The invention relates to a control unit (10; 10a to 10d), particularly for vehicle navigation, having a housing (13) that consists of at least two housing elements (11, 12; 61, 65, 72; 75), having at least one circuit carrier (16; 16a; 64; 81) on which at least one heat-generating component (1) is arranged, having a thermal transfer element (30; 61), made of metal, for dissipating the heat generated by the at least one heat-generating component (1), having at least one sensor element (40, 41) that is connected at least indirectly to the at least one circuit carrier (16; 16a; 64; 81), having at least one plug connection body (35), made of plastic, having connection elements (36) for making electrical contact with the at least one circuit carrier (16; 16a; 64; 81), wherein the plug connection body (35) is formed in the region of a frame-like or cover-like housing element (12; 65;75), made of plastic, so as to be integral therewith or as a component that is separate from the housing element (12; 65; 75).