Deutsche Bahn (DB) has presented the new ICE L, Germany’s first high-speed train featuring step-free boarding along its entire length. The new model sets fresh standards in passenger comfort and accessibility, forming the first key milestone in DB’s Agenda for Satisfied Rail Customers.
The presentation took place at Berlin Ostbahnhof, attended by Evelyn Palla, Chairwoman of the Management Board of DB AG; Dr Michael Peterson, DB Board Member for Long-Distance Passenger Transport; Patrick Schnieder, Federal Minister for Transport; and Carlos de Palacio y Oriol, Executive Chairman of Spanish manufacturer Talgo.
“We want to inspire people with our trains,” said Evelyn Palla, Chairwoman of DB AG. “With the new ICE L, we are clearly focusing on greater comfort and reliability for our passengers. Every new train contributes to stable operations. That’s why we have consistently modernised our fleet and procured many new high-speed trains in recent years.”
The ICE L combines accessibility, comfort, and digital innovation. It features mobile-signal-permeable windows, an entirely redesigned interior, and newly developed seating. These improvements are part of DB’s wider effort to deliver a more comfortable and connected travel experience.
Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder highlighted the importance of customer-centred innovation:
“I have made it clear from the start that the customer on the railways must once again be king. This train is a perfect example of that: from step-free access and family-friendly seating to improved mobile reception, the new ICE generation brings tangible improvements for travellers. Modernisation doesn’t just enhance technology — it also transforms the travel experience for millions of people. The same applies to infrastructure as it does to trains.”
Carlos de Palacio y Oriol, Executive Chairman of Talgo, added:
“Today marks a new chapter in our relationship with DB. I can assure you that we will devote all our strength and resources to being a close, efficient, loyal, and reliable partner. All this will ensure that the operation of the ICE L trains built by Talgo becomes a success in the near future. These are low-floor trains that enable step-free access along their entire length, meeting the new requirements for sustainable mobility in an intelligent way.”
Enhanced comfort
The ICE L offers a range of new features aimed at improving the passenger experience:
- Redesigned interiors with new colours and materials create a brighter, more inviting atmosphere. Adjustable lighting adapts to the time of day.
- 562 completely new seats, developed with feedback from over 1,600 test passengers, feature integrated power sockets, folding tables, and tablet holders.
- Windows allow direct mobile-signal transmission, eliminating the need for repeaters and significantly improving connectivity on board.
- Coloured LED reservation displays clearly indicate seat availability at a glance.
- Accessibility upgrades include wider doors, step-free access, and height-adjustable tables at wheelchair spaces.
- Family-friendly design: the ICE L includes 46 seats in a large family area — the most in DB’s ICE fleet — and nine in the baby compartment, setting a new benchmark for family travel.
Service introduction in December 2025
The ICE L will begin passenger service on 14 December 2025, initially operating between Berlin and Cologne (ICE 1548 departing Berlin Hbf 07:10 and ICE 1055 departing Cologne Hbf 15:36).
From 1 May 2026, the trains will enter service on the Berlin–Hamburg–Westerland (Sylt) route, the first tourist line to feature the new generation. Further expansions will follow from 11 July 2026, connecting Frankfurt (Main) via Gießen, and Cologne via Münster to Westerland (Sylt). The ICE L will also operate on the Dortmund–Oberstdorf route.
In the longer term, services are planned to extend beyond Germany’s borders to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Vienna, once all operational and regulatory conditions are in place.
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