Mercedes-Benz boosts production of drive units for the new electric CLA

As we told you here at HighMotor, the Rastatt plant started series production of the new electric Mercedes-Benz CLA a few weeks ago. In connection with this news, the German manufacturer has now announced that it has begun to increase production of electric drive units and axles for this electric saloon at its Stuttgart-Untertürkheim plant, thus moving forward with the company’s plans.

Production of the drive units, especially for the rear axle, has been underway for some time as part of the preparations for series production. These units are key to the CLA 250+ rear-wheel-drive and CLA 350 4MATIC all-wheel-drive models. While the front drive units for the 4MATIC model are supplied by an external supplier, the rear drive units are an in-house development of Mercedes-Benz, manufactured entirely at its facilities. This advance strengthens the Untertürkheim plant’s capacity to produce high-tech components, thereby consolidating its role in the brand’s global production network.

The manufacturing process for these electric drive units is distributed across several company locations in the Neckar region. Essential components such as the power transmission wheel set and the control unit are produced in Untertürkheim, Mettingen and Hedelfingen. These elements are then assembled in Untertürkheim to form a complete system. From there, the units are transferred to Mettingen, where they are integrated into the electric axle, which is finally shipped as a pre-assembled system to the Rastatt plant for installation in the vehicles.

Who said producing electric vehicles is simple?

Although there is a widespread belief that electric systems are simpler to produce, Mercedes-Benz wanted to make clear that this is not really the case, highlighting the level of sophistication of its production line. In Untertürkheim, the assembly line for the electric drive units occupies approximately 10,000 square metres and stretches over one kilometre. This process combines more than 200 operations, both manual and automated, carried out in workshop 141, where combustion engines were previously manufactured. This transition reflects the plant’s adaptability in responding to the demands of electric mobility.

“Untertürkheim symbolises the heart of Mercedes-Benz’s propulsion and its ability to adapt to different technologies. Production of components for the CLA reinforces its importance in our global production network, ensuring an innovative future for this plant with 120 years of history.”

Apart from the CLA, which is based on the brand’s new MMA platform, Untertürkheim will also manufacture propulsion systems for future Mercedes-Benz luxury models. A recent labour agreement between management and the works council has confirmed this plant as a key centre for the company’s electric propulsion technologies. The Untertürkheim plant will thus remain the epicentre of the German manufacturer’s propulsion technologies.