>>1281964It looks like the IC brand is being divided into two different things right now. In my area, IC 2 trains have been operating since 2015 (pic related). They are bi-level and have a top speed of 160 km/h. So the only thing setting them apart from Regional Express lines is that they stop at fewer stations and are more expensive.
The new Talgos are supposed to have a top speed of 230 km/h, which makes them faster than all existing ICs at 200 km/h. It also brings them closer to ICE. Along with the ICE 4 project, Deutsche Bahn's plan seems to be upgrading all ICs to ICE level, or at least very close.
For comparison, ICE 3 trains have top speeds of 320 or 330 km/h, ICE 4 can do 230 or 250 km/h. So the new Talgos would be very close to the ICE 4.
The Talgos are also supposed to be able to travel on unelectrified routes, so maybe they'll all be DMUs or they'll be compatible with diesel locomotives.
