Method for operating a drive device for a motor vehicle and corresponding drive device

A method for operating a drive unit for a motor vehicle. The drive unit has at least one internal combustion engine, an electric machine which is or may be drivingly coupled to the internal combustion engine, and a start-up clutch, via which the internal combustion engine and the electric machine are drivingly connected to an output shaft of the drive unit. In a start-up operation mode of the drive unit, the internal combustion engine is operated without ignition when the start-up clutch is open, and is cranked by the electric machine to a start-up speed, which is greater than an idle speed of the internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is ignition-operated and the start-up clutch is closed upon reaching the start-up speed. The invention further relates to a drive unit for a motor vehicle.