The DB Class 403 was a series of three electric multiple units commissioned by the Deutsche Bundesbahn in the 1970s, an early predecessor of the Intercity-Express as a high-speed train.

After the development and introduction of the E03 highspeed-locomotive the Deutsche Bundesbahn ordered the railway industry to propose designs for an Elektro Triebwagen[1] (highspeed electric multiple unit) capable to operate with 200 km/h on the planned InterCity network.

[5] The revenue service started on 29 September 1974 as InterCity Riemenschneider, Nordwind, Südwind, Albrecht Dürer and Hermes on the line between Bremen and Munich.

[6] Due to the lack of suitable high-speed tracks, the trains were able to reach their maximum velocity between Munich and Augsburg only.

The technical concept of separately driven cars was resumed in the design of the ICE 3, also classified as Class 403.