Green light for the future of Berlin’s S-Bahn
posted on 17th Jul 2026 15:36
On 16 July 2026 it was announced that S-Bahn Berlin, Siemens Mobility and Stadler Deutschland have won the tender for the Berlin S-Bahn. With receipt of the award notice, the contract is now legally binding. The three consortium partners are combining their expertise in operations, vehicle manufacturing and maintainance to provide passengers in Berlin and Brandenburg with a modern, high-performance and reliable S-Bahn system for decades to come.
The consortium will provide 350 four-car, fully walk-through trains for the Berlin S-Bahn system, ensure maintenance over a period of 30 years, and provide operations on the North–South and Stadtbahn sub-networks for 15 years.
The vehicles now ordered are an advancement of the current latest Class 483 and 484 EMUs that Siemens and Stadler delivered for the Berlin S-Bahn ring network. They were delivered on time and, since entering service, have already achieved more than 120 million km travelled with very high technical reliability. For the new tender for the Stadtbahn and North–South sub-networks, Stadler and Siemens have consistently refined this proven vehicle concept: with a modern driver’s cab, updated fire protection as well as cybersecurity measures meeting the latest requirements. The distinctive design of the vehicles remains unchanged.
The modern vehicles set new standards in comfort and accessibility. An optimized, bright interior concept by Stadler offers greater flexibility for different passenger needs. The newly designed multi-purpose area includes, among other features, a wheelchair space, a height-adjustable seat and additional options for companions of passengers with reduced mobility.
Comfortable temperatures on board are ensured by a completely redesigned air-conditioning system from Stadler using an environmentally friendly, halogen-free refrigerant. The innovative chilled-water technology meets the highest comfort requirements and reliably cools the interior even at high temperatures. A USB‑C charging port is provided at every second seat.
With the use of Railigent X from Siemens Mobility, maintenance of the new S-Bahn trains over the entire 30-year contract term will be managed via a central digital platform for data-driven maintenance and operations. By connecting vehicles, infrastructure and train IT and continuously analysing condition data, the system enables predictive maintenance and optimized maintenance processes. Additional cybersecurity services such as software maintenance and vulnerability monitoring ensure secure operation of systems and vehicles.
The trains will enter passenger service from early 2032. The principal technical data are as follows:
Supply voltage 750 V DC
Maximum speed 100 km/h
Power output 1,680 kW
Maximum acceleration 1.0 m/s²
Starting tractive effort 208 kN
Length over couplings 73.6 m
Vehicle width 3.14 m
Vehicle height 3.60 m above TOR
Current collection - side-mounted third rail
Number of passenger doors per side 12
Door width 1,300 mm
Total seats 190
Tip-up seats 40
Standing capacity 196
Stroller spaces Available
Bicycle areas Available
Wheelchair areas Available
Heiko Büttner, CEO of S-Bahn Berlin GmbH: “For more than 100 years, the S-Bahn has been ensuring the mobility of 1.4 million people every day. Together with our employees and our strong partners, I am very pleased to take on this important task with passion in the future as well.“
Michael Peter, CEO Siemens Mobility: “Berlin deserves a high-performing, sustainable and future-oriented S-Bahn system. As a technology company with Berlin roots, we have been connected to this city for generations. Together with our partners, we are making an important contribution to advancing mobility for millions of Berliners in the future as well. We are laying the foundation for strong and future-proof S-Bahn services in Berlin with digital technologies, intelligent maintenance and sustainable mobility solutions.“
Peter Spuhler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stadler Rail AG: “I am extremely pleased about this important contract, which Stadler will now implement together with our partners at S-Bahn Berlin and Siemens with full commitment and great enthusiasm. During the negotiations, I personally advocated for Berlin to receive as quickly as possible the modern S-Bahn trains that this great city deserves. With this contract, Stadler will in future manufacture all modern U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains for Berlin. The 350 trains will be built in Berlin and for Berlin.“
The decision is a strong signal for the economy of Berlin, Brandenburg and across Germany. The award secures thousands of jobs and sustainably strengthens regional value creation - from vehicle manufacturing through to maintenance fully anchored in the capital region.
