A DS 7 Convertible, the new limousine of the French President

The presidential cars of many countries are real tanks, vehicles specially prepared to safely carry the most important person in each of them, and they showcase the virtues of national cars. That is, of course, if the country in question has an automotive industry. In France’s case they have plenty to choose from, although historically, despite having several major brands, it has been a PSA car that is chosen for the ride between the Arc de Triomphe and the Élysée Palace.

Throughout the various presidential inaugurations, a car from the PSA Group has been chosen, although from different brands. On this occasion, Emmanuel Macron has remained faithful to this premise, and the car he used for that ride was a DS7 Convertible, created specifically for the occasion and fitted with a convertible roof, an essential condition, since the president usually leans out of it to greet the French people.

The unit used by the French president is the flagship of the French Premium brand, slightly modified so that it is an imposing car that can be used for such an important moment for the French. For the bodywork, a serious and solemn colour was chosen, a dark blue that in some images looks black, decorated with several details that recall the country Macron is about to preside over.

French presidents choose PSA cars for their first journey to the Élysée Moreover, both the wheels and other bodywork elements feature gold details, to signal that it is a special car, intended for this institutional use and with no other function than being present at the most important moments of the presidency. Inside, black leather has been chosen for the upholstery, and a comfortable space has been created, more than usual, so that the dignitary can sit comfortably when he is able to stop greeting those gathered on the Champs-Élysées.

DS is repeated as the brand chosen for this first presidential ride, since the previous president, François Hollande, chose the predecessor of the current model, the DS 5, for his first presidential ride. Before that, Nicolas Sarkozy opted for a Peugeot 607, which, although it is not a Citroën, also belongs to the PSA Group, so it amounts to the same thing.

Earlier, both Jacques Chirac and François Mitterrand used Citroën models for those first presidential appearances. What we do not know is whether the presidential car has the armour and equipment used by other heads of state, such as the US president or the Russian one, who have at their disposal genuine rolling bunkers, although this car seems much lighter and more practical.

Via | Carscoops