The Indian President's Powerful Car Collection

India is the largest democracy in the world with its independent judiciary, legislature and executive system praised worldwide over. India is a stable democracy with the Prime Minister being the head of government while the President serves as the head of the state. Ram Nath Kovind is the 14th and the current president of India since 25th July 2017.  Ram Nath Kovind is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of India and without a doubt, one of the most powerful person in India. We decided to take a look at the different vehicles that are part of the Presidential motorcade. There are around 25 vehicles but we decided to bring for you the information about the most powerful ones in his motorcade.

Mercedes-Benz S Class (S600)  Pullman Guard: It is based on the Mercedes Benz S600 L Guard but this one is a limousine with a longer wheelbase. A powerful machine, Mercedes-Benz S Class (S600) Pullman Guard is the flagship model of Mercedes-Maybach. During Prathiba Patil's tenure, the eye-catching car was inducted into service. A custom-built, heavily armoured limousine, Mercedes-Benz S Class (S600) Pullman Guard can withstand ballistic impacts. The armoured vehicle can protect against the high-level assault attacks as well as the hand grenades and IED (Improvised Explosive Device). Key highlights include reinforced links between the suspension units and the body shell, additional modifications of the suspension system, bigger twin-calliper front brake discs. It is powered by a 5.5-litre, V12, twin-turbo engine that delivers 517 bhp of maximum power  with 830 Nm of peak torque. Reportedly the custom-built limousine cost the Indian exchequer almost Rs 10 crores but it’s worth every penny if you ask me. One interesting fact is that the vehicle doesn’t have a registration number plate but rather the National Emblem of India. 

Armoured Mercedes Benz S-Class W140: Mercedes Benz S-Class W140 was used by APJ Abdul Kalam, one of the most loved President's India has ever seen. The man who gave wings to the Indian nuclear ambitions, the black coloured Mercedes Benz S-Class W140 is now a spare vehicle and forms a part of the Presidential motorcade. S-Class W140 first made its appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1991 and was available in sedan/saloon and coupé style. With a variety of engine options offered during its run from 1991 to 1998, the M120 V12 offered a 6.0 litre gasoline engine. It produced 389 bhp – 402 bhp of power and 569 Nm – 580 Nm of peak torque. 

Armoured black BMW X5: 5 armoured black BMW X5's are a part of the motorcade of the Indian President. The BMW X5 is available in two variants - xDrive30d and xDrive40i. BMW X5 xDrive30d is powered by a BMW TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder diesel engine. The engine churns out a cool 265 bhp of maximum power @4000 rpm and 620 Nm torque @1500-2500 rpm. On the other hand, BMW X5 xDrive40i is fitted with a BMW TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder petrol engine. The petrol engine generates massive 340 bhp of power @5500-6500 rpm and 450 Nm of peak torque @1500-5200 rpm. 

Recently, the President's office postponed the plan of buying a new vehicle keeping in mind the austerity measures placed as the economy combats the COVID-19. Before the Coronavirus Pandemic swept in, the concerned authorities were in the process of buying a new Mercedes-Maybach S600 Pullman Guard (based on the V222). A powerful machine, it comes with a 6.0-litre, V12, twin-turbo engine generating  530 bhp of power and 830 Nm of peak torque. 

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