With new seats and a modified interior design in the ICE, Deutsche Bahn wants to attract more passengers to its trains.

Travelers will be able to see the new design for the first time in December 2023 on a train of the new ICE 3neo, as DB announced on Wednesday.

From this point on, the equipment will be installed in all newly procured long-distance trains.

CEO Richard Lutz spoke of a "small design revolution".

The focus is on the redesigned seats, where upholstery, upholstery and adjustability have been revised.

There are also additional sockets and storage areas on the seat, as well as light oak veneer and warm lighting that are intended to make the trains more homely.

There is also a tablet holder and coat hooks on each backrest, the covers are made of "high-quality fabric with 85 percent wool".

In the second class blue tones are provided, in the first class gray tones.

The Bahn boss said at the presentation: "Travel, work, relax - and at 300 kilometers per hour feel as comfortable as in your own living room: The new design is geared to the demands of our passengers for modern travel comfort."

Robust materials

Trains are used for several decades, emphasized the DB.

"In addition to a timeless design, durable, hard-wearing materials are required."

On average, four travelers use a seat on the ICE every day - "that's 1,500 times a year".

The new materials have been extensively and intensively tested for abrasion, light resistance and cleaning results.

The previous design of most ICE dates largely from the 1990s.

When the new ICE4 was introduced in 2017, there was great criticism of the seats.

The train finally exchanged them.

To ensure that this does not happen again, 900 passengers tested the seats of the new design in advance.

It is intended for new trains only, existing vehicles will not be upgraded.