New generation of tailor-made light rail vehicles for Stuttgart sets new standards in passenger comfort

With their powerful drive system, the vehicles can climb gradients equivalent to three storeys and operate through the city's tunnel network. Tailor-made for Stuttgart's challenging topography and the requirements of both SSB and its passengers, the new-generation S-DT8.16 light rail vehicles are anything but standard. Stadler is manufacturing a total of 70 bespoke vehicles for Stuttgart at its Berlin plant.

Focus on customer requirements

Sixty light rail vehicles from the previous model generation, along with three rack-and-pinion vehicles from Stadler, are already operating successfully in Stuttgart.

"We have based the development of the new generation of tailor-made light rail vehicles on feedback from our passengers. At the same time, the new vehicles are intended to reflect the continuous evolution of Stuttgart's fleet. The new series is a striking flagship for the capital of Baden-Württemberg," emphasises Thomas Moser, Chief Technical Officer and Spokesman for the SSB Executive Board. "We have a long-standing and successful partnership with Stadler."

High-performance and flexible operation thanks to all-axle drive

The new light rail vehicles are equipped with an all-axle drive system, ensuring high availability and reliable traction even under demanding track conditions.

"This technical feature is not standard in the light rail sector. Combining the diverse requirements arising from the city's topography, passenger expectations, and SSB's operational needs in a single vehicle was a complex task. However, thanks to the technical expertise of both teams, we have jointly developed a vehicle that provides a future-proof solution for all parties involved," says Dr Manuela Falter, member of the Projects & Governance Division Management at Stadler Germany.

Thanks to their bidirectional capability, the new light rail vehicles can be deployed with great flexibility. They are designed for operation on both above-ground routes, including dedicated track beds and mixed-traffic road networks, as well as in tunnel sections. In addition, the vehicles are equipped with modern passenger information and driver assistance systems.

Greater comfort for up to 250 passengers

The new vehicles can accommodate up to 250 passengers. They feature an open interior layout with four multi-purpose areas, increased freedom of movement, and a reduced entry height to improve accessibility for wheelchair users and passengers with pushchairs. In addition, the driver's cab has been optimised.

Described as a 'masterpiece'

The design of the new tailor-made light rail vehicles has received several prestigious awards, including the German Design Award, Red Dot and IF Design Award 2025 and the international Focus Open Gold 2024. These accolades demonstrate that good design is about more than aesthetics. It makes a tangible contribution to passenger comfort, enhances the vehicle's modern appearance, and supports a positive travel experience.

Group photo f.l.t.r.: Thomas Moser, Chief Technical Officer and Spokesman for the SSB Executive Board; Manuela Falter, member of the Projects & Governance Division Management at Stadler Germany; Alessandra Silvestri, Communications specialist bei Stadler (moderator).