Since the large capacity of the ICE 1 proved to be too inflexible with lower passenger numbers, a train half as long was tendered. The tender was won by a consortium whose members partly corresponded to the manufacturers of the ICE 1. The ICE 2 consists of a powered end car, six trailers and a control car. The power car largely corresponds to that of the ICE 1 and additionally has a Scharfenberg coupling to couple two trains together if necessary. The weight of the trailers has been significantly reduced compared to the predecessor. Between 2010 and 2013 the trains underwent a redesign so that they can still be used until 2030 or longer. 