Remember when I said Spartanburg exports the most by value? That’s because these are expensive vehicles. A fully loaded X7 can cost as much as a modest house. And every third one goes to China. America is the world’s BMW factory for big SUVs. That’s right—someone in Beijing is waiting for a truck built in the Palmetto State. It’s like cultural exchange, but with more leather seats.
Fun side note: BMW also builds a handful of custom models for the U.S. Secret Service and, I’ve heard, some diplomats. So if you ever see a black X5 with tinted windows, it might be a celebrity—or just my neighbor grocery shopping while avoiding eye contact.
Inside BMW Production in the US - YouTube
What About the V8s and the Future?
As electric cars creep in, Spartanburg isn’t sleeping. They’re prepping for BMW’s EV future, including the upcoming iX models and maybe—just maybe—a fully electric X3. The plant has already set aside space for battery assembly. So when your grandkids ask about the good old days of gasoline, you can say, “I remember when BMWs were made in South Carolina… and they growled.”
There’s even talk of a pilot program for hydrogen fuel cells. Because BMW is German, and Germans love over-engineering things. Spartanburg will likely be the guinea pig. And honestly, I’m here for it.
