BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg, South Carolina, has reached a historic milestone with the assembly of its seven millionth BMW. The special vehicle chosen to commemorate this occasion is a stunning BMW ALPINA XB7, finished in the distinctive ALPINA Green Metallic. This achievement highlights the significant role the U.S. plant plays in BMW’s global production network.
Powertrain and Performance Details: The celebratory BMW ALPINA XB7 is equipped with a powerful 4.4-liter BMW ALPINA Bi-Turbo V8, 32-valve engine. This impressive powertrain delivers a robust 631 horsepower, ensuring exceptional performance and driving dynamics synonymous with both BMW and ALPINA.
This remarkable vehicle will not be destined for a customer but will instead become a cherished part of the BMW historic collection, residing at the Spartanburg factory. Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing, emphasized the significance of this milestone, crediting the quality of their products, the strength of their supplier network, and the dedication of their associates. He also highlighted BMW’s over 30-year investment in South Carolina and their exciting future plans, which include the assembly of fully electric vehicles at the plant.
The assembly of the seven millionth BMW was completed at the end of March, but the vehicle underwent special “white glove” modifications the following week by Plant Spartanburg’s ALPINA team. These unique enhancements include a bespoke ALPINA front apron, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler, along with floormats featuring the ALPINA emblem and a commemorative ALPINA badge.
Further distinguishing this milestone vehicle are its exclusive features, such as 23-inch ALPINA CLASSIC CS16 wheels, luxurious Tartufo Full Merino Leather upholstery, elegant ALPINA Walnut Nature Black trim, a panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof, and comfortable second-row captain’s chairs. The leather steering wheel also features distinctive blue and green stitching and an ALPINA badge at its center.
In 2024 alone, the Spartanburg plant assembled nearly 400,000 BMW vehicles, with approximately 225,000 being exported to 120 countries worldwide. The plant’s history of milestone vehicles includes the one-millionth Z4 M Roadster in 2006, the two-millionth BMW X3 xDrive35i in 2012, the three-millionth BMW X5 M in 2015, the four-millionth BMW X3 xDrive M40i in 2017, the five-millionth BMW X5 M Competition in 2020, and the six-millionth BMW X6 M in 2022.
The BMW Group is making substantial investments in its U.S. operations, allocating over $1.7 billion, including $1 billion to prepare Plant Spartanburg for electric vehicle assembly and $700 million for a new high-voltage battery assembly plant in Woodruff, S.C. By 2030, Plant Spartanburg is slated to produce at least six fully electric vehicles alongside its current production of internal combustion engine and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Since 1992, BMW has invested over $14.8 billion in its South Carolina operations, making BMW Manufacturing the largest BMW Group plant globally, with a daily production capacity exceeding 1,500 vehicles. The plant is a vital component of BMW’s global production strategy, crucial for meeting the significant demand for BMW Sports Activity Vehicles and Coupes both in the U.S. and internationally. Impressively, nearly 57 percent of the vehicles produced are shipped to 120 global markets, establishing BMW as the leading automotive exporter by value in the United States for over a decade. In 2024, almost half of all BMW vehicles sold in the U.S. originated from Plant Spartanburg, encompassing six top-selling BMW X models, four Motorsport X models, and two plug-in hybrid electric vehicle X models. The factory boasts an annual production capacity of up to 450,000 vehicles and employs more than 11,000 individuals.
Summary:
- BMW Manufacturing in Spartanburg, SC, celebrates the assembly of its seven millionth BMW.
- The milestone vehicle is a BMW ALPINA XB7 in ALPINA Green Metallic.
- The ALPINA XB7 features a 4.4-liter Bi-Turbo V8 engine producing 631 horsepower.
- Special modifications were made by the Plant Spartanburg’s ALPINA team.
- The seven millionth BMW will join the BMW historic collection.
- BMW has invested over $14.8 billion in its South Carolina operations since 1992.
- Plant Spartanburg is the largest BMW Group plant worldwide.
- The plant will begin assembling fully electric vehicles by 2030.
Disclaimer: This article discusses BMW’s production milestone and future plans based on the provided press release. Performance figures are as stated by the manufacturer. Readers are advised to consult official sources for the most up-to-date information.
Source: BMW
AI Assistance: Gemini