ICE L is over a year late: What Deutsche Bahn's new train is changing
Those traveling on vacation by train want to reach their destination not only quickly but also comfortably. A new train type from Deutsche Bahn, the ICE L, is intended to encourage more travelers to use the train in the future. The company ordered 56 of the new trains from Spanish manufacturer Talgo in the spring, and now the ICE L has also received approval for operation in Germany.
Starting in mid-December 2025 – with the timetable change – the ICE L will travel to popular holiday destinations such as Amsterdam, Sylt and Oberstdorf in the Allgäu region, thus replacing the aging Intercity trains.
This means the trains are significantly delayed: The first trains were originally scheduled to run on the Berlin-Amsterdam route starting in October 2024. In 2026, the trains would also have run on the tourist routes to Sylt and Oberstdorf.
However, the ICE L will initially only be used between Berlin and Cologne starting in December 2025. "The introduction of the new train has been delayed due to delivery difficulties at the manufacturer Talgo and delays in the testing and approval process," Deutsche Bahn announced.
The company has not yet announced whether and when Amsterdam, Sylt and Oberstdorf will also be served.
This is what the new ICE L of Deutsche Bahn should look like (computer animation).
Source: Deutsche Bahn AG / Tricon
The new trains can travel at up to 230 kilometers per hour. This should reduce travel time between Berlin and Amsterdam by around 30 minutes to 5 hours 50 minutes, according to DB.
However, according to the Spanish manufacturer Talgo, the ICE L can be upgraded to high-speed trains up to 300 km/h if necessary. This is already being done in Spain for the state railway Renfe, which operates on high-speed lines such as those between Madrid and Barcelona.
The 255-meter-long, 425-ton trains will have 562 seats in 17 carriages, divided into 85 first-class seats and 477 second-class seats.
Even boarding the ICE L is set to be significantly more pleasant. Heavy suitcases or strollers no longer have to be lugged up the steps, and traveling with Deutsche Bahn will also be easier for people in wheelchairs.
These will be the first DB high-speed trains with step-free, ground-level boarding and alighting . This will allow wheelchair users to board and alight without assistance for the first time. The "L" stands for "low floor," according to Deutsche Bahn.
The new ICE L has step-free entry at all doors.
Source: Deutsche Bahn AG
More space will be created for bicycles on the ICE L: there will be eight bicycle parking spaces per train, which are still completely missing on older ICE trains.
Many features in the individual carriages are to be modernized: The seat covers will be made of flat weave without pile. In second class, the covers will be blue, and in first class, gray.
Deutsche Bahn presents the first carriage of the new ICE L from Spanish manufacturer Talgo. Pictured here: second class.
Source: Deutsche Bahn AG / Oliver Lang
The next generation of seats features new seat kinematics, allowing the backrest and headrest to move backward in the reclining position. The double seats in second class are designed like a bench and joined together, yet are still individually adjustable. The first-class seats feature wider seat, backrest, and headrest cushions.
The onboard restaurant and bistro are getting a new coat of paint. This is in the dark red "Burgundy," which travelers already recognize from the new DB corporate uniform.
And what's sure to please smartphone users: They no longer have to worry about a dead battery. Tablet and cell phone holders and power outlets are available at all seats, even in second class. There are also additional storage areas and coat hooks at each seat.
Tablet holders and power outlets are also available in second class on the ICE L.
Source: Deutsche Bahn AG / Oliver Lang
Also new in the equipment: In every car there are luggage racks for large luggage – quite important for traveling on vacation.
Making phone calls, watching TV shows, or listening to music could also work better. The new train will be equipped with mobile phone-permeable windows. This should ensure better cell reception . How does this work?
View into the first class of the ICE L.
Source: Deutsche Bahn AG
DB explains it this way: The windows of an ICE train are generally covered with a thin metal layer that not only blocks solar radiation but also mobile phone waves. However, a fine grid is lasered into the metal layer to allow mobile phone waves to penetrate the interior of the car.
For families, there is an enlarged family and toddler area on the ICE L.
What the design will look like? Take a virtual tour and watch the DB video here:
However, travelers have been able to see the new interior design since December 2023: The 17th ICE 3 neo was the first train to feature the new design.
What do travelers need to know right now? You can find all the important news for your vacation at reisereporter .
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