Bombardier Twindexx Vario

The Bombardier Twindexx Vario is a double-deck train developed by Bombardier Transportation for regional and long-distance service, notable among Bombardier's double-deck designs because its cars can be motorised. The modular concept combines motorised and unpowered driving cars with intermediate cars, so a set can be run as a multiple unit with two driving cars or be hauled by a locomotive with one unpowered driving car; in Germany the sets are classed 445 and 446, which differ mainly in the height of the entrances. The maker also offers a 190 km/h version, although every train built is limited to 160 km/h. A framework contract signed in December 2008 between Bombardier and Deutsche Bahn covered up to 800 cars worth 1.5 billion euros, and the first call-off became the Intercity 2 trains that DB Fernverkehr has run since December 2015. Twindexx Vario sets also work for regional operators in Germany and for Israel Railways. It belongs to the wider Twindexx family, which includes the Swiss Express.