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New ICE L starts soon: step-free entry for North Rhine-Westphalia!
The new ICE L receives approval for Germany and will start running between Berlin and Cologne from December 2025. It is characterized by barrier-free access, state-of-the-art equipment and high speed.
New ICE L starts soon: step-free entry for North Rhine-Westphalia!
Something is happening in Deutsche Bahn’s long-distance transport! The new ICE L has finally received approval for operation in Germany. How news.de reported, those responsible originally planned to use it in autumn 2024. However, the introduction had to be postponed due to delivery difficulties at the manufacturer Talgo and delays in the testing and approval process. Things are better now: from mid-December 2025, the ICE L will be used on the route between Berlin and Cologne.
Deutsche Bahn has placed an order for 79 of these modern trains. This year, four trains are to be put into operation initially, with the first front-tier trains expected to be put on the rails before the end of the year. An additional nine trains are planned for the 2026 vintage. The new vehicles, which replace the older Intercity 1 trains, look more like an IC than a classic ICE and reach speeds of up to 230 kilometers per hour.
Novelties and design
A real highlight of the ICE L is the step-free entry, which makes access easier - regardless of whether you have large suitcases, a wheelchair or a stroller. Instead of lifts, passengers can now simply get on. The “L” in the name stands for “Low Floor”. Loud German railway The ICE L also offers improved interior design: comfortable materials and lighting control that is based on the time of day ensure a pleasant feeling of space.
The ergonomic seats are based on findings from 1,600 test subjects and not only offer a high level of comfort, but also come with holders for tablets and cell phones. Also new are the mobile radio-permeable windows, which enable better reception on the train. There is space for eight bikes, as well as a separate play area for families with small children.
On the way to renewal
The total number of seats in the ICE L is 562: 85 of these are in first class and 477 in second class. The trains also offer a variety of modern amenities such as WiFi, an on-board bistro and an up-to-date passenger information system. These innovations are another sign of how committed the railway is to improving the travel experience.
In order to get the new trains onto the rails, they are currently undergoing extensive trial operation, from which important insights are gained for future development. In addition, the new trains are designed so that they can also be used on non-electrified routes, which makes them particularly versatile. As already bahn.de explained, the new trains are not only practical, but also more environmentally friendly thanks to the use of independent wheel chassis, which reduce weight and energy consumption.
There is great anticipation for the new ICE L trains, and we can look forward to seeing how long-distance transport in Germany will develop!