Siemens Mobility has unveiled the models for its new regional train fleets that will serve the S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland network, with a public presentation held at the Wegberg-Wildenrath Test Center. The project involves 75 Mireo trains, including battery-powered units, and represents Siemens Mobility’s largest order to date for its Mireo platform. The contract, valued at around 500 million euros, was awarded in December 2023.
The new fleet is scheduled to begin service in December 2026 and aims to enhance public transport across the Leipzig region. Operators involved include Die Länderbahn (DLB), which will receive 41 three-car trains; DB Regio AG, set to operate 18 four-car trains; and ZVNL Schienenfahrzeug GmbH, which will use 16 two-car battery-powered trains on non-electrified routes.
Thomas Graetz, Head of Regional Trains and Commuter Rail at Siemens Mobility, said: "We are very pleased that, starting in December 2026, these state-of-the-art Mireo trains, including the innovative, battery-powered Mireo Plus B, will significantly strengthen mobility in this region. ZVNL, Länderbahn, and DB Regio will receive more capacity, flexibility, and maximum passenger comfort. The contract awarded in December 2023 for a total of 75 highly modern Mireo trains is the largest single order for this train model in Siemens Mobility's history. It underscores the strong market position of the Mireo platform, of which we have already successfully placed 23 fleets with a total of over 550 trains."
Kai Emanuel, Chairman of the ZVNL Association and District Administrator of Nordsachsen, highlighted government support: “The modernization and expansion of the fleet in the region is an important building block for the transport transition and the preservation of the industrial location. This project is funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and the Free State of Saxony within the framework of the Coal Regions Investment Act."
Christa Singer from DB Regio Südost commented on local impact: "The S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland is the backbone of local transport in the Central German region. It connects the region with the Leipzig/Halle metropolitan area. We are delighted to put these modern, comfortable, and environmentally friendly vehicles into operation. Only with attractive offers will we succeed in the mobility transition of public transport together with our partners."
Stephan Naue from Länderbahn GmbH added: "The S3, S5, andS5x lines, including the Halle – Leipzig section, which Länderbahn will operatein future, are characterized by particularly high passenger demand. Thedeployment of the Mireos with their generously designed interiors is a crucialcomponent for ensuring that we offer reliable transport services and act as asustainable mobility partner for the region."
The new trains are designed to improve passenger experience through features such as increased seating—100 seats on two-car units up to 200 on four-car units—spacious multi-purpose areas for bicycles or strollers, first-class sections with leather seats, free Wi-Fi access throughout all cars, barrier-free entryways for improved accessibility as well as real-time travel information systems. There are also numerous power outlets and USB ports available; some tables may allow wireless smartphone charging.
Siemens Mobility’s high-frequency window technology aims to improve mobile phone reception inside carriages. More doors per vehicle should speed up boarding processes and help keep services punctual.
Energy efficiency is also a focus; Siemens reports up to a 25 percent reduction in energy use compared to similar-capacity trains thanks to design improvements. Additionally, up to 95 percent of each train can be recycled at end-of-life.
Deployment across various lines—including S1 (using battery-electric models), S3/S5/S5x (three-car models), and others—will cover approximately 10.6 million train kilometers annually once operations begin.
The joint commissioning was led by Zweckverband für den Nahverkehrsraum Leipzig (ZVNL) alongside several regional authorities from Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia.
Siemens has previously delivered over 550 Mireo units worldwide since launching this platform; collectively they have traveled more than 50 million kilometers without major reliability issues.