high-level fortifications, the vehicle is built to withstand assaults and can glide through landmines and IEDs with ease. The run-flat tyres allow it to be driven at speeds of up to 80 km/h, even when damaged, and cover a distance of over 50 km without issue.
The Sentinel is powered by a 5.0-litre Supercharged V8 petrol engine, delivering 380 PS, a 40 PS increase over the previously used V6 petrol engine. This power ensures the armoured SUV retains the exceptional performance expected from a Range Rover, across all terrains.
Despite carrying over one tonne of armour plating and bulletproof glass, the Sentinel can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds (0–60 mph in 9.8 seconds), with a top speed limited to 193 km/h (120 mph).
Toyota Land Cruiser – 630 BHP
Land Cruisers have been an integral part of India’s high-security vehicle fleet. The Prime Minister also has a few in his convoy and is often seen traveling in a Land Cruiser. The armoured version of the vehicle was first seen when the Prime Minister arrived at the Red Fort in 2019 to deliver his Independence Day speech. He has also been seen using it in Ahmedabad, although only during private visits.
The Land Cruiser is possibly powered by a 4.5-litre V8 engine, delivering an output of 260 HP and 650 Nm of torque.
Mercedes-Maybach S650 Guard
The Mercedes-Maybach S650 Guard made its debut in 2021, when Prime Minister Modi visited Vladimir Putin at Hyderabad House. The S650 Guard is certified with the highest ballistic standard — VR10.
Thanks to its armoured shell and reinforced glass, the sedan can easily withstand armour-piercing bullets and TNT attacks. It also features fortified seals in the fuel tank to prevent it from catching fire. Beyond that, the car can be equipped with satellite phones, jammers, and emergency oxygen canisters.
The armoured sedan is powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 engine, producing an output of 630 BHP.