ICE 3 (standing for Intercity-Express) is a family of high-speed electric multiple unit trains operated by Deutsche Bahn.

Three multisystem trains, known as ICE International, are owned by Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS, Dutch Railways).

Class 403 are theoretically permitted to go up to a maximum speed of 330 km/h (210 mph) when travelling on the high-speed route between Frankfurt and Cologne.

On regular Intercity-Express services they run at up to 300 km/h (190 mph), the maximum design speed of German high-speed lines.

These services also constituted the first widespread use of the then-new ICE 3 train sets, presenting them to the domestic and international general public.

The Deutsche Bahn (DB) ordered 13 of these units in 1994, the NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) four, making sure that the demands of the Dutch rail network are taken care of.

The linear eddy current brake, which is required for higher speeds, cannot yet be used, because the magnetic field would rip off the magnetic covers of some trackside equipment; those covers will have to be replaced by non-magnetic ones according to the EU Technical Specifications for Interoperability for international rail traffic in Europe.

[8] Trial runs were completed in late 2005 and the same two problems were encountered as in Belgium: loose gravel damage and possible side-effects of the brakes.

Since December 2007, DB operates ICE 3M trains from Frankfurt central station to Paris Est, initially with five daily runs between both cities.

The six trains for running into France (designated ICE-3 MF, indicating multisystem France) were modified at Bombardier's Hennigsdorf plant and were extensively tested on Siemens' test site in Wegberg-Wildenrath before the modified trains re-entered commercial service.

[10] It is designed for operation at up to 320 km/h (200 mph), is wider, quieter and more energy-saving, should be less susceptible to malfunctions than its predecessor, and incorporates additional crashworthiness and fire safety measures.

[14] In December 2013 the first four trains delivered to DB were licensed for domestic operation as multiple units and started with passenger traffic.

[17] The first of the trains, called ICE 3neo by Deutsche Bahn and classed as 408, was completed in late 2021 with test runs started immediately.