ICE L

History

In November 2015, Deutsche Bahn announced plans to procure long-distance coaches for international routes and non-electrified lines, with a higher maximum speed than the 160 km/h Intercity 2 carriages. A call for tenders was published on 2 March 2017. In February 2019, DB signed a framework agreement with Talgo, selecting its offer over a Siemens Mobility proposal of Vectron locomotives and Viaggio coaches. The framework contract covers up to 100 trains; the first call ordered 23 sets for about 550 million euros, each train costing roughly 24 million euros.

The rolling stock was presented in mid-March 2019 under the working title ECx. Each train is 256 m long, with one locomotive and 17 articulated cars connected by single-axle bogies; double-axle bogies are used only at each end. The trains weigh 425 tonnes. In May 2023, an additional 56 sets were ordered for €1.4 billion, bringing the total to 79.

However, in September 2025, Talgo reported negotiations with DB to reduce the order to 60 units, with a settlement agreement expected to formalize the reduction and reschedule remaining deliveries.

Design

The ICE L train set is designed for speeds up to 230 km/h and can be pulled by a Talgo Travca locomotive or any other diesel or electric engine. Its cars are shorter than standard railcars to keep axle loads low, a feature of the single-axle Talgo design.

Each set provides 477 second-class and 85 first-class seats, plus three wheelchair spaces, eight bicycle spots, a toddler area, and a family zone with a play area. Onboard amenities include Wi-Fi, blind spot cameras, the ICE portal entertainment system, real-time passenger information, and luggage storage. Step-free boarding is possible at platforms built to 760 mm height, improving accessibility in Germany and the Netherlands.

Routes

Originally planned for the 2023/24 timetable change, the trains were to serve Berlin–Amsterdam and, from summer 2024, holiday services between Berlin, Cologne, Karlsruhe and Westerland (Sylt). Entry was delayed from autumn 2024 to mid-2025, then further to late 2025 for domestic routes, with international services not before mid-2026. In August 2025, DB confirmed the first trains would enter service with the December timetable change, likely on Berlin–Cologne. Planned routes as of 2019 included Berlin–Amsterdam, Cologne–Oberstdorf (winter seasonal), Berlin–Westerland (summer seasonal), Cologne–Westerland (summer seasonal), and Karlsruhe–Westerland (summer seasonal).

Other versions

Danske Statsbaner (DSB) ordered similar higher-speed trains for cross-border routes between Denmark and Germany, entering passenger service on 1 November 2025 between Østerport and Fredericia, and on 3 November 2025 between Copenhagen and Hamburg. In March 2025, German media reported that FlixTrain was negotiating with Talgo to buy 63 similar trains; in May 2025, FlixTrain announced a firm order of 30 Talgo 230 high-speed trains (optionally up to 65) and maintenance for €1.06 billion (with options up to €2.4 billion).

Did You Know?

• Each train set weighs 425 tonnes, making it slightly lighter than a shorter seven-car ICE 4.
• During production, the push-pull system was switched from a proprietary Talgo system to the ÖBB Wire Train Bus (WTB) system.