SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 30, 2025 – BMW’s Spartanburg-built Sports Activity Vehicles are making waves on two fronts: they’re racking up awards for quality and consumer appeal, and they’re powering a bold shift toward electric mobility — all while fueling America’s economy.
From luxury lovers to weekend adventure seekers, BMW’s U.S.-built X models have become icons of premium SUV performance. Now, the latest results from J.D. Power’s Initial Quality and APEAL Studies confirm what drivers already know: the BMW X6, X7, and X4 deliver standout excellence straight from South Carolina.
Award-winning quality with a personal touch
Two models — the BMW X6 and X7 — topped their categories in the prestigious J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study, which surveys real-world owners about their first 90 days with a new vehicle. Meanwhile, the X4 and X6 also triumphed in the J.D. Power APEAL Study, which measures emotional connection and satisfaction.
The X6 didn’t just win its class — it became the highest-ranked individual model in the entire APEAL Study, and the X4 clinched its third consecutive segment win.
BMW Manufacturing’s President and CEO, Dr. Robert Engelhorn, credits the achievement to teamwork: “Assembling premium quality BMWs for our customers is our highest priority, and these awards reflect the valuable contributions of our associates, suppliers, and contractors.”
More than just performance — it’s about progress
Beyond trophies and accolades, the Spartanburg plant is on the brink of something bigger. With a $1.7 billion investment underway, BMW is gearing up to produce its first fully electric Sports Activity Vehicle in the U.S. The company’s new high-voltage battery facility in nearby Woodruff is already operational, with prototype battery modules in production. Full assembly begins in 2026.
Here’s what’s coming:
- Three drivetrains under one roof: By late 2026, Plant Spartanburg will build fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and traditional combustion-powered models.
- Next-gen batteries made locally: Woodruff will supply sixth-generation battery modules directly to Spartanburg.
- Six electric BMW models made in the U.S. by 2030.
Why it matters: BMW’s approach isn’t just about electrification. It’s about flexibility — letting drivers choose the powertrain that fits their lifestyle while still enjoying the signature BMW driving experience.
BMW’s economic engine in South Carolina
For more than 30 years, BMW Manufacturing has been quietly powering South Carolina’s economy — and the numbers are staggering.
- 11,000+ jobs at Plant Spartanburg
- ~400,000 vehicles assembled annually
- 63% exported globally, making BMW the #1 U.S. auto exporter by value for over a decade
- $26.7 billion annual economic impact across South Carolina
- 3.5x job multiplier: For every 10 jobs at BMW, 25 more are created statewide
More than 500 South Carolina suppliers — 90% of them located in the Upstate — support the plant, reinforcing the community-based strength of the BMW supply chain.
As Dr. Engelhorn put it, “Since establishing our presence in South Carolina more than 30 years ago, BMW has generated thousands of sustainable jobs, invested in our workforce through training, and supported educational, cultural, and civic initiatives throughout the state.”
From luxury to legacy — BMW’s real-world impact
BMW’s Spartanburg operation is more than a manufacturing hub. It’s a blueprint for how premium mobility, sustainability, and economic development can go hand in hand.
For consumers, it means getting behind the wheel of award-winning, American-built BMWs with confidence — whether you’re drawn to the performance of the X6, the prestige of the X7, or the emerging excitement of an all-electric future.
Quick Comparison: BMW X Models Leading the Charge
- BMW X6
- Segment winner: Initial Quality + APEAL
- Highest-rated individual model in APEAL Study
- Sleek coupe-SUV design with performance punch
- BMW X4
- 3-year streak: Segment winner in APEAL
- Compact premium SUV with urban appeal
- BMW X7
- Top ranking in Large Premium SUV category (IQS)
- Ultimate luxury family hauler, built for comfort and scale
Conclusion: Whether you're planning your next cross-country trip, craving luxury that’s rooted in performance, or excited about the next wave of EVs — BMW’s made-in-America SUVs deliver on every front.
Learn more at www.bmwusfactory.com