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Feature04 October 2018,
updated19 January 2021Siemens AG / Siemens Mobility GmbHMunich
The ICE 4 will be the backbone of the Deutsche Bahn's future long-distance network. In May 2011, the German national railway company concluded a framework agreement with Siemens Mobility for up to 300 trainsets. At this time the largest train contract that Siemens has ever won in its nearly 170 years of corporate history.
The ICE 4 sets new standards in intercity traffic. A unique train concept has been developed, that means it can be individually adapted to the requirements of various transport tasks. The modular drive concept is based on independent Powercars with identical traction technology, resulting in more flexibility than ever before. High operational availability is guaranteed by a large number of reliable systems with high redundancy.
All in all, DB will be receiving 1,511 cars with which it can configure 50 12-car, 50 13-car and 37 7-car trainsets. DB will keep two end cars in reserve. The 12-car and 13-car trainsets will be operated in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The shorter 7-car trains are planned for use in Germany and Austria.
In addition, Deutsche Bahn has awarded Siemens Mobility a contract for the revision of 40 ICE 4 trains.
The ICE 4 sets new standards in intercity traffic. A unique train concept has been developed, that means it can be individually adapted to the requirements of various transport tasks. The modular drive concept is based on independent Powercars with identical traction technology, resulting in more flexibility than ever before. High operational availability is guaranteed by a large number of reliable systems with high redundancy.
All in all, DB will be receiving 1,511 cars with which it can configure 50 12-car, 50 13-car and 37 7-car trainsets. DB will keep two end cars in reserve. The 12-car and 13-car trainsets will be operated in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The shorter 7-car trains are planned for use in Germany and Austria.
In addition, Deutsche Bahn has awarded Siemens Mobility a contract for the revision of 40 ICE 4 trains.
Press Pictures
Largest order - Siemens is building ICE 4 trains for Deutsche Bahn
All in all, DB will be receiving 1,511 cars with which it can configure 50 12-car, 50 13-car and 37 7-car trainsets. DB will keep two end cars in reserve. The 12-car and 13-car trainsets will be operated in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The shorter 7-car trains are planned for use in Germany and Austria.
Largest order - Siemens is building ICE 4 trains for Deutsche Bahn
All in all, DB will be receiving 1,511 cars with which it can configure 50 12-car, 50 13-car and 37 7-car trainsets. DB will keep two end cars in reserve. The 12-car and 13-car trainsets will be operated in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The shorter 7-car trains are planned for use in Germany and Austria.
Largest order - Siemens is building ICE 4 trains for Deutsche Bahn
All in all, DB will be receiving 1,511 cars with which it can configure 50 12-car, 50 13-car and 37 7-car trainsets. DB will keep two end cars in reserve. The 12-car and 13-car trainsets will be operated in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The shorter 7-car trains are planned for use in Germany and Austria.
Largest order - Siemens is building ICE 4 trains for Deutsche Bahn
The Sibas PN railway automation system deployed in the ICE 4 comprises a combination of control units and modules that communicate with one another via the train bus. They are responsible for control and information tasks. In addition, the systems are integrated to provide vehicle diagnostics as well as maintenance and commissioning support.
The ICE 4 - the new backbone of Deutsche Bahn’s long-distance network
The trainset concept of the ICE 4 was designed to offer the greatest possible operational flexibility. On the basis of five car types, 24 trainset configurations are possible in order to meet the varying needs for passenger capacity, top speed and route profiles. The concept is made possible by the newly developed power cars and a new train control system.
Quality assurance for the ICE 4
Comprehensive quality control measures, beginning with the very first prototype and type tests all the way to a months-long introductory phase with two trains before the ICE 4 enters service, are designed to guarantee the reliability of the train's technology. Components and parts of the train, such as traction system, air conditioning and electronic door-locking systems underwent extensive tests. In the end, the ICE 4 was subjected to around 1,000 tests and detailed inspections before reaching serial production.
