The G 1700-2 BB was created from the MaK G 1206, which was later called the Vossloh G 1700 BB. The standard version has 1,700 kW, which can also be read from the model designation. Depending on the desired axle load and tractive force, a weight of between 80 and 90 tonnes is possible. This also influences the fuel capacity. Most of the locomotives went in small numbers of a maximum of five to individual customers in Central Europe and Spain.

The largest customer are the Swiss Federal Railways, which use a total of 73 units as Am 843. They are intended for shunting service and connecting tracks that are not fully electrified. They have an engine with only 1,500 kW and a particle filter. As an adaptation to Switzerland, these have the driver's cab on the left. Five locomotives for use in south-west Germany have an additional driver's cab on the right.