First KISS as a railjet

On 7 February 2025, ÖBB published photos of the new Class 4706 KISS EMU family. Under the number 4706 101, this is the first unit in a double-deck design representing the third generation railjet. Three more are now in final assembly. Staler has not yet decided whether any of these trains will be tested in Velim.

A total of 14 six-car EMUs with a top speed of 200 km/h were ordered by ÖBB in July 2023. The Class 4706 represents the first Type KISS 200 units with this newer aerodynamic front end design differing from previous KISSes, for example for the operator WESTbahn also with a top speed of 200 km/h. This order from ÖBB "responds to the ever-increasing number of passengers" and marks the arrival of double-deckers, and EMUs in the railjet category and, in terms of propulsion, leaving the existing concept of single-deck non-traction multiple units with a locomotive.

The first Class 4706 KISSes are due to start running on the Westbahn HSL in 2026 and, after completion of the Semmering-Basistunnel (betweeen Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag, 27.3 km long), will also run on the Südbahn towards of Graz, which should theoretically take place in 2030. 

The same ÖBB framework contract from April 2022 was also used to order three five-car KISSes for the CAT airport services in Wien. These will be designated Class 4705 and their final assembly will start in Altenrhein in the coming months. A total of 126 KISSes out of a possible 186 for ÖBB have been ordered so far.