Since its inception in 1956, BMW has established a significant presence in the United States automotive market. However, it wasn’t until 1994 that the renowned German automaker began local production on American soil. The journey towards this milestone was marked by several significant achievements, with the one-millionth vehicle, a Z4 M Roadster, rolling off the assembly line on February 28, 2006.
Subsequent milestones followed suit, with the two-millionth vehicle, an X3 xDrive35i, making its debut on January 12, 2012. The completion of the three-millionth BMW, an X5 M, on March 24, 2015, further solidified the company’s manufacturing prowess in the U.S. market. Just two years later, an X3 M40i xDrive marked the four-millionth milestone on September 8, 2017.
On June 4, 2020, BMW celebrated its five-millionth vehicle, an X5 M Competition, and continued its streak with the completion of the six-millionth car, an X6 M, on September 2, 2022. The latest addition to this exclusive lineup is the Alpina XB7, which was technically finalized in March and underwent bespoke Alpina-specific enhancements at the Spartanburg factory.
This high-performance luxury SUV received a range of upgrades, including a discreet body kit, 23-inch Classic wheels, special floor mats, and a commemorative badge. The seventh-millionth vehicle was commissioned with Tartufo full Merino leather and Alpina-exclusive Walnut Nature Black trim, exuding opulence and sophistication.
Equipped with a formidable 631-horsepower engine, the Alpina Green XB7 stands out as a symbol of engineering excellence. Despite its allure, this exceptional vehicle is not available for purchase as BMW has earmarked it for its illustrious collection. However, enthusiasts can acquire a similar model for a hefty price exceeding $161,000.
Since its establishment in South Carolina in 1992, BMW has made significant investments in the state, totaling over $14.8 billion. Looking towards the future, the company is poised to invest an additional $1 billion to revamp the factory for the production of at least six electric vehicles by the end of the decade.
Moreover, BMW is channeling $700 million into a new battery assembly plant in Woodruff, South Carolina, underlining its commitment to sustainable mobility. While the specific EV models slated for production in Spartanburg are yet to be confirmed, it is speculated that the iX5, iX6, and iX7 will be part of the lineup, based on the CLAR platform.
With a robust manufacturing portfolio that includes models from the X3 to X7 series and the XM, BMW’s Spartanburg factory has been a pivotal hub for the brand’s SUV production. Notably, the X4 model is set to be phased out in the near future. In 2024 alone, the factory churned out nearly 400,000 SUVs, showcasing its capacity to produce up to 450,000 units annually.
Over half of the vehicles manufactured in Spartanburg last year were destined for international markets, with close to 225,000 units shipped to 120 countries worldwide, amounting to a combined value of $10.1 billion. This global reach underscores BMW’s position as a key player in the automotive industry, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and luxury.
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