Imagine this: while the world imposes sanctions on Russia, the luxury BMW X7 SUV not only keeps selling but actually sells more units in Russia than in Germany itself! Yes, you read that right. Although BMW officially left the Russian market due to international sanctions, their cars still find their way into Russian oligarchs’ garages — thanks to clever import channels from Turkey, Georgia, and Kazakhstan.
According to data from Russian Autostat, in 2023, more BMW X7 models were sold in Russia than in Germany, casting serious doubt on the effectiveness of economic sanctions. While ordinary people feel the pinch of restrictions, the Russian elite continues to enjoy luxury without limits.
This phenomenon raises the question: do sanctions even make sense if the richest always find a way to bypass the rules? The BMW X7 is just the tip of the iceberg — luxury cars from Europe and Japan continue to reach Russian buyers, and premium vehicle sales in Russia rose by 19% in the first six months of 2023, despite a 26% drop in overall car sales.
So, while the world tries to pressure Russia, luxury is booming. Is this a failure of sanctions or just proof that money really can buy everything? Share your thoughts — are sanctions just a farce for the rich? Or is this just the beginning of a new era of luxury in Russia?
And yes, if you thought this was just a story about cars, think again. This is a story about power, money, and how rules are written for those who can afford to break them. What about you? What’s your favorite luxury escape from reality?
