In the isolated and impoverished nation of North Korea, where the ruling Kim family preaches Juche self-reliance and socialist equality, one glaring contradiction stands out: an enduring obsession with Mercedes-Benz and Maybach vehicles. This “fetish,” spanning three generations, underscores the regime’s hypocrisy and its sophisticated ability to circumvent international sanctions.
A Family Tradition of German Luxury
The Kim dynasty’s love affair with Mercedes began with the founding leader, Kim Il-sung. While initially gifted a Soviet ZIS-110 by Stalin, he soon transitioned to the ultra-exclusive Mercedes-Benz 600 “Grosser” Pullman limousines in the 1960s and 1970s. These hand-built vehicles, with fewer than 2,700 ever produced, were symbols of ultimate prestige among global dictators.
His son, Kim Jong-il, elevated the collection to new heights. Reports suggest he amassed a vast fleet of armored S-Class models, Maybachs, and other high-end Mercedes vehicles. Millions were reportedly spent on these imports—sometimes diverted from humanitarian aid—while he distributed dozens as rewards to loyal elites. Mercedes became synonymous with his image of power.
Kim Jong-un has not only continued but modernized this tradition. The current leader frequently appears in armored Maybach limousines during high-profile summits, state parades, and even visits to disaster zones, projecting both authority and detachment from his people’s hardships.
The Supreme Leader’s Current Fleet
Kim Jong-un’s preferred rides include:
- Armored Maybach S600/S650 Pullman Guard limousines: These multi-million-dollar, factory-armored vehicles offer presidential-level protection. They gained international attention during the 2018 Singapore summit with Donald Trump, where bodyguards famously jogged alongside the moving car.
- Maybach GLS 600 SUVs: Newer additions to the fleet, these luxury SUVs have been spotted even during inspections of flood-damaged areas.
While he occasionally uses Rolls-Royce or Lexus models, the three-pointed star remains the dominant choice, reflecting a deep brand loyalty unusual for a leader of a sanctioned state.
Beating the Sanctions
United Nations sanctions explicitly ban the import of luxury goods to North Korea. Yet the regime consistently acquires these vehicles through elaborate smuggling networks, often routed through China, Russia, or third-party countries. One notable case involved two armored Maybach S600 Guards shipped from Rotterdam, navigating multiple ports before likely reaching Pyongyang by air.
This evasion highlights the Kim family’s resourcefulness—and willingness to prioritize personal luxury over the well-being of millions facing chronic food shortages and economic hardship.
Why Mercedes?
For the Kims, Mercedes represents more than transportation. It symbolizes prestige, technological superiority, and unassailable power. The vehicles’ robust armor suits North Korea’s security needs and poor road infrastructure, while their opulence serves as potent propaganda tools. Like many authoritarian leaders, Kim Jong-un uses these cars to flaunt impunity in the face of global isolation.
This Mercedes fixation remains one of the most visible ironies of the North Korean regime: a leadership that denounces capitalism while indulging in the finest products it produces. From Stalin’s era to modern summit diplomacy, the Kim family’s German luxury rides continue to roll through Pyongyang, a rolling testament to inherited privilege amid enforced national austerity.
About The Author
