Siemens Mireo Trains: Germany’s Rail Future with S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland

Introduction

Siemens Mobility has introduced its new regional train models for S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland at the Wegberg-Wildenrath Test Centre in Germany. The fleet, comprising 75 Mireo trains, is scheduled to begin service in the Leipzig region in December 2026.

Fleet Deployment

The new fleet will operate across approximately 10.6 million train kilometers annually, serving lines S1, S3, S4, S5, S5x, S6, and S30 in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. The order, valued at about €500 million, was awarded in December 2023. It includes 41 three-car Mireo trains for Die Länderbahn, 18 four-car trains for DB Regio, and 16 two-car Mireo Plus B battery-electric trains for ZVNL Schienenfahrzeug.

Contract and Consortium

The procurement and deployment of the new trains are managed by a consortium led by Zweckverband für den Nahverkehrsraum Leipzig (ZVNL), in collaboration with Nahverkehrsservice Sachsen-Anhalt, Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachsen, Öffentlicher Personennahverkehr Vogtland, and the Thuringian Ministry for Infrastructure and Agriculture.

Features and Amenities

The trains will offer seating for 100 to 200 passengers, depending on the configuration. Standard features include multi-purpose areas, bicycle spaces, first-class compartments, accessible entryways, free Wi-Fi, and charging ports, including wireless charging at some tables. A real-time information system for arrivals, departures, and connections is also included. Siemens Mobility has incorporated a window solution designed to improve mobile phone reception. The trains are designed with increased doors and expanded internal space to facilitate quicker boarding and alighting and improve timetable adherence.

Industry Perspective

According to ZVNL Association chairman and Nordsachsen District Administrator Kai Emanuel, the fleet modernization “is an important building block for the transport transition and the preservation of the industrial location.” Funding for the project comes from the Federal Republic of Germany and the Free State of Saxony within the framework of the Coal Regions Investment Act.

Conclusion

The new Mireo trains, including the battery-powered Mireo Plus B, are set to enhance mobility in the region starting in December 2026. The new trains will be providing more capacity, flexibility, and improved passenger comfort. Siemens Mobility has supplied 23 Mireo fleets with over 550 trains, which have collectively traveled more than 50 million kilometers. The Mireo platform features electric multiple units and battery or hydrogen-powered options.

Company Summary

Siemens Mobility: Siemens Mobility unveiled its latest regional train models for S-Bahn Mitteldeutschland. Siemens Mobility has supplied 23 Mireo fleets comprising more than 550 trains. The vehicles have exceeded 50 million kilometers in service. Siemens Mobility and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) have recently entered into a framework agreement to implement digital interlockings throughout the Swiss rail network.

Die Länderbahn: Die Länderbahn will receive 41 three-car Mireo trains.

DB Regio: DB Regio will receive 18 four-car trains.

ZVNL Schienenfahrzeug: ZVNL Schienenfahrzeug will receive 16 two-car Mireo Plus B battery-electric trains.

Zweckverband für den Nahverkehrsraum Leipzig (ZVNL): Zweckverband für den Nahverkehrsraum Leipzig (ZVNL) is leading the procurement and deployment of the new trains in conjunction with Nahverkehrsservice Sachsen-Anhalt, Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachsen, Öffentlicher Personennahverkehr Vogtland, and the Thuringian Ministry for Infrastructure and Agriculture. ZVNL Association chairman and Nordsachsen District Administrator Kai Emanuel said: “The modernisation and expansion of the fleet in the region is an important building block for the transport transition and the preservation of the industrial location.

Nahverkehrsservice Sachsen-Anhalt: Nahverkehrsservice Sachsen-Anhalt is collaborating on the procurement and deployment of the new trains.

Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachsen: Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachsen is collaborating on the procurement and deployment of the new trains.

Öffentlicher Personennahverkehr Vogtland: Öffentlicher Personennahverkehr Vogtland is collaborating on the procurement and deployment of the new trains.

Thuringian Ministry for Infrastructure and Agriculture: The Thuringian Ministry for Infrastructure and Agriculture is collaborating on the procurement and deployment of the new trains.

Technology

Mireo: Siemens Mobility’s Mireo trains are designed for regional and commuter rail services and include electric multiple units, battery-powered, and hydrogen-powered options. The new fleet includes battery-powered Mireo Plus B units. Siemens Mobility has supplied 23 Mireo fleets comprising more than 550 trains. The vehicles have exceeded 50 million kilometers in service.

Mireo Plus B: Mireo Plus B units are battery-powered trains designed for non-electrified routes.