The new model can be viewed at Königsplatz during the IAA Mobility. Both Deutsche Bahn and the State of Bavaria have high expectations for the new fleet.
Instead of the familiar red-and-white, the Munich S-Bahn could appear in a white-and-blue design starting in 2028. That is when the new model is expected to begin service on Munich’s rail network and in the surrounding region. Manufactured by Siemens Mobility, the trains will be continuous units up to 200 meters in length. Until now, such lengths were only achieved by coupling three separate train units into so-called long trains. With the new design, the vehicles will be able to carry more than 1,800 passengers and, according to Munich S-Bahn, potentially replace up to 1,500 cars during rush hour.
At the IAA Mobility, Evelyn Palla, Board Member for Regional Transport at Deutsche Bahn, presented the new trains at Königsplatz and raised expectations: the new S-Bahn vehicles should be significantly more reliable. Their technology requires far less maintenance, leading to greater capacity, improved punctuality, and enhanced comfort, Palla explained. Enlarged door areas will also speed up passenger boarding and exiting.
Siemens CEO Roland Busch called the train “the most modern S-Bahn in Germany,” designed and built in Bavaria. According to him, the automated operating system and early detection of technical issues will deliver greater efficiency and reliability. The trains will be equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and windows that allow mobile signals to pass through. In addition, they will feature a comprehensive passenger information system. An LED strip on the outside will display the line color, while numerous interior displays will provide real-time updates on disruptions and the location of elevators at stations. The trains are also highly accessible and include a powerful air conditioning system designed to maintain comfort even in temperatures up to 45 degrees Celsius.
The cost of more than two billion euros for the 90 new trains will be covered by the State of Bavaria. Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) emphasized at the presentation that a city like Munich cannot function without the S-Bahn. That is why the state continues to invest in this vital transport system. Until now, he remarked, taking the S-Bahn has often been a “thrilling experience” because passengers never knew whether the train would actually arrive. With the new model, that is expected to change.
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