Greater energy efficiency through reduced weight and improved aerodynamics
Compared with the ICE 1, the ICE 4 uses over 20 percent less energy per passenger and achieves top marks in the mass-to-seat ratio (simulated energy consumption). This is achieved with innovations such as the combination of lightweight, internally supported bogies and weight-optimized traction bogies as well as a new laser welding technology that substantially reduces weight. As a result, the weight of a twelve-car trainset with a length of 346 meters was reduced by around 100 tons compared to an ICE 1 of similar length. A raised roofline the length of the train, an optimized nose design and a streamlined roof on the end cars improve the train's aerodynamics.
A larger and more spacious galley with bistro
The train's galley is generously dimensioned and has an open counter area where passengers can purchase drinks or snacks to take to their seats or consume in the bistro.
Each ICE 4 has a restaurant car
All ICE 4 trains will have a restaurant car offering a wide selection of dishes. Up to 22 guests can sit here on comfortable bench seats and enjoy the culinary specialties and onboard service. The number of seats in the restaurant is coordinated with the respective trainset configuration and can be flexibly adjusted according to need.
The ICE 4 is a true world champion in usable space
To provide more seating rows for the same train length as an ICE 3, the seats in the ICE 4 were developed with a kinematic mechanism that requires less space while at the same offering better ergonomics and providing comfort needs such as more legroom and continuous adjustability of the seat position. All movements made by the seat adjustments are confined to the passenger's own space; the seatback shell itself does not move and adjustments can be made without infringing on the space of the passenger sitting behind. The ergonomically improved seats are especially comfortable on long trips.
Relaxed travel for families
A special compartment for infants is provided for the youngest passengers; the separate room provides a place for privacy during trips with babies and infants. In addition, a bathroom with diaper-changing table is located right next to the compartment. The compartment offers sufficient space for a family's luggage including baby carriage. Seats in this compartment can be specifically reserved.
Relaxed travel for families
A special compartment for infants is provided for the youngest passengers; the separate room provides a place for privacy during trips with babies and infants. In addition, a bathroom with diaper-changing table is located right next to the compartment. The compartment offers sufficient space for a family's luggage including baby carriage. Seats in this compartment can be specifically reserved.
For the first time, it's possible to take a bike on an ICE
All seats have an integrated reservation sign on the headrest of the aisle seat. Seats are numbered with clear reference to position (window/aisle). The seat numbers are in regular script and in Braille. All seats have a power outlet. The 1st class seats also have a reading lamp.
Orientation for blind or sight-impaired passengers
All seats have an integrated reservation sign on the headrest of the aisle seat. Seats are numbered with clear reference to position (window/aisle). The seat numbers are in regular script and in Braille. All seats have a power outlet. The 1st class seats also have a reading lamp.
Tactile floor guidance system provides orientation
Floor indicators provide helpful orientation, particularly to blind and sight-impaired passengers. The indicators are installed wherever there is no other tactile and clearly recognizable guidance. In addition, a tactile floor guidance system in the ICE 4 helps sight-impaired and blind passengers find their way in the train.
ICE 4 underway in public rail network for first time
As of today, the ICE 4 – the new high-speed train from Siemens built for German rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) – is underway in Germany's public rail network. Siemens began the train's first high-speed trials today. Beginning with a maximum speed of 160 kilometers an hour, speeds will be gradually increased to the top speed of 250 kilometers an hour. The test trials are being conducted by DB Systemtechnik.
ICE 4 underway in public rail network for first time
As of today, the ICE 4 – the new high-speed train from Siemens built for German rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) – is underway in Germany's public rail network. Siemens began the train's first high-speed trials today. Beginning with a maximum speed of 160 kilometers an hour, speeds will be gradually increased to the top speed of 250 kilometers an hour. The test trials are being conducted by DB Systemtechnik.
Largest order - Siemens is building ICE 4 trains for Deutsche Bahn
The ICE 4 will be the backbone of the Deutsche Bahn's future long-distance network. In May 2011, the German national railway company is concluding a framework agreement with Siemens Mobility for up to 300 trainsets. It is the largest train contract that Siemens has ever won in its more than 160 years of corporate history.
Largest order - Siemens is building ICE 4 trains for Deutsche Bahn
The Sibas PN railway automation system deployed in the ICE 4 comprises a combination of control units and modules that communicate with one another via the train bus. They are responsible for control and information tasks. In addition, the systems are integrated to provide vehicle diagnostics as well as maintenance and commissioning support.
Largest order - Siemens is building ICE 4 trains for Deutsche Bahn
The ICE 4's drive concept is based on the so called Powercar concept. To achieve a high degree of modularity and therefore flexibility, the components of the traction system – basically transformer, traction converter, cooler, and four traction motors – are implemented in autonomic, powered identical cars (Powercars) and integrated beneath the cars. All trainset configurations – from five to fourteen cars – are possible within certain framework conditions.
Largest order - Siemens is building ICE 4 trains for Deutsche Bahn
The ICE 4's power bogie is a further development of the tried-and-tested SF 500 family. This robust bogie meets high demands for bearing loads and traction forces and has already been successfully in use in highspeed transport and double-decker trains.
ICE 4 underway in public rail network for first time
As of today, the ICE 4 – the new high-speed train from Siemens built for German rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) – is underway in Germany's public rail network. Siemens began the train's first high-speed trials today. Beginning with a maximum speed of 160 kilometers an hour, speeds will be gradually increased to the top speed of 250 kilometers an hour. The test trials are being conducted by DB Systemtechnik.
ICE 4 underway in public rail network for first time
As of today, the ICE 4 – the new high-speed train from Siemens built for German rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) – is underway in Germany's public rail network. Siemens began the train's first high-speed trials today. Beginning with a maximum speed of 160 kilometers an hour, speeds will be gradually increased to the top speed of 250 kilometers an hour. The test trials are being conducted by DB Systemtechnik.
ICE 4 underway in public rail network for first time
As of today, the ICE 4 – the new high-speed train from Siemens built for German rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) – is underway in Germany's public rail network. Siemens began the train's first high-speed trials today. Beginning with a maximum speed of 160 kilometers an hour, speeds will be gradually increased to the top speed of 250 kilometers an hour. The test trials are being conducted by DB Systemtechnik.
ICE 4 underway in public rail network for first time
As of today, the ICE 4 – the new high-speed train from Siemens built for German rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) – is underway in Germany's public rail network. Siemens began the train's first high-speed trials today. Beginning with a maximum speed of 160 kilometers an hour, speeds will be gradually increased to the top speed of 250 kilometers an hour. The test trials are being conducted by DB Systemtechnik.
ICE 4 underway in public rail network for first time
As of today, the ICE 4 – the new high-speed train from Siemens built for German rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) – is underway in Germany’s public rail network. Siemens began the train’s first high-speed trials today. Beginning with a maximum speed of 160 kilometers an hour, speeds will be gradually increased to the top speed of 250 kilometers an hour. The test trials are being conducted by DB Systemtechnik.
Videos: The ICE 4 - the new backbone of Deutsche Bahn's long-distance network
Further Information
Infographics: The new ICE 4 from Siemens in numbers
Event Pictures
Deutsche Bahn honors Siemens as most innovative supplier
Deutsche Bahn honored Siemens today as its most innovative supplier. The Supplier Innovation Award was presented by Rüdiger Grube, CEO of Deutsche Bahn (DB), for the new Intercity ICE 4. Siemens was recognized for its development of a completely new vehicle concept that offers great operating flexibility. With this concept, DB can easily adapt to changing route requirements and passenger needs over the train's entire lifecycle.
In the picture from left to right: Jochen Eickholt, CEO Siemens Mobility Division; Sabrina Soussan, CEO Siemens Business Unit Mainline Transport; Rüdiger Grube, CEO of Deutsche Bahn (DB), and Martin Offer, Project Manager ICE 4 Siemens Mobility Division.
Premiere in Berlin: The ICE 4 is here!
The 12-car ICE 4 has a top speed of 250 kilometers an hour and a length of 346 meters. It offers a total of 830 seats, 205 in First Class and 625 in Second Class. The train's low weight and optimized aerodynamic design reduce energy consumption per seat by 22 percent compared to the ICE 1. The innovative traction concept with so-called power cars allows flexible configuration of the trains.
Premiere in Berlin: The ICE 4 is here!
In the photo, from left: Dr. Rüdiger Grube, CEO of Deutsche Bahn (DB); Alexander Dobrindt, Federal Minister for Transportation and Digital Infrastructure; Dr. Roland Busch, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG; Birgit Bohle, CEO of DB Fernverkehr AG; and Jochen Eickholt, head of Siemens' rail business, officially presented DB's new long-distance train, the ICE 4, to the public today. The ICE 4 marks a new dimension of quality assurance: It is the first high-speed train in Europe to undergo a months-long introductory phase before entering normal passenger service in December 2017. The purpose is to thoroughly test the reliability of the train's technology and systems under real-life conditions. Prior to this phase, over 250,000 test kilometers were successfully completed. During the introductory phase that begins late this fall, two ICE 4 trains will occasionally operate on the Hamburg - Hanover - Nuremberg - Munich line.
Premiere in Berlin: The ICE 4 is here!
Dr. Roland Busch, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG officially presented DB's new long-distance train, the ICE 4, to the public today. The ICE 4 marks a new dimension of quality assurance: It is the first high-speed train in Europe to undergo a months-long introductory phase before entering normal passenger service in December 2017. The purpose is to thoroughly test the reliability of the train's technology and systems under real-life conditions. Prior to this phase, over 250,000 test kilometers were successfully completed. During the introductory phase that begins late this fall, two ICE 4 trains will occasionally operate on the Hamburg – Hanover – Nuremberg – Munich line.
Premiere in Berlin: The ICE 4 is here!
In the photo, from left: The ICE 4 project team from Siemens, Deutsche Bahn and Bombardier Transportation, together with Jochen Eickholt, head of Siemens' rail business; Dr. Rüdiger Grube, CEO of Deutsche Bahn (DB); Dr. Roland Busch, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG; Birgit Bohle, CEO of DB Fernverkehr AG; and Alexander Dobrindt, Federal Minister for Transportation and Digital Infrastructure, present the new train for Germany to the public on September 14, 2016, in Berlin's Central Station.
Premiere in Berlin: The ICE 4 is here!
In the photo, from left: Roland Busch, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG; Sabrina Soussan, CEO Siemens Business Unit Mainline Transport; Dr. Rüdiger Grube, CEO of Deutsche Bahn (DB), Laurent Troger, CEO of Bombardier; and Jochen Eickholt, head of Siemens' rail business, officially presented DB's new long-distance train, the ICE 4, to the public today.
Train naming in Berlin: The ICE 4 is coming!
On December 4, 2015, Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Siemens officially launched the naming of the new long-distance train ICE 4 with the product designation ICE 4, Series 412 (BR 412).
In the picture (from right to left):
Jochen Eickholt, CEO of the Siemens Mobility Division, Rüdiger Grube, Chairman and CEO of Deutsche Bahn, Alexander Dobrindt, the German Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure
Train naming in Berlin: The ICE 4 is coming!
On December 4, 2015, Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Siemens officially launched the naming of the new long-distance train ICE 4 with the product designation ICE 4, Series 412 (BR 412).
The 12-car ICE 4 has an overall length of 346 meters and can reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h. It offers a total of 830 seats, 205 of which are in the first-class category. The twelve-car ICE 4 consists of two end cars, a restaurant car, eight passenger coaches, and a service car with a family compartment. The ICE 4 consumes 22 percent less power per seat than the redesigned ICE 1, with its twelve cars and two traction units.
In the picture (from right to left):
Rüdiger Grube, Chairman and CEO of Deutsche Bahn, Alexander Dobrindt, the German Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, Jochen Eickholt, CEO of the Siemens Mobility Division
Train naming in Berlin: The ICE 4 is coming!
On December 4, 2015, Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Siemens officially launched the naming of the new long-distance train ICE 4 with the product designation ICE 4, Series 412 (BR 412).
The 12-car ICE 4 has an overall length of 346 meters and can reach a maximum speed of 250 km/h. It offers a total of 830 seats, 205 of which are in the first-class category. The twelve-car ICE 4 consists of two end cars, a restaurant car, eight passenger coaches, and a service car with a family compartment. The ICE 4 consumes 22 percent less power per seat than the redesigned ICE 1, with its twelve cars and two traction units.