Renault tailors an armored SUV for President Macron

Renault has worked together with the Presidential Administration of France to create a very special Rafale crossover meant to protect the President from possible attacks while looking like a royal ride.

The Rafale was plated with composite armor of unspecified properties and sprayed with an exclusive heat-resistant paint known as Bleu Présidence. French tricolor ornaments appeared on the grille, the front fenders and other well-visible areas. Flag holders were also added, and the rear doors were made automatic.

The interior was overhauled to create something like a mobile study in the back, Renault says. Pyrenean marble trims, dark beech wood panels with inlays, and laser-engraved leather were used for the fit and finish.

The powertrain stayed stock, which in case of this particular Rafale means a 300-PS (296-hp / 221-kW) hybrid powertrain driving all four wheels. The chassis was reinforced to support the weight of the armor and further tweaked for comfort. 20-inch wheels rounded off the build.

Renault points out that it has a history of cooperation with the Presidential Administration of France spanning many decades. The first recorded case was in 1920, when the automaker built a bespoke Renault 40 CV for Paul Deschanel.