The numbers are in, and once again, they fall in BMW's favor. The numbers we're talking about here are related to vehicle exports, and more specifically, vehicles built in the US and exported abroad. To get even more specific, this refers not to volume, but the total value of those vehicles. And it's a big number.This is a segment BMW has led for years, and the title is defended with a total export value of approximately $9 billion. That's down by about $1 billion from last year, but considering it all comes from just one plant, that's still a seriously impressive feat. Built In South Carolina, Shipped Around The Globe BMWAccording to data from the US Department of Commerce, BMW's sprawling plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, churned out roughly 200,000 vehicles that shipped to countries across the globe. As you can probably guess, the vehicles are SUVs, starting with the X3 and running all the way up through the X7 and the controversial XM. That also includes the coupe versions of its traditional SUVs, like the X4 and X6.BMW doesn't provide a specific breakdown of which vehicles are exported most, but perusing US sales data for 2025, it's safe to assume the X3 and X5 are the company breadwinners. The two SUVs posted nearly identical US sales in 2025, selling approximately 76,000 each. The X7 was a distant third at 31,575 sales. Keep in mind, these are sales in the US, but with such a wide gap between the X3/X5 and X7, the small and midsize SUVs are clearly the most popular Bimmers around the world.Globally, BMW sold 2,169,761 vehicles in 2025. That was down slightly from 2024, but considering the new world order with tariffs in the US, the automaker isn't doing too bad.“BMW Manufacturing is proud to be the largest automotive exporter by value in the United States, a distinction that underscores our commitment to both the state of South Carolina and the nation’s economic strength. Our exports play a crucial role in supporting a favorable balance of trade, which is essential for sustained economic growth."-Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing The Largest BMW Plant... In The World BMWBMW can churn out gobs of vehicles at Spartanburg. This facility encompasses 10 million square feet, which is roughly the space of 160 football fields. It officially opened in 1994 and employs 12,000 people on-site. According to BMW, approximately half of the plant's production are exports, going to 120 countries around the globe.The Spartanburg complex has two paint shops, three body shops, a press shop, and two separate assembly halls. When everything is on full-boil, BMW says it can build 1,500 vehicles per day. Last year, workers at the plant built 412,799 different SUVs, the third-highest number in the plant's history.BMWIt's not the only location responsible for BMW SUV production, however. There are numerous smaller assembly locations scattered around the world for more localized production, especially for vehicles like the X3 and X5. As for the new electric iX3, it's currently built in Hungary but could be incorporated into Spartanburg late this year.
