At InnoTrans 2026, which started yesterday (Tuesday 22 September), Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG (SSB) and Stadler are presenting their new light rail vehicle.

Stadler is manufacturing seventy of the vehicles for Stuttgart at its Berlin plant.

The new-generation S-DT8.16 light rail vehicles have been developed specifically to meet the needs of Stuttgart, the sixth largest city in Germany and capital of the state of Baden-Württemberg. To be suitable for the city, the vehicles have a modern design which combines performance and accessibility.

They have a powerful drive system, which enables them to climb steep gradients and operate through the city’s tunnel network.

The new light rail vehicles are fitted with an all-axle drive system. This ensures that even when track conditions are challenging, the vehicles can remain in operation with reliable traction.

The vehicles can travel in both directions and can run in above-ground sections of Stuttgart’s network as well as tunnel sections.

They have modern passenger information and driver assistance systems, and can accommodate up to 250 passengers.

The interior of the vehicles has an open design and includes four multi-purpose areas. It boasts greater freedom to move around, and the vehicle’s lower entry height will make it easier for wheelchair users and passengers with pushchairs to board.

The design has received several prestigious awards, including the German Design Award, Red Dot and IF Design Award 2025 and the international Focus Open Gold 2024.

Stadler is exhibiting a total of seven different vehicles at this year’s InnoTrans, which is being held in Berlin, and where various other companies, including Škoda Group, also exhibit.

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.

We have a long-standing and successful partnership with Stadler.

Thomas Moser, Chief Technical Officer and Spokesman for the SSB Executive Board