Talgo successfully launches its new ICE L train in Germany

 

Deutsche Bahn (DB) has unveiled Germany's first high-speed train designed to be fully accessible, eliminating steps, at Berlin-Ostbahnhof station. The ICE L, manufactured by the Spanish company Talgo, has been conceived under the premise that "You go in, you don't go up", marking a significant advance in the traveler experience.

 

The presentation event was attended by Evelyn Ball, CEO of DB AG; Michael Peterson, member of the Board of Directors of DB Viajeros-Long Distance; Patrick Schnieder, Federal Minister of Transport of Germany; and Carlos Palacio, President of Talgo.

 

The new train incorporates cutting-edge technology, such as windows designed to improve mobile coverage and a renovated interior with improved seats, seeking to increase user satisfaction.

 

Evelyn Ball He emphasized the commitment to the traveler: “We want to inspire people with our trains. With the new ICE L, we are clearly focusing on a greater comfort and reliability for our passengers. Every new train contributes to that goal."

 

For his part, the Minister Patrick Schnieder He emphasized the customer focus: “I made it clear from the outset that the customer had to be king again on the railways. This train is a perfect example of this: from the step-free access at platform levelFrom family-friendly spaces to improved mobile coverage, the new generation ICE brings many notable improvements for passengers."

 

Finally, Carlos PalacioThe President of Talgo reaffirmed the collaboration with DB and the value of innovation: “Today we mark the beginning of a new chapter in our relationship with DB. I can assure you that we will dedicate all our strengths and resources to being a close, efficient, loyal, and reliable partner. This is about trains of ground floor, which allow a step-free boarding at platform level and along its entire length. As a result, they intelligently meet the new requirements for sustainable mobility."

 

The fleet has plans to international expantion future towards destinations such as Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Vienna, as soon as the necessary conditions are met

 

Comfort and Accessibility Features

 

The ICE L not only guarantees barrier-free entry, but also introduces numerous improvements to the journey:

• Interior design: A new design with fresh colors and materials, and shorter cars, creating a pleasant spatial sensation. It incorporates a lighting control system that adapts to the time of day.

• Seating: The 562 seats per train, designed with the contribution of more than 1.600 people, have power outlets in every seat, folding tables and tablet stands.

• Connectivity: The window panes They are designed to allow direct entry of mobile phone signals, ensuring a significantly improved mobile phone reception without depending on repeaters.

• Information and Reservations: New reservation screens with colorful LED lights for quick viewing of seat status.

• Reduced Mobility: Offers a wider door and electrically height-adjustable tables in wheelchair areas, in addition to the autonomous step-free entrance.

• Family Space: With 46 seats, the ICE L offers the larger family area of the entire ICE fleet, including a special compartment with nine seats for small children.

 

ICE L Launch and Routes

 

The new train will gradually enter use in Germany. from mid-December 2025.

 

The first inaugural journeys will be made on the connection between Berlin and CologneFrom May 1, 2026, the train will be extended to the tourist connection between Berlin, Hamburg, and Westerland (Sylt). Subsequently, from July 11, it will serve other tourist routes, such as Frankfurt am Main, Giessen, and from Cologne, Münster to Westerland (Sylt), including the service from Dortmund to Oberstdorf.