In 1896, the Pfalzbahn saw the need for more heavy freight locomotives. Since the G 4^II was already in use, which was identical to the Bavarian BB I, the focus again oriented on Bavaria and two locomotives that were based on the Bavarian E I of the Sondermann design were procured. This design means that on each side a high and low pressure cylinder are nested together as one assembly, thus saving space. Apparently, however, this arrangement did not work, because both the Bavarian prototypes and the two Palatinate G 4^III were converted into normal two-cylinder engines before 1900. Otherwise, the two machines were apparently suitable for everyday use, because after the conversion they were still in use into the 1920s. With a coupled wheel diameter of only 1,160 mm, they only reached 55 km/h, but this was sufficient for freight trains and at the same time ensured high tractive effort.