The G 1100 BB was the most powerful variant in MaK's second-generation lineup. As its designation suggests, it had 1,100 hp and two two-axle bogies. This distinguishes it from its predecessor 1200 D that had four axles in the frames which were powered by coupling rods. Now, the inner axle of each bogie was powered by cardan shafts from the central Voith transmission and the outer axles were powered by the inner ones. The customer had the choice of different weights between 68 and 80 tons.

A total of 17 locomotives were built between 1969 and 1978. The largest customer was the Altona-Kaltenkirchen-Neumünster railway, also called AKN. Most others were also delivered to German customers, but one came to Italy to Badoni of Milan. Over the years, almost all came to other operators. Today all are still operating, but only nine remain in Germany. The other eight now all operate in Italy.