IC5

The DSB Class ES is an electric multiple unit to be used by the Danish State Railways (DSB). The trains go by the name IC5 and are constructed by Alstom in Poland and Germany.

DSB IC5, Photo of the Dutch Coradia Stream.

DSB IC5, Alstom

Model of prototype bullet train, the former model of DSB IC5 train, Two prototype wagon sets in operation at DSB in the period 1981-1992, this train APO-Lightning Train, IC5, were two locomotive-hauled five-car trainsets developed by DSB in the late 1970s and put into operation in the early 1980s. The purpose was to develop a new type of train for regional traffic, and although the trains did not have a long career at DSB, the experiences with the prototype express trains formed the basis for many of the ideas that were further developed when the IC3 trains were developed.

View from Traffic Tower East - IC5 workshop

DSB Class ES
Stock type	Electric multiple unit
Manufacturer	Alstom
Assembly	Katowice, Poland Salzgitter, Germany
Family name	Coradia Stream
Replaced	IC4 (Class MG)
Entered service	2027 (originally 2024)
Formation	5 cars
Capacity	300 passengers
Operators	DSB
Specifications
Train length	109.4 m (359 ft)
Width	2,820 mm (111 in)
Height	4,965 mm (195.5 in)
Floor height	620 mm (24 in)
Wheel diameter	840–920 mm (33–36 in)
Maximum speed	200 km/h (125 mph)
Traction motors	8
Power output	7,950 hp (5,930 kW)
Electric system(s)	25 kV AC 50 Hz
Current collection	Pantograph
UIC classification	Bo’2’2’Bo’+Bo’2’Bo
Safety system(s)	ETCS BL 3
Track gauge	1435mm (Standard Gauge)

This article is about the electric multiple unit for use in Denmark. For the Swiss railway service, see InterCity (Switzerland).

Overview

History

On April 12, 2021, DSB announced that it would be acquiring 100 trains from Alstom. The investment was worth 2.6 billion euros.^[1] In April 2022 the name of the train was revealed as IC5. A month later in May 2022 the entry into service for the trains was delayed from December 2024 to mid 2025. On May 11, 2023, a mockup was revealed in Copenhagen.^[2] In November 2023 a second delay was announced, pushing back the entry into service all the way to 2027.^[3] Alstom and DSB received the Red Dot Design Award for the design of the IC5 on June 21, 2024.^[4][5]

The first unit began testing at the Velim facility on September 1st, 2024.^[6]

An additional 50 units were ordered on July 2nd, 2025, bringing the total amount of trains to 150.^[7]

DSB announced on September 18, 2025 that the first IC5 train had arrived in Denmark. On the same day it was presented to the public.^[8][9] The first trainset actually arrived in Denmark around a week earlier.^[10]

Two new workshops in Aarhus and Copenhagen are being built specifically for the IC5.^[9]

Design and features

The IC5 uses a different bodyshell compared to the other Coradia Stream units such as NS' ICNG and Trentalia's Pop trains. It is the 3rd cab design used for the Coradia Stream.^[11]

The livery is similar to that of DSB's other trains. It uses a completely red bodyshell, with the end cars using a black mask-like design. To comply with TSI regulations the doors on the outside are grey and they are red on the inside.^[12]

The seats in the interior feature individual power outlets, coat hangers, armrests, and reclining tables. A catering area is also present in the interior. It includes vending machines and is accessible to all passengers. Adjacent to the catering area is a wheelchair space which can accommodate 2 wheelchairs as well as a toilet.^[12]