A tank locomotive for passenger trains had already been developed with the Prussian T 18, which could reach speeds of 100 km/h in both directions. In order to have a powerful engine of this type also for main routes with terminal stations, the class 62 was developed as part of the standard program. It was also given the symmetrical wheel arrangement 4-6-4, but was heavier with an axle load of 20 tonnes and achieved a significantly higher output than the T 18.

In 1928, 15 of these locomotives were built in typical standard design. They had a two-cylinder superheated engine that achieved an indicated output of 1,680 hp. In order to improve driving characteristics over longer distances, it was fitted with coupled wheels that had a diameter of 1,750 mm and were therefore 10 cm larger than those of its prototype.

Since the Reichsbahn apparently had too few routes in 1928 on which the class 62 could play to its strengths and their unit price was felt to be too high, only two examples were taken over that year. Finally, in 1932, the remaining 13 were taken over. Areas of application were, for example, the Werrabahn or metropolitan areas with shorter sections and terminal stations.

After the end of the war, all locomotives were still in service. Seven of them now came to the west and eight to the east. As is usual with the Bundesbahn for rare types, the class 62 was not to be kept in stock for long and was therefore phased out by 1956.

With the Reichsbahn, most of the engines were located in the north. Some of them were later given multiple controls so that they could be used with the modern double-deck coaches. In 1970 there were still three of them, these were also retired by 1972.