This video provides a detailed interior review and overview of Deutsche Bahn's new, long-delayed ICE L train, manufactured by the Spanish company Talgo. The 'L' signifies its "Low-floor" design, a key feature aimed at providing step-free, accessible long-distance travel, a first for the ICE fleet. The review explores the train's unique construction, featuring short but wide carriages with single-wheel bogies, and delves into the new interior design.
Key highlights include a comprehensive look at the new, highly-padded seating in both second and first class, noting the surprisingly high comfort level in the standard class. A significant design achievement is the perfect alignment of every seat with a window, accomplished by using different carriage bodies for each class. The video also tours the various carriage configurations, including a bicycle compartment, the largest family area in the DB fleet, and a redesigned dining car with swivel chairs. The presentation covers the train's troubled development, its initial operational restrictions, and the phased rollout plan, starting with the Berlin-Cologne route.
A Detailed Look at Deutsche Bahn's New ICE L Train
0:00 Introduction to the ICE L: The video introduces the controversial, locomotive-hauled ICE L train, manufactured by Spanish company Talgo. It is entering service two years behind its original schedule in mid-December.
1:42 Unique Design & Construction: The 'L' stands for "Low-floor," enabling step-free access. The train is built with short (13.3m), wide carriages on single-wheel bogies, a Talgo concept that allows for a continuous low floor and reduced weight.
2:39 Delayed Launch & Operational Restrictions: Originally scheduled for late 2023, the train will launch in December on the Berlin-Cologne route. It still lacks crucial approvals for steep routes (like Cologne-Frankfurt), for its control car to lead the train, and for international service to destinations like Amsterdam and Vienna.
4:19 A New Standard in Accessibility: The train's design prioritizes barrier-free travel, with its 76 cm floor height matching German platforms. It includes features like a powered gap bridge for wheelchairs, high-contrast signage, and clear acoustic information.
5:00 High Comfort in Second Class: The seats, made by manufacturer Fainsa, are highlighted as exceptionally comfortable and well-padded for second class. They feature a significant recline without creating a gap behind the headrest (an improvement over the ICE 4), a power outlet at every seat, but lack USB ports, reading lights, or footrests.
6:40 First Class Amenities: First class features wider seats with individual armrests, larger fold-out tables, and a seat base that slides forward when reclining for improved ergonomics. The narrator notes that while more spacious, the comfort level is not a massive leap from the already excellent second class.
7:52 Perfect Window Alignment: A major passenger-focused improvement is the perfect alignment of every seat with a window. To achieve this, Talgo designed different carriage bodies and used custom window sizes for first and second class, completely eliminating "wall seats."
8:20 Train Configuration & Special Areas: The 17-car train's layout is detailed, featuring a bicycle compartment with eight hanging spots, a dedicated carriage for "bahn.bonus" status customers, and the largest family area in the entire DB fleet with 46 seats and a playful design.
9:39 Redesigned Dining Car: The "Bordrestaurant" (dining car) has a new design, including four novel swivel chairs at a bar-style table. A notable change is the removal of the draft beer tap; only bottled beer will be available.
10:31 Launch & Unanswered Questions: The ICE L will initially be pulled by Siemens Vectron locomotives, as its dedicated, matching Talgo locomotives are not yet approved. The video concludes by noting that the final ride comfort of the unique single-wheel bogie system remains the biggest question to be answered once passenger service begins.