ICE L Launch: A New Era for Long-Distance Travel
Germany’s national railway company, Deutsche Bahn, has officially unveiled the ICE L, its latest long-distance train designed to deliver greater comfort, accessibility, and sustainability. Presented in Berlin, the ICE L will begin operations in mid-December 2025, over a year later than originally scheduled, with the first route connecting Berlin and Cologne.
According to DB’s new CEO, Evelyn Palla, the ICE L is more than just another train model — it’s a commitment to transforming rail travel into a modern, inclusive experience. “We don’t just want to transport people; we want to inspire them,” said Palla during the presentation at Berlin’s Ostbahnhof.
Accessibility and Comfort at the Core
The ICE L stands out for its barrier-free design, offering step-free entry that allows passengers — including those using wheelchairs, strollers, or walkers — to board without assistance. This marks a major step forward in Deutsche Bahn’s mission to make rail travel more inclusive.
In addition to accessibility, the ICE L introduces a host of passenger-friendly features:
- Modern interiors with a quieter, more private atmosphere
- Daylight-sensitive lighting for better ambience
- Mobile-signal-permeable windows to ensure uninterrupted phone and data connections
- The largest family area ever in an ICE train
Each train, built by Spanish manufacturer Talgo, can seat around 560 passengers. Unlike the traditional ICE trains, the ICE L cars are slightly smaller, offering a cozier and quieter ride.
Speed and Efficiency: A Trade-Off for Comfort
While the new ICE L emphasizes comfort, it comes with a slight trade-off in speed. The train operates at up to 230 km/h, compared to the 300 km/h top speed of previous ICE models. However, Deutsche Bahn officials argue that the focus of this model is not record-breaking velocity but reliability, comfort, and accessibility.
Expanding Network and Routes
The ICE L rollout begins on December 14, 2025, serving the Berlin–Cologne route. By May 2026, Deutsche Bahn plans to extend operations to Berlin–Hamburg–Westerland, followed by routes to the Allgäu starting in July 2026.
In total, Deutsche Bahn has ordered 79 ICE L trains, signaling a major investment in upgrading its long-distance fleet.
Tackling Delays and Improving Reliability
Deutsche Bahn’s reputation has suffered in recent years due to widespread delays — with only 55.3% of ICE and IC trains arriving on time as of September 2025. CEO Palla expressed optimism that the ICE L will play a role in improving punctuality.
“Each new train contributes to a more stable operation,” she said. DB executive Michael Peterson added that newer models require less maintenance and are less prone to breakdowns, improving efficiency across the network.
Sustainability and Accessibility Recognition
Environmental organizations and transport advocates have praised the ICE L, particularly for its inclusive design and commitment to accessibility. The Verkehrsclub Deutschland (VCD) applauded the new model but noted that accessibility still depends on station infrastructure — specifically, platform heights.
According to VCD Chair Kerstin Haarmann, most long-distance platforms in Germany are 76 cm high, allowing level boarding. However, stations with different platform heights will still require external lifting systems to ensure full accessibility.
Deutsche Bahn ICE L: A Step Toward the Future
The Deutsche Bahn ICE L symbolizes the company’s broader transformation under its new leadership — blending innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. With its step-free design, improved comfort, and focus on customer experience, the ICE L aims to redefine long-distance travel across Germany and beyond.
Though slower than its predecessors, the new train’s emphasis on user experience, accessibility, and operational reliability makes it a significant leap forward for Deutsche Bahn’s modernization strategy.
As the ICE L prepares for its December debut, it represents more than a technological upgrade — it’s a promise of better journeys for everyone, setting new standards for European rail travel.
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