The US-made cars sold in the UK

The cars crossing the Atlantic to the UK

The UK-US trade deal is good news for British car firms selling motors in the US – but what about the cars built in America that are sold here in the UK?

We have examined the models built in the US that are sold in Britain – and while some of the cars listed here will seem obvious, others may be more of a surprise…

Made in America

Europe may have invented the car, but the United States made it a way of life. More than 10 million vehicles are currently produced in the USA each year.

Along with playing host to the ‘Big Three’ of Ford, General Motors and Chrysler (now part of Stellantis), the USA is also host to manufacturing facilities for brands such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Volkswagen.

These are the homegrown models that make their way across the Atlantic to be sold in Britain.

Ford Mustang

It took Ford until the sixth generation of the Mustang, launched in 2014, to start producing it in right-hand drive. The aim was to make the iconic ‘Pony Car’ into a truly global vehicle.

Now into its seventh generation, the Ford Mustang has become a staple of the UK automotive landscape.

All versions of the Mustang, including those destined for Britain, are manufactured at Ford’s Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan.

Chevrolet Corvette

As with the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet made British enthusiasts wait decades in order to buy a Corvette with the steering wheel on the right-hand side of the cabin.

The eight-generation Corvette, like all its predecessors since 1981, is built at the General Motors Bowling Green factory in Kentucky.

More than 1.1 million Corvettes have been made at Bowling Green, which also plays host to the National Corvette Museum.

Jeep Wrangler

For those who prefer their American icon more rugged, the Jeep Wrangler has been sold in the UK since 1987.

A no-nonsense 4×4, with genuine ability to head off into the wilderness, the Wrangler has developed a cult following on this side of the Atlantic.

Now part of the Stellantis conglomerate, Jeep has production facilities around the world. However, the Wrangler is still proudly made in America: at the Toledo Complex in Ohio.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Grand Cherokee is the flagship of the Jeep range, and now comes with a plug-in hybrid ‘4xe’ option.

Although it is loosely related to the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, the Grand Cherokee remains an all-American SUV.

Jeep Grand Cherokees coming to the UK all leave the Jefferson North Assembly Plant, which is located in Motor City itself: Detroit, Michigan.

Cadillac Lyriq

The Cadillac brand has had a mixed history in Europe. Indeed, General Motors has tried several times to crack the British market with its premium marque.

Cadillac is heading back to Europe with the fully electric Lyriq SUV, including production of a right-hand-drive version. Offered with up to 507hp in high-performance Lyriq-V form, could this finally be the Cadillac that cracks the UK?

RHD production will take place at the Spring Hill Manufacturing site in Tennessee, with the first models already destined for Japan. UK sales should follow later this year, with prices from £75,000.

Where does BMW make cars in the USA?

Which company exported the most cars from the United States in 2024? It wasn’t a ‘homegrown’ brand, but BMW that sent the most vehicles overseas. The German marque has been America’s top automotive exporter for 10 years.

BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC (also known as Plant Spartanburg) first opened in 1994, starting with production of the 3 Series and Z3 roadster.

Later, BMW pivoted to having the facility produce SUVs. Located in Greer, South Carolina, significant recent investment has seen the plant gear up for electrified models.

BMW X3 M50

Plant Spartanburg is responsible for building all of BMW’s X-badged SUVs, but only one specific version of the X3 makes its way to the United Kingdom.

The high-performance X3 M50, powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine with 398hp and 428lb ft of torque, is proudly built in the USA.

All other right-hand-drive versions of the X3 are manufactured at BMW’s plant in Rosslyn, South Africa.

BMW X4

BMW popularised the divisive concept of the SUV coupe with the X6, and Plant Spartanburg is responsible for manufacturing the smaller X4.

Other facilities around the world, including in Thailand and Malaysia, do also build the X4, but solely for local market consumption.

This means all right-hand-drive X4 models for the UK market come direct from the United States. Thanks, South Carolina…

BMW X5

The X5 was BMW’s original SUV, developed with assistance from Land Rover when it was part of the German company’s portfolio.

Now into its fourth generation, the X5 continues to be manufactured at Plant Spartanburg, where it has become a standout hit for BMW.

As with other BMW models, production is shared around the world for local markets, but UK versions are all born in the USA. Unless you happen to purchase the armoured VR6 model, which has its ballistic protection added in Mexico.

BMW X6

Perhaps unsurprisingly, BMW’s pioneering SUV coupe also makes its home in South Carolina.

Now in its third generation – the latest being launched in 2019 – the United States bears responsibility for sending the UK all of its X6s. We don’t imagine they’re sorry.

BMW X7

The BMW X7 is currently the largest SUV in the company’s range, making use of an extended X5 platform.

Production of the X7 began at Plant Spartanburg in late 2018, with air suspension included as standard, plus options such as headlights with laser technology.

The USA manufactures all of the X7 models that come to the UK, although factories in Malaysia, India, Indonesia and Thailand build the X7 for local customers.

BMW XM

The XM is only the second vehicle to be entirely developed by BMW’s M subsidiary since the M1 supercar in 1978.

With a plug-in hybrid powertrain, and the choice of twin-turbocharged straight-six or V8 engines, the XM certainly delivers when it comes to performance.

Plant Spartanburg is the only site to build the XM, including the 748hp Label Red version.

Mercedes-Benz in the United States

Another German marque has been manufacturing cars in the United States for almost as long as BMW. Its arch-rival Mercedes-Benz started production there in 1997.

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI), located in Vance, Alabama, was established to produce the first-generation M-Class SUV

Today, MBUSI employs more than 6,000 people, with a continued focus on building luxury SUVs.

Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV

The Mercedes-Benz GLE began life as the M-Class SUV – the first model produced by MBUSI.

All three subsequent generations of the M-Class and GLE have been built in Alabama as well.

Similarly to BMW, Mercedes-Benz builds examples of the GLE in other countries for domestic markets. However, all versions destined for the UK start life in the United States.

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

Along with the regular version of the GLE, Mercedes-Benz also offers an SUV coupe model.

First launched as part of an update for the third-generation GLE in 2015, the coupe has since become an integral part of the Mercedes-Benz lineup

The latest model, based on the fourth-generation GLE, continues to be manufactured in Alabama.

Mercedes-Benz GLS

As the flagship combustion-powered SUV in Mercedes-Benz’s range, the GLS occupies a substantial amount of real estate on the road.

All three generations of GLS have been manufactured by MBUSI, meaning all cars for UK customers are assembled in Alabama.

This even includes the ultra-premium Mercedes-Maybach GLS, complete with acres of extra chrome trim for its exterior.

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

Mercedes-Benz has made a rapid pivot into electric models, with the EQE SUV intended as a more practical alternative to the EQE saloon.

While the saloon is manufactured in Germany, Mercedes-Benz continues to trust MBUSI to manufacture its large SUV.

Production began in late 2022, with all UK-bound examples of the EQE made in the USA.

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

The top SUV in the Mercedes-Benz EQ range is the EQS: the battery-powered equivalent of the huge GLS.

Sharing a platform with the smaller EQE means it is another product of MBUSI in Alabama, which also builds the flagship Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 model.

What about Tesla?

Tesla may market itself as an all-American brand, but the company is truly global when it comes to production. Right-hand-drive versions of the Model 3 are made at the Gigafactory Shanghai in China, while the Model Y is built at Germany’s Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg.

When it comes to the larger Model S and Model X, Tesla ended right-hand drive production of these EVs in late 2024 due to unfavourable exchange rates.

Oh, and don’t even think about mentioning the Cybertruck. It definitely isn’t coming to the UK, and we should all be quietly thankful for that.