In December 2015 DB Regio subsidiary S-Bahn Berlin awarded a consortium of Stadler Pankow and Siemens a framework contract to supply up to 1380 vehicles, with the initial order for 106 trains comprising 85 four-car class 484 and 21 two-car class 483 sets.

Siemens is supplying electrical components including traction converters, auxiliary converters, the train control system, passenger information systems, bogies, and brakes. Stadler is chiefly responsible for mechanical systems including carbodies, interior fittings, seats, doors, and air conditioning.

Aluminium bodyshells are being fabricated and painted at Stadler’s plant in Szolnok, Hungary, with final assembly taking place at Pankow. The first train will be transferred from Pankow to Stadler’s test track at Velten in Berlin in the next few days for the start of dynamic testing. This phase will include the installation of software and testing of all electrical and mechanical equipment.

The train will then be transferred to Siemens’ testing and validation centre at Wildenrath. “Here we will thoroughly check the train under real operating conditions and simulate extreme situations with static or dynamic tests as part of the certification process,” says head of Siemens’ S-Bahn and regional trains unit, Mr Müslüm Yakisan.

S-Bahn Berlin is investing around €900m in the new fleet and associated modifications to its depot at Grünau.

The first 10 pre-series trains will enter service on Line S47 from Südkreuz to Spindlersfeld on January 1 2021. Delivery of the initial batch of series trains will be completed by 2023.

The first class 484 is due to go on display at the InnoTrans exhibition in Berlin in September.

Berlin S Bahn484 interior LARGE