Mission Impossible star Tom Cruise is no stranger to luxury, whether it’s performing death-defying stunts or cruising in million-dollar supercars. But despite his long-standing love for high-performance vehicles, Cruise has reportedly found himself on an unofficial but exclusive list – celebrities banned from buying Bugatti cars. Here’s why Tom Cruise can never buy a Bugatti.
According to Modern Car Collector, the legendary actor’s name was allegedly blacklisted by the French luxury automaker following an awkward public incident at the 2006 premiere of Mission: Impossible 3. The event, meant to highlight Cruise’s flair for grandeur, instead turned into a moment the carmaker reportedly found damaging to its image.
Cruise had purchased a Bugatti Veyron in 2005, a vehicle known for its 16-cylinder engine, 1001 horsepower, and a price tag exceeding $1 million at the time. To mark the film’s premiere in style, Cruise arrived on the red carpet in the hypercar. But as cameras rolled and fans watched, the moment took an unexpected turn.
The actor struggled for more than 40 seconds to open the passenger-side door of the Veyron — a mishap that was caught on camera and broadcast worldwide. While the scene may have been seen as a lighthearted gaffe by fans and media, Bugatti reportedly didn’t find it amusing.
The company is said to have viewed the incident as an unfortunate misrepresentation of their brand’s engineering precision and exclusivity. As a result, they allegedly imposed an internal ban on Cruise, effectively barring him from purchasing future Bugatti models.
Bugatti has not officially confirmed the ban, but Cruise is believed to be in the company of other high-profile figures who have faced similar restrictions, including Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber. These celebrities have also been at the center of controversies involving luxury vehicles and have reportedly been blacklisted by other prestigious auto manufacturers.
Unlike many other luxury car brands, Bugatti maintains strict standards not only in vehicle performance and maintenance but also in owner conduct. Buyers must demonstrate the ability to care for the vehicle meticulously, with annual maintenance costs hovering around $21,000 and tire replacements recommended every 10,000 miles.
Bugatti’s current lineup includes the Chiron and Divo, which retail anywhere between $3 million and $12.5 million. But for the automaker, it’s not just about money, it’s about maintaining the mystique and reputation that comes with owning one of the world’s most elite cars.