Approved Barrier-Free Express Train by ICE L: Capabilities Explored
New ICE L Trains Set to Revolutionize Long-Distance Travel in Germany
Deutsche Bahn (DB Fernverkehr) is set to introduce a new addition to its fleet with the launch of the ICE L trains in December 2025. Manufactured by Talgo, a Spanish company renowned for its innovative rail solutions, the ICE L trains will initially serve the long-distance route between Berlin and Cologne, with the official unveiling scheduled for October 17, 2025, in Berlin.
The ICE L trains are designed to offer improved accessibility and comfort, featuring barrier-free, step-free entry, mobile-permeable windows, spacious interiors with adaptive lighting, and roomier tables with holders for mobile devices. These key features will make the journey more enjoyable for passengers, particularly those with wheelchairs or strollers.
The trains will reach a maximum speed of 230 km/h, slightly slower than other ICE trains that can reach 300 km/h. Despite this, the ICE L trains are part of Talgo's Talgo 230 family, equipped with Talgo Travca locomotives (DB Class 105), and are set to replace older Intercity 1 trains in the Deutsche Bahn fleet, continuing the modernization of long-distance travel in Germany.
The interior of the ICE L trains is designed with passenger comfort in mind. Seats boast improved ergonomics, larger folding tables, and integrated holders for smartphones and tablets. The homely materials and a time-of-day-dependent lighting control, which adjusts the brightness to enhance well-being, add to the comfort.
Three wheelchair spaces, a family area with 46 seats, and a baby compartment with a play area are planned, ensuring a comfortable journey for all passengers. Standard features include WLAN, power outlets at every seat, the ICE portal with entertainment offerings, and real-time passenger information.
The ICE L trains have undergone rigorous testing, with static tests in Spain followed by nearly two years of test runs in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The trains are designed to be flexibly adapted to demand and track profiles, making them an option for cross-border connections that could replace air traffic on short and medium distances.
Certification for use in Germany was granted in the summer of 2025, but with certain restrictions: The control cars may not yet be used as leading vehicles. The ICE L trains are modular, allowing for the use of different locomotives. Approvals are also being sought in Austria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland to enable the trains to operate in these countries.
This rollout marks the start of a gradual expansion of the ICE L to other routes in Germany. The new trains are set to revolutionize long-distance travel in Germany, offering passengers a more comfortable and accessible journey.
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