Increased consumer interest in the electrical systems of Mercedes' new CLA models necessitates three-shift factory production.
In a significant move towards electric mobility, Mercedes-Benz has initiated the production of its new CLA model on the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, designed primarily for electric vehicles. The production line for the first model on the MMA platform has been running in Rastatt, Germany for about four weeks.
The Rastatt plant is set to assemble the electric axle, electric motor, and transmission for the CLA into a single unit for shipping to Untertürkheim, marking the first time Mercedes has fully integrated this value creation in-house. This move is a crucial step in securing the supply of rare earths, previously restricted by China, for the production of the new CLA.
The production capacity of the electric Mercedes-Benz CLA on the MMA platform is approximately 50,000 units annually, produced primarily at the Rastatt plant in a three-shift operation. Starting in the second half of 2025, this capacity will increase to meet rising demand by adding a third shift. About 200 electric powertrains are assembled daily at the Untertürkheim plant to support this volume.
Two main electric models of the new CLA are the CLA 250+ rear-wheel-drive (268 hp) and the CLA 350 4MATIC all-wheel-drive (349 hp). Both models feature an 85-kWh battery with fast-charging capabilities up to 320 kW and ranges up to nearly 800 km WLTP.
Despite the shift towards electric mobility, the internal combustion engine remains the most important pillar for employment at the Untertürkheim plant. Engines for the combustion engine variant of the CLA will come from Chinese production. A hybrid variant of the new CLA is planned for 2025.
The first pure electric models of the new CLA will start at 55,858.60 euros. However, due to high demand, delivery times for the new Mercedes-Benz CLA have been affected, with some dealers reporting that vehicles may not be delivered until next year. Mercedes employees may face a waiting list for the new CLA, but Burzer emphasized that customers have priority in delivery.
Looking ahead, Mercedes-Benz intends to increase capacity rapidly to supply other MMA platform models, notably a future electric GLA crossover, which is also planned for production at Rastatt. A gas-powered version of the CLA, using powertrains from Aurobay (a Geely/Renault subsidiary), will enter production by the end of 2025, providing production and market flexibility.
This central role in new technologies is crucial for the location's future, as Mercedes continues to invest heavily in the production of electric powertrains at the Untertürkheim plant. The production of the CLA estate will start in Rastatt towards the end of the year.
In summary, the production ramp-up of the electric CLA reflects strong demand for electric vehicles, with the new model primarily designed as an electric vehicle. Despite some delivery delays, Mercedes is committed to meeting customer needs while also investing in its future as a leader in electric mobility.
[1] https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/media/news/2021/mb-group/mercedes-benz-ramping-up-production-of-electric-cars/ [2] https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/media/news/2021/mb-group/mercedes-benz-electric-cars-range-and-rapid-charging/ [3] https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/media/news/2022/mb-group/mercedes-benz-electric-cars-production-start/ [4] https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/media/news/2022/mb-group/mercedes-benz-electric-cars-pricing/
- The Rastatt plant, where Mercedes-Benz is producing the new CLA model on the MMA platform, will also assemble electric axles, motors, and transmissions for the automotive industry.
- The technology behind the electric Mercedes-Benz CLA, such as the 85-kWh battery with fast-charging capabilities, positions the company as a leader in the transportation sector and lets it cater to the lifestyle preferences of customers who value eco-friendnly solutions.
- Despite the demand for electric vehicles, the internal combustion engine remains an important part of Mercedes-Benz's operations, especially at the Untertürkheim plant, which will produce engines for the combustion engine variant of the CLA from Chinese sources.
- Mercedes-Benz's investment in the production of electric powertrains at the Untertürkheim plant, shown by the production of the new CLA, will also enable the future production of other electric vehicles like the planned electric GLA crossover, which will be manufactured at Rastatt.
