How Mercedes-Benz Builds the GLC’s Electric Heart in Romania

Mercedes-Benz just gave its Sebeș, Romania team a bigger role in the company’s electric future. The Star Assembly plant has begun assembling electric drive units for the all-new, fully electric 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC, turning a familiar powertrain site into a hub for next-gen components. What stands out is how coordinated the plan feels: Sebeș builds the complete drive systems, Bremen in Germany starts GLC series production next year, and the network scales from there with Kecskemét in Hungary receiving units for the upcoming electric C-Class.

Mercedes-Benz invested in a new facility that spans roughly 30,000 square meters, bringing assembly and logistics under one roof to shorten flow times and sharpen quality control. Inside, the drive unit comes together from three core subsystems — the electric motor, the power electronics, and the gear unit — into one complete package. That full system then heads to vehicle plants where it meets body, chassis, and software to become the GLC people will actually drive.

The assembly line alone covers about 15,000 square meters and stretches roughly 1,000 meters front to back. More than 200 processes blend automated precision with hands-on craftsmanship. Importantly, every station is staffed by employees reassigned from elsewhere in the plant and upskilled through a focused training program. That is how you keep experience in the building while preparing people for tomorrow’s jobs.

Everything is wired into MO360, Mercedes-Benz’s digital production backbone. That means component traceability, real-time process data, and a shared language with the rest of the global production network. If a part needs investigation or a process needs a tweak, the breadcrumbs are already there.

Sustainability is not an add-on here; it is baked in. Production operates as net carbon-neutral on balance, powered by electricity from renewable sources. A photovoltaic system of up to 5 megawatts is under review, and the new hall uses a heat pump system for efficient thermal management. Cleaner energy, smarter controls, and tighter logistics all add up.

For Romania, this is bigger than one model. It is technology transfer, stable jobs, and a direct link into Europe’s premium automotive value chain. For Mercedes-Benz, it is about flexibility and future-readiness: building high-tech components close to where the cars are built and scaling quickly when a new model or changeover arrives.

Bottom line, Sebeș is not just making parts; it is helping set the pace for Mercedes-Benz electrification. If you are curious how a modern electric drive unit is born — from motor and power electronics to final test — this is a window into that world.