Alstom and SNCF Unveil Interior of New TGV Train
Train manufacturer Alstom and the French national railway company SNCF have unveiled the interior of the brand-new TGV-M, the next generation of high-speed TGV trains.
New TGV train
The TGV-M will be the fifth generation of high-speed TGV trains.
Alstom’s design teams started from scratch with their design, but incorporated aspects from the four previous generations of TGV.
The new train completed its first test runs in December 2022 on a test track in the Czech Republic, while in mid-2023, high-speed tests of up to 320 kilometres per hour (199 mph) were conducted on the French national railway network.
Last week, Alstom and SNCF took the next step in the development process by unveiling the brand-new TGV interior they have designed.
Although these new double-deck TGV trains may look similar to the current ones used by SNCF from the outside, there are notable changes to the interior.
The TGV-M on a test run. ©Julien Goldstein/Alstom
Capacity
The M in the name TGV-M stands for modularity, as this train can be easily adjusted according to requirements.
For example, a 1st class carriage can be easily converted into a 2nd class carriage, or vice versa, based on demand.
There will also be adjustable space for luggage and bicycles, depending on seasonal or market needs along the route.
This way, for example, luggage space can be increased on seasonal trains to the French Alps in winter, while in summer, a 1st class coach can be converted into a 2nd class coach on popular tourist routes to the Mediterranean when leisure demand is high and business travel is lower.
The new TGV train already represents a significant capacity increase compared to the current rolling stock, as each TGV-M trainset consists of 9 coaches instead of 8.
In its most dense configuration, the TGV-M can accommodate up to 740 passengers, while a two-class setup with a bar carriage offers 600 seats per trainset.
Train interior
The TGV-M high-speed train will feature new, ergonomically designed seats in both first and second class for optimal comfort.
The seat configuration remains 1+2 in first class and 2+2 in second class.
Second class will offer 5cm more legroom compared to the current TGV trains, while first class seats will be 5cm wider.
Another great feature is that the train will be fully accessible.
For the first time, the TGV-M allows passengers in wheelchairs to board independently, thanks to the integration of a platform lift, with specially designed wheelchair spaces available on board.
New dining car
The bar car of the new TGV train has also been completely redesigned, beginning with its name, as “The Bar” will be renamed “Le Bistro.”
The bistro car will occupy an entire coach, incorporating both the upper and lower floor, which are connected by a staircase.
Downstairs will feature a self-service grocery shop with fridges, where you can pay by card at a payment terminal.
The upstairs area has been redesigned into a stylish bistro with a total of 28 seats available to enjoy food or drink.
Impression of the new dining car on the TGV train. ©Screenshot Alstom promotional video
Passenger service
More information, as well as plenty of pictures of the new TGV-M train, can be found in Alstom’s PDF promotional leaflet.
The first TGV-M trains are expected to enter service in France sometime in 2026 on the high-speed line to the south-east.
By then, the TGV-M name will have been officially dropped, and the train will simply be known as TGV inOui.
Conclusion
Alstom and SNCF have unveiled the brand new interior of the next-generation TGV train.
Known as the TGV-M, with the “M” standing for modularity, this train can be easily reconfigured to meet seasonal demand or market changes.
These brand-new TGