Munich presents new XXL S-Bahn at IAA Mobility
At this year’s IAA Mobility in Munich, the Free State of Bavaria, Deutsche Bahn (DB) and Siemens unveiled a full-scale walk-in model of the new S-Bahn trains that will enter service around the Bavarian capital from 2028. The model can be visited free of charge at Königsplatz during the fair.
IAA Mobility has in recent years broadened its scope to cover all modes of transport, including rail. This made it the platform for presenting Munich’s next generation of suburban trains to the wider public and decision-makers.
The project marks a major investment in local and regional rail, with trains of over 200 meters designed for faster boarding, higher capacity and improved accessibility. Features include level boarding, dedicated areas for wheelchairs and bicycles, digital passenger information on 168 displays, and Bluetooth-enabled announcements for hearing aid users. The trains will also be equipped with ETCS and Automatic Train Operation, supporting Germany’s wider rail digitalisation plans.
According to Evelyn Palla, DB’s Board Member for Regional Transport, “the new S-Bahn sets a standard for comfort and reliability while allowing faster operations.” Speaking at the launch on Königsplatz, Bavaria’s transport minister Christian Bernreiter underlined that passenger feedback was directly incorporated in the design process.
For policymakers and operators, the launch illustrates that regional rolling stock renewal is increasingly tied to EU priorities:
Digitalisation – new S-Bahn trains come ready for ETCS and ATO.
Accessibility – step-free access, digital passenger info and inclusive design.
Modal shift – higher capacity and faster operations support rail’s role in climate targets.
The Munich project also shows a model likely to influence other investments:
Public funding from Bavaria.
Manufacturer innovation from Siemens and DB.
Passenger involvement in the design process.
The mock-up will remain available for further testing near the new S-Bahn depot in Pasing-Langwied once the IAA closes, ahead of planned service launch in late 2028.