Deutsche Bahn (DB) recently presented the first wagon of the new ICE L in Berlin. The train from the Spanish manufacturer Talgo sets new standards in terms of accessibility: thanks to the stepless access, passengers in wheelchairs can get on and off the ICE L without outside assistance for the first time. But all other passengers, for example with large suitcases, prams or bicycles, also benefit from a flat entrance. From the autumn of 2024, 23 ICE Ls – the L stands for the English term “low floor” – will gradually strengthen DB's long-haul fleet. First, the trains will be used on the Berlin-Amsterdam line. In 2026, trains will also run on the tourist routes to Sylt and Oberstdorf.
"The stepless entry into the ICE L sets new standards. This makes traveling by train even easier and more comfortable for all travelers. And with the new interior design in the ICE, there is a living room atmosphere on the rails for the first time."
“This new generation of trains will strengthen DB's offering and are part of a whole new standard set by what we believe at Talgo is the most demanding customer in the global rail market. This is a paradigm shift in passenger transport that Deutsche Bahn is ushering in with the new ICE L and which will become the benchmark in the dynamic European market.”
The 230 km/h fast and 256 m long ICE L consists of 17 passenger cars, including a control car and a multi-system locomotive. This also allows cross-border use. In addition, it can accommodate even more passengers: the 562 seats are divided into 85 seats in 1st class and 477 seats in 2nd class.
In addition, travelers can enjoy the full ICE comfort they are used to. In addition to the new ICE interior design, this includes, for example, comfortable, completely newly developed seats, a particularly powerful WLAN, mobile phone transparent windows, plenty of space for families with children, a dining car, eight bicycle parking spaces and passenger information with real-time data. German railway company.
Photo above: Deutsche Bahn AG/ Oliver Lang.
