Why PM Narendra Modi’s new official vehicle is a real power move?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears to have switched his official state car to an armoured, bullet-proof Range Rover Sport. This was all but confirmed by the PM’s arrival in the tall, black British SUV, at the Red Fort, to commemorate India’s 71st Independence Day. The significance of this power move wasn’t lost on us: An Indian PM arriving in a quintessentially British vehicle made by a company that’s owned by an Indian to celebrate India’s freedom from British rule.
While we may not know the exact reason why he’s made the switch, we figure the car’s tall riding stance came into play, as it possibly makes for a better view. Not that the view from his previous official car – an armoured BMW 7-Series – was particularly stifling, but tall, imposing, all-black SUVs are after all, the flavour of the season.
The 7-Series had been PM Narendra Modi’s official car from the day he was sworn into office, so it’s entirely possible that he was just looking for a change. As far as stately, ministerial cars go, a durable, off-roading, V8 powered SUV isn’t a bad way to go. It makes approximately 308 bhp so there’s no need to doubt it’s prowess as a capable getaway car.
The car is clearly a 2010-2012 model, which preceeded the Range Rover we see on the roads today. According to an article in The Hindu, the decision regarding which vehicle is best suited for the PM’s usage, is made by the Special Protection Group (SPG), which escorts the Prime Minister to all his visits. The RR Sport is then, one of a series of vehicles, which form the PM’s motorcade.
