A recent TikTok video shared by user @maykel.nuez5 has ignited a fresh debate about inequality in Cuba, showcasing several high-end BMW cars spotted on the island.
Uploaded on Wednesday night, the clip quickly amassed over 42,100 views, 1,888 likes, and 131 comments, sparking a lively conversation among social media users.
Luxury Cars Amid Economic Struggles
The sight of luxury vehicles parked in Cuba has sparked mixed reactions—some admire them, while others question the stark contrast with the economic hardships faced by much of the population.
Many online commentators referred to the car owners as "pan con bistec," a popular Cuban term used to describe individuals who return to Cuba flaunting their affluence.
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
Comments ranged from sarcasm to disbelief. One user remarked, "It's tough, but maintaining those beauties is tougher," while another noted, "It's a fantastic car, but not for there." A third chimed in, "Right now, even in the U.S., you couldn't afford to drive that."
Regulatory Changes and the Rise of Luxury Cars
The presence of luxury cars in Cuba has become more visible in recent years, especially after January 1, 2025, when the Decree 119 of 2024 by the Council of Ministers came into effect, altering the rules on importing, selling, and transferring vehicle ownership.
Since then, social media has been flooded with videos of high-end cars like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Mustang, and Camaro cruising Cuban streets. However, many posts lack verifiable information about the vehicles' owners, origins, or payment methods.
The Growing Economic Divide
Among the most talked-about cases is a BMW M8 Competition worth over $200,000, filmed being unloaded from a container, and a BMW M5 2026 that stirred controversy due to its steep price. Both cases went viral in November 2025.
These images highlight the widening gap between those who have access to foreign currency and can acquire high-value goods, and the broader Cuban population, which continues to grapple with power outages, fuel and food shortages, and ongoing declines in purchasing power.
Implications of Rising Poverty
Poverty has emerged as one of the most alarming indicators of Cuba's crisis. Various studies and independent organizations have warned in recent years about worsening living conditions and an increase in extreme poverty on the island, though estimates differ based on methodology and time frame.
In this context, the appearance of vehicles valued at tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars inevitably draws comparisons to the incomes of most Cubans, fueling social media discussions about inequality, emigration, and access to foreign currency.
A young Cuban who returned to the island with a luxury car purchased in the United States bluntly summed up his decision: "I left Cuba to succeed, not to work and live paycheck to paycheck."
Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury Cars in Cuba
What sparked the debate about luxury cars in Cuba?
A TikTok video showing high-end BMW cars on the island initiated the conversation about inequality and economic disparities in Cuba.
How has social media reacted to luxury cars in Cuba?
The presence of luxury vehicles has led to mixed reactions on social media, with some users expressing admiration and others criticizing the contrast with the country's economic struggles.
What changes in regulations have affected the import of luxury cars in Cuba?
The enactment of Decree 119 of 2024 by the Council of Ministers, which took effect on January 1, 2025, introduced changes in the importation, sale, and ownership transfer of motor vehicles in Cuba.