Unterturkheim Plant Powers Next-Gen Mercedes-Benz CLA with Electric Drive Units

Mercedes-Benz Unterturkheim now produces electric drive units and axles for the new CLA, strengthening its role as a core powertrain hub.

Mercedes-Benz is confidently transforming its historic Stuttgart-Untertürkheim site to meet the demands of electromobility. After 120 years of working with combustion engines, the plant remains a symbol of engineering flexibility and is now a key hub for producing the brand’s new electric models.

The factory now assembles electric drive units and axles for the new CLA. Core components are manufactured in Mettingen and Hedelfingen, with final assembly taking place in the historic Halle 141, which has been converted into a state-of-the-art line stretching nearly one kilometre. According to Mercedes-Benz, the assembly line includes more than 200 manual and automated processes, fully integrated into the MO360 digital production ecosystem. This system ensures that every single part is traceable from raw material to final assembly.

A new agreement between management and employee representatives secures Untertürkheim’s role as a key production centre for future Top-End segment models. The site is expected to reach an annual capacity of up to one million electric drive units.

Importantly, this transformation has not led to job cuts. Many employees have been retrained, allowing engineers and workers with years of experience in combustion engines to contribute their know-how to the new electric production lines.

The new CLA embodies Mercedes-Benz’s ambitions in the electric sedan segment. The car will feature a battery capacity of up to 85.5 kWh, offering a WLTP range of up to 792 kilometres. At launch, the CLA 350 4MATIC will deliver 354 horsepower via two electric motors. Thanks to its 800-volt architecture, it can gain enough charge for 300 kilometres in just ten minutes.

Production of the new CLA is scheduled to start in the second half of 2025. The first models will roll out for the European and Chinese markets, with a US launch planned for autumn 2025. More models on the same platform are expected to follow. In China, production will be handled by Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd, while the Kecskemét plant will support output for Europe.

Mercedes-Benz emphasises that all new operations align with its climate goals: by 2030, the carbon footprint per passenger is set to be cut by over half compared to 2020 levels, with full carbon neutrality targeted across the entire value chain by 2039.

As competition with the Tesla Model 3, BMW i4 and Audi A3 intensifies, the next-generation CLA aims to stand out in the stylish electric sedan segment. Combining tradition, innovation and a high degree of automation, Untertürkheim is ready to continue its role as the beating heart of Mercedes-Benz for the next generation.