Such trains were first introduced by Deutsche Bahn Fernverkehr in December 2015 to replace its aging IC coaches.
To modernize old Intercity cars and to increase the vehicle reserve of the long-distance traffic, Bombardier Twindexx double-deck coaches are used in inter-city rail traffic with a maximum speed (Vmax) of 160 km/h.
The IC2 is also intended to expand the Intercity network to cities that had lost their long-distance service upon withdrawal of the Interregio.
A first batch of 4-car units started operating on the Dresden-Berlin-Rostock line in March 2020.
These latter units replaced the loco-hauled IC2 consists that had been intended to operate Stuttgart-Singen-Zurich.