ICE 4

Around 2008 Deutsche Bahn began the tendering process to replace locomotive/coach trainsets on its long distance subsidiary, DB Fernverkehr's, InterCity and EuroCity train services. The initial announcement suggested that the tender would be for 100 to 130 trainsets. No specific train type was specified and DB did not intend to become involved with the design process - both locomotive-hauled trains such as Railjet or variations on the ICE 3 EMU design were considered to be options. The new trains were to be branded ICX and were expected to be similar in aesthetic design to the ICE3 trains; the design speed was expected to be in the {{cvt|200|to|250|km/h|round=5}} range and to improve upon the energy efficiency of the units it replaced.

The scope of the procurement was later expanded to include replacements for the ICE 1 and ICE 2 trains with a top speed of up to {{cvt|280|km/h|round=5}}, and the size of the order increased to up to 300 trains. Bids were received from Alstom and Siemens, with the Siemens bid including Bombardier Transportation as a subcontractor. Initial bids made in 2009 were said to be too high by DB, being over €5 billion. In 2010, DB announced that Siemens had been chosen as the preferred bidder for the procurement scheme, and on 9 May 2011 DB and Siemens signed a contract for 130 ICx trains, plus a further 90 trainsets to be formalised at a later date, with an option for a further 80 sets. The trains were to be delivered by 2030, with the value of the 220 train deal estimated at around €6 billion. Siemens' share of the contract for the intercity sets was later reported as being worth €3.7 billion to the company, reported to be the "biggest order in the company's history".{{citation | url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/business/single-view/view/rail-win-drives-siemens-growth.html?sword_list%5B%5D=icx&no_cache=1 | title = Rail win drives Siemens growth | date = 29 December 2011 | work = www.railwaygazette.com | access-date = 24 September 2015 | archive-date = 26 September 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150926095548/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/business/single-view/view/rail-win-drives-siemens-growth.html?sword_list%5B%5D=icx&no_cache=1 | url-status = dead }}

In 2011 Siemens awarded Bombardier Transportation a subcontract for its contribution to the project valued at €2.2 billion, of which €1.3 billion was for the 130 'intercity' trains. Bombardier's contract included aerodynamic optimisation of the design, and supply of the bodyshells - initially expected to come from its Görlitz plant, with driving vehicle assembly to take place at its Hennigsdorf plant, and Flexx Eco bogies manufactured at its plant in Siegen. The change in the initial order from 10 to 12 car ICE replacement trains (170 additional vehicles) resulted in a €336 million increase in the value of Bombardier's order.{{citation| url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/bombardier-signs-icx-variation-order.html?sword_list%5B%5D=icx&no_cache=1| title = Bombardier signs ICx variation order| date = 8 April 2013| work = www.railwaygazette.com| access-date = 24 September 2015| archive-date = 3 October 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171003174252/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/bombardier-signs-icx-variation-order.html?sword_list%5B%5D=icx&no_cache=1| url-status = dead}}

Bodyshells are also to be supplied from Bombardier's Wrocław plant (Poland).{{citation| url = http://biznes.onet.pl/wiadomosci/kraj/najwiekszy-kontrakt-w-historii-giganta-pudla-icx-beda-powstawac-w-polsce/331j4t| title = Najwiekszy kontrakt w historii giganta. Pudla ICx beda powstawac w Polsce| date = 17 June 2011| work = biznes.onet.pl| language = pl| access-date = 18 June 2015| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150620220918/http://biznes.onet.pl/wiadomosci/kraj/najwiekszy-kontrakt-w-historii-giganta-pudla-icx-beda-powstawac-w-polsce/331j4t| archive-date = 20 June 2015| url-status = dead}} In 2015 Bombardier contracted Panattoni Europe to build an additional {{cvt|18357|m2}} manufacturing hall for the Wrocław plant, initially to be used for the construction of the ICx trains.{{citation| url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/business/single-view/view/bombardier-to-expand-wroclaw-factory.html| title = Bombardier to expand Wroclaw factory| date = 24 September 2015| work = www.railwaygazette.com| access-date = 24 September 2015| archive-date = 3 October 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171003075439/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/business/single-view/view/bombardier-to-expand-wroclaw-factory.html| url-status = dead}}

Faiveley was awarded (late 2011/early 2012) contracts to supply brake equipment, including magnetic track brakes, and electropneumatic brake systems; as well as doors and air conditioning systems for the 130 unit intercity order.{{citation| url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/world-rolling-stock-market-november-2011.html?sword_list%5B%5D=icx&no_cache=1| title = World rolling stock market November 2011| date = 25 November 2011| work = www.railwaygazette.com| access-date = 24 September 2015| archive-date = 24 September 2018| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180924110015/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/world-rolling-stock-market-november-2011.html?sword_list%5B%5D=icx&no_cache=1| url-status = dead}}{{citation| url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/world-rolling-stock-market-february-2012.html?sword_list%5B%5D=icx&no_cache=1| title = World rolling stock market Feb 2012| date = 20 February 2012| work = www.railwaygazette.com| access-date = 24 September 2015| archive-date = 24 September 2018| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180924105841/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/world-rolling-stock-market-february-2012.html?sword_list%5B%5D=icx&no_cache=1| url-status = dead}}

Voith was contracted to supply parts of the nose of the trainsets, including GFRP cabin, the nose module and its opening hatches, coupling systems, and snow deflector.{{citation| url = http://www.voith.com/en/products-services/power-transmission/scharfenberg-front-end-systems/frontsystem-icx-41812.html| title = Front End System Including Nose Flaps ICx, Germany| publisher= Voith| access-date = 24 September 2015}}{{citation| url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/lightweight-rolling-stock-components.html?sword_list%5B%5D=icx&no_cache=1| title = Lightweight rolling stock components| date = 10 July 2014| work = www.railwaygazette.com| access-date = 24 September 2015| archive-date = 26 September 2015| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150926104131/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/lightweight-rolling-stock-components.html?sword_list[]=icx&no_cache=1| url-status = dead}}

Construction of the trainsets was expected to start in 2013, with two pre-production trains delivered by 2016. With Alstom taking over Bombardier’s rail business in January 2021, Bombardier’s manufacturing responsibility of remaining sets on order were transferred to Alstom.

File:Siemens ICx Bugklappe InnoTrans 2014.JPG ICx front end 'mockup', InnoTrans 2014]]

The initial contract with Siemens, signed 2011 specified a design allowing flexible train make-up (between 5 and 14 units),{{sfn|Siemens factsheet|2011|p=4}} with 24 different variants described; each composed of motor cars, and trailer cars. Two main variants were: a seven car, 499 seat trainset with 3 motor cars (K1n) and a top speed of {{cvt|230|km/h|round=5}} - these were to replace locomotive hauled trains; the second was a ten car, 724 seat variant with 5 power cars (K3s) and a top speed of {{cvt|250|km/h|round=5}}, to replace ICE1 and ICE2 trains - the replacements were expected to be 20 tonnes lighter than the trains they replaced, resulting in claimed energy savings of 30%

Each trainset was to have a restaurant/bistro car, cycle storage, and a designated 'family area'.

The exterior design received a Red Dot design award in 2015.{{citation| url = http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/long-distance-icx-train-receives-red-dot-design-award-tsx-bbd.b-2034184.htm| title = Long-Distance ICx Train Receives Red Dot Design Award| date = 30 June 2015| type = Press Release| publisher = Bombardier}}

The K3 trains are to be for Germany, Austria and Switzerland, 12 of the K1 trains are to be operated into the Netherlands.{{sfn|Siemens factsheet|2011|p=23}}

On 5 March 2013, DB announced that it had approved a 12 car {{cvt|250|km/h|round=5}} train configuration that would raise capacity over, and replace in the base order, the existing 10 car train - seating capacity would increase from 724 seats to 830 seats. The order was altered in expectation of growing ridership for DB's long-distance services. In 2020, DB announced a further order of a 13-car configuration, with increased passenger capacity and a higher top speed. The 12-part ICE4 of the K3s classification will also be upgraded to {{cvt|265|km/h|round=5}}.

File:ICx Rheydt.JPG ]]

By 2013 DB had selected a site in Nippes, Cologne for a maintenance depot for all of its ICE fleet including future ICx trains.{{citation| url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/news-in-brief-january-2012.html?sword_list%5B%5D=icx&no_cache=1| title = News in Brief - January 2013| date = 1 January 2013| work = www.railwaygazette.com| access-date = 24 September 2015| archive-date = 9 April 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160409103351/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/news-in-brief-january-2012.html?sword_list%5B%5D=icx&no_cache=1| url-status = dead}}

In April 2015 DB Systemtechnik began climatic testing on the ICx cab and other components.{{citation| url =http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/high-speed/db-systemtechnik-carries-out-icx-inspections.html| title = DB Systemtechnik carries out ICx inspections |first = Keith| last = Barrow| date = 24 April 2015| work = www.railjournal.com }} Mainline test runs by DB Systemtechnik began on 25 September 2015.{{citation| url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/icx-test-running-begins.html| title = ICx test running begins| date = 25 September 2015| work = www.railwaygazette.com| access-date = 25 September 2015| archive-date = 7 July 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170707150715/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/icx-test-running-begins.html| url-status = dead}}

One pre-series-production trainset was formally unveiled at Berlin Südkreuz on 4 December 2015. The trainsets were re-branded ICE 4 at the same time (see also Intercity-Express), and given the network classification Class 412.{{citation| url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/icx-becomes-ice-4.html| title = ICx becomes ICE 4| date = 7 December 2015| work = www.railwaygazette.com| access-date = 7 December 2015| archive-date = 7 July 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170707150646/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/icx-becomes-ice-4.html| url-status = dead}}

On 16 September 2016, Siemens announced that the ICE 4 had been approved for operation by Federal Railway Authority ({{lang|de|Eisenbahn-Bundesamt}}, EBA). Trial passenger operations commenced on Hamburg - Würzburg - Munich services on 31 October 2016 with full service expected from December 2017.{{cite news|url=http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/high-speed/ice-4-enters-trial-passenger-operation.html|title=ICE 4 enters passenger service|publisher=International Railway Journal|date=1 November 2016}}

On 26 September 2018, the DB board approved the purchase of 18 additional seven-car trainsets and 50 individual cars to be added to trainsets then on order.{{cite web | url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/more-ice4s-ordered-as-db-spends-EUR1bn-on-inter-city-fleet.html | title=More ICE4s ordered as DB spends €1bn on inter-city fleet | publisher=Railway Gazette International | date=27 September 2018 | access-date=8 October 2018}}

On 4 April 2019 it was announced that due to problems with the carriage frames of the ICE 4 trains,{{citation| url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-deutsche-bahn-trains-siemens-bombardi-idUSKCN1RG1YA| title = Deutsche Bahn asks Siemens and Bombardier to fix train quality issues|date = 4 April 2019 | work = reuters.com}} Deutsche Bahn would not take delivery of any further trains. Manufacturers Siemens and Bombardier Transportation were asked by DB to fix the issues.

On 17 July 2019 it was announced that Siemens, Bombardier, and Deutsche Bahn had come to an agreement in which Siemens and Bombardier would fix the trains, which were deemed safe, between 2020 and mid-2023. Further, Deutsche Bahn would begin immediately accepting more deliveries of the trains.{{Cite web|url=https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/deutsche-bahn-resumes-acceptance-ice-4-trains|title = Deutsche Bahn resumes acceptance of ICE 4 trains}}

In 2020, it was announced that up to 50 13-car configurations would be put into service from 2021, known publicly as "XXL-ICE" trains. These longer trains will be 374 meters long, and carry up to 918 passengers. Their top speed will also be higher than other models, at {{cvt|265|km/h|round=5}}.{{cite web |title=Final 12-Car ICE 4 Delivered and Named 'Metropole Ruhr' |url=https://railway-news.com/final-12-car-ice-4-delivered-and-named-metropole-ruhr/ |website=Railway News |date=5 October 2020 |access-date=12 May 2021}}{{cite web |title=Largest order: Siemens is building ICE 4 trains for Deutsche Bahn |url=https://press.siemens.com/global/en/feature/largest-order-siemens-building-ice-4-trains-deutsche-bahn |website=Siemens (Press Release) |access-date=12 May 2021}}{{cite web |title=Über 900 Sitzplätze – Deutsche Bahn plant Einsatz von XXL-ICE (in German) |url=https://bahnblogstelle.net/2020/10/04/ueber-900-sitzplaetze-deutsche-bahn-plant-einsatz-von-xxl-ice/ |website=Bahn Blog Stelle |access-date=12 May 2021}}{{cite web |title=Hamburg–Berlin im Halbstundentakt (In German) |url=https://www.deutschebahn.com/de/presse/pressestart_zentrales_uebersicht/Hamburg-Berlin-im-Halbstundentakt-5668352 |website=Deutsche Bahn |access-date=12 May 2021}} In April 2023 the final 13-car train was delivered.

In June 2023 the outstanding orders for the ICE 4 were fulfilled with the delivery of the 137th unit, a 7-car train. Deutsche Bahn for now has chosen to further expand its ICE fleet with the ICE 3 Neo (Class 408) and ICE L.

The seven-car sets, K1s (former classification K1n), are formed as follows.{{sfn|Fahrzeuglexikon|2021|pp=117-125}}

The 12-car sets, K3s, are formed as follows.{{sfn|Fahrzeuglexikon|2021|pp=127-141}}

The 13-car sets, K4s, are formed as follows.{{sfn|Fahrzeuglexikon|2021|pp=143-159}}

• Intercity Express Programme, contemporary procurement programme for UK high speed and intercity trains
• Siemens Velaro, high speed train
• List of high-speed trains

{{Reflist|refs=

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{{cite news | url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/db-and-siemens-sign-icx-contract.html | title=DB and Siemens sign ICx contract | date=9 May 2011 | publisher=Railway Gazette International | access-date=21 August 2011 | archive-date=9 August 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809051946/https://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/db-and-siemens-sign-icx-contract.html | url-status=dead }}

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{{harvnb|Siemens factsheet|2011}}

}}

• {{citation|url=http://www.siemens.com/press/pool/de/events/2011/industry/mobility/2011-05-icx/siemens-icx-factsheet-e.pdf |title=The ICx - A new era in the Deutsche Bahn's main-line service |date=9 May 2011 |publisher=Siemens AG / Deutsche Bahn |ref={{harvid|Siemens factsheet|2011}} |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121202210720/http://www.siemens.com/press/pool/de/events/2011/industry/mobility/2011-05-icx/siemens-icx-factsheet-e.pdf |archive-date=2 December 2012 }}
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{{Commons category inline|DBAG Class 412}}

• {{citation |url=http://www.mobility.siemens.com/mobility/global/en/interurban-mobility/rail-solutions/high-speed-and-intercity-trains/icx/Pages/icx.aspx |title=The ICx - the new DB platform |work=Siemens Mobility |access-date=21 March 2013 |archive-date=7 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707030736/https://www.mobility.siemens.com/mobility/global/en/interurban-mobility/rail-solutions/high-speed-and-intercity-trains/icx/Pages/icx.aspx |url-status=dead }}
• {{citation| url = http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/siemens-icx-high-speed-trains-germany/| title = Siemens ICx Next Generation High-Speed Trains, Germany| work =www.railway-technology.com}}

{{German ICE class}}

{{German EMUs}}

{{High-speed rail}}

Category:Electric multiple units of Germany

Category:Passenger trains running at least at 250 km/h in commercial operations

Category:15 kV AC multiple units

Category:Siemens Velaro

Category:Siemens multiple units

Category:Bombardier Transportation multiple units

Category:Train-related introductions in 2017