The theft took place in northern Paris as the motorcade was making its way from the Saudi embassy to an airport in Le Bourget, said police, who confirmed there were no injuries.
The attack took place late on Sunday around Porte de la Chapelle in northern Paris, a police source said.
The car attacked was a supply vehicle that was stolen and later found burned, this source added.
No suspects have yet been apprehended.
"It's quite an unusual attack. They were obviously well-informed. It's true that it's quite a rare way of operating," the police source said.