Source: Falk2 - Wikimedia Commons
Class 105
Also known as:
BR 105
UIC / EVN numbering:
91 80 6105Vehicle type:
Registration country:
Railway companies:
Era:
VI
Built by:
Gauge:
Standard gauge (1'435 mm)
Wheel arrangement:
Bo'Bo'
Electric systems:
1,5 kV DC
15 kV AC / 16,7 Hz
25 kV AC / 50 Hz
15 kV AC / 16,7 Hz
25 kV AC / 50 Hz
Current collectors:
Pantograph - Asymmetrical
Service weight (t):
88 t
Power output (x'xxx kW / x'xxx hp):
6'400 kW
4'000 kW*
*1.5 kV DC
4'000 kW*
*1.5 kV DC
Tractive effort (kN / lbf | starting / continuous):
300 kN*
*starting
*starting
Maximum speed (km/h):
230 km/h
200 km/h*
*on 1.5 kV DC
200 km/h*
*on 1.5 kV DC
2019
February
The Talgo BR 105 locomotives are ordered by Deutsche Bahn (DB
Fernverkehr) as part of a contract signed in February 2019.
The contract includes:
- 23 complete ICE L trainsets (locomotive + coaches) in the initial firm order;
- an option for up to 100 trainsets in total (locomotive + coaches).
The Talgo BR 105 is a state-of-the-art multi-system electric locomotive designed by Talgo (Spain) for Deutsche Bahn’s (DB) new ICE L trains, a fleet of lightweight, high-speed push-pull trainsets intended for both domestic and international services. Specifically engineered for interoperability across European rail networks, the BR 105 is poised to play a key role in enhancing DB’s cross-border connectivity, especially on routes like Berlin–Amsterdam.
At first glance, the locomotive stands out with its sleek and compact silhouette, purposefully built to match the low-floor Talgo coaches. Measuring approximately 19.7 meters in length and weighing 88 tons, the BR 105 maintains a Bo’Bo’ wheel arrangement (four powered axles) with a reduced axle load of 22 tons, making it perfectly suited for high-speed operations on lightweight infrastructures.
Technically, the BR 105 is a multi-voltage locomotive, capable of operating under 15 kV AC, 25 kV AC, and 1.5 kV DC overhead lines, ensuring seamless transitions between different countries’ electrification systems. It boasts a maximum speed of 230 km/h, though it can operate up to 200 km/h on 1.5 kV DC lines. With a continuous power output of 6,400 kW (reduced to 4,000 kW under 1.5 kV DC), and a starting tractive effort of 300 kN, the BR 105 delivers a robust performance suitable for long-distance, high-speed operations.
The locomotive is equipped with an advanced train control suite, including PZB90, LZB, ATB, and the latest ETCS Baseline 3, ensuring it complies with both German domestic and international signaling standards. Its onboard systems are designed following the wire train bus (WTB) concept, allowing tight integration with Talgo’s articulated coach formations.
One of the BR 105’s defining features is its contribution to DB’s push for accessibility and efficiency. Paired with Talgo’s ICE L coaches, which feature a continuous 76 cm floor height, the locomotive enables step-free boarding across the entire train—an unprecedented advancement for long-distance services in Germany.
From a design perspective, the BR 105 combines functional engineering with aerodynamic efficiency. The front cab is streamlined to reduce air resistance while offering optimal driver visibility and ergonomics. Internally, the locomotive houses cutting-edge traction equipment and modular components for easier maintenance, emphasizing reliability and long service life.
Currently undergoing dynamic tests, the BR 105 has already reached speeds exceeding 250 km/h during homologation trials. The first units are set to enter commercial service by 2026, with a total of 79 locomotives on order.
The contract includes:
- 23 complete ICE L trainsets (locomotive + coaches) in the initial firm order;
- an option for up to 100 trainsets in total (locomotive + coaches).
The Talgo BR 105 is a state-of-the-art multi-system electric locomotive designed by Talgo (Spain) for Deutsche Bahn’s (DB) new ICE L trains, a fleet of lightweight, high-speed push-pull trainsets intended for both domestic and international services. Specifically engineered for interoperability across European rail networks, the BR 105 is poised to play a key role in enhancing DB’s cross-border connectivity, especially on routes like Berlin–Amsterdam.
At first glance, the locomotive stands out with its sleek and compact silhouette, purposefully built to match the low-floor Talgo coaches. Measuring approximately 19.7 meters in length and weighing 88 tons, the BR 105 maintains a Bo’Bo’ wheel arrangement (four powered axles) with a reduced axle load of 22 tons, making it perfectly suited for high-speed operations on lightweight infrastructures.
Technically, the BR 105 is a multi-voltage locomotive, capable of operating under 15 kV AC, 25 kV AC, and 1.5 kV DC overhead lines, ensuring seamless transitions between different countries’ electrification systems. It boasts a maximum speed of 230 km/h, though it can operate up to 200 km/h on 1.5 kV DC lines. With a continuous power output of 6,400 kW (reduced to 4,000 kW under 1.5 kV DC), and a starting tractive effort of 300 kN, the BR 105 delivers a robust performance suitable for long-distance, high-speed operations.
The locomotive is equipped with an advanced train control suite, including PZB90, LZB, ATB, and the latest ETCS Baseline 3, ensuring it complies with both German domestic and international signaling standards. Its onboard systems are designed following the wire train bus (WTB) concept, allowing tight integration with Talgo’s articulated coach formations.
One of the BR 105’s defining features is its contribution to DB’s push for accessibility and efficiency. Paired with Talgo’s ICE L coaches, which feature a continuous 76 cm floor height, the locomotive enables step-free boarding across the entire train—an unprecedented advancement for long-distance services in Germany.
From a design perspective, the BR 105 combines functional engineering with aerodynamic efficiency. The front cab is streamlined to reduce air resistance while offering optimal driver visibility and ergonomics. Internally, the locomotive houses cutting-edge traction equipment and modular components for easier maintenance, emphasizing reliability and long service life.
Currently undergoing dynamic tests, the BR 105 has already reached speeds exceeding 250 km/h during homologation trials. The first units are set to enter commercial service by 2026, with a total of 79 locomotives on order.
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Latest update on the 5th of August 2025 at 22:47
Contributor(s): Tudor C.
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