President Emmanuel Macron gets Renault Rafale as Official Car

Most leaders of countries have special vehicles designed for their official use, and those whose countries have their own domestic automakers will usually use a vehicle from those companies. France, with a long history in the auto industry, has its own automakers and for the new vehicle for the President, the Renault Rafale has been chosen.

12th Presidential Official Car from Renault
The Rafale provided for the use of current President Emmanuel Macron is the 12th car from the French automaker since the company provided the French Presidency with a 40CV as an official car in 1920.

Of course, the one for the President Macron is different from the model which appeared in showrooms in 2024. While it has the same design as the coupe SUV inspired by the Caudron-Renault Rafale racing aircraft, the Presidential Rafale is specially built through an original 3-way collaboration between the Elysee Palace, Renault and several celebrated French artisans.

Personalised for a President
Based on the latest Rafale Hyper Hybrid E-Tech 4×4 300 hp version, the vehicle is designed as an office on wheels, tailored to the needs of the President, with comfort, connectivity and privacy. The Presidential version has several distinctive but discreet features, such as a grille in the colours of the French flag, removable flagholders and blue, white and red badges on the front doors.

The bodywork, in the exclusive shade of Bleu Presidence, incorporates a technology that limits heat absorption to 10°C, ensuring a comfortable environment inside the vehicle at all times. The paintwork also features a blue, white and red glitter effect, visible in the sunshine. The rear doors are soft-close for smooth, silent operation, in line with protocol requirements. The flagholders are discreetly placed behind access flaps for an attractive but sober display on official journeys.

Right from the design stage, a team of chauffeurs, security officers and mechanics from the presidential garage worked with the engineers to integrate the specific requirements in terms of safety, comfort and functionality for this type of vehicle. The development process involved precision work on every component of the vehicle to achieve the required consistency between form and function. From the materials to the bespoke fittings, the vehicle reflects the many facets of French expertise that contributed to creating an interior on a par with the responsibilities of the presidential office.

Making use of a material rarely seen in the automotive world and as part of a careful selection process, the designers opted for a black marble with white veins, quarried in the Pyrenees. Placed in precise touches around the rear centre console, on the dashboard and on the central branch of the steering wheel of the Presidential Rafale, the marble adds an elegant mineral finish to a cabin designed as an office on wheels.

Design & Solutions, a specialist in automotive prototyping, built an exclusive and elegant rear central console. Designed to meet the specific constraints of the Presidential function, this console, upholstered in Alcantara, illustrates the company’s expertise and its ability to create objects with the emphasis on ergonomic design, built-in technologies and perceived quality for comfort and efficiency.

Armoured vehicle
Besides being extended, the vehicle has, of course, been armoured. Details of the protection are not revealed for obvious reasons although the French security services would be especially sensitive to this aspect. They would remember that in 1962, an assassination attempt by 12 gunmen was made against then-President Charles de Gaulle who was in a Citroen DS19. The car was probably not heavily armoured in those days but its advanced suspension and the driver’s skill were credited for de Gaulle and his wife being able to escape, even though all 4 tyres were deflated.

Various technical features have been incorporated and for safety and comfort, the designers selected composite materials that are both lightweight and strong. The certified armouring is a discreet fit with the overall design of the vehicle without altering its visual identity. The chassis has been specifically tuned for a smooth, stable ride, even in urban environments, while the suspension has been adapted to compensate for the weight of the armouring.

The Rafale is fitted with 20-inch Chicane wheels, Michelin all-weather tyres and has 4-wheel steering, for an optimised balance between agility, manoeuvrability and stability. The aim is to deliver protection, comfort, discretion and efficiency without compromise.

Office on wheels
As an office on wheels, it provides President Macron with a functional, connected and secure workspace. At the rear, the passenger compartment is designed with a bespoke layout for functional and ergonomic use. Particular emphasis has been placed on thermal and acoustic comfort for passengers, creating an environment conducive to work and confidential discussions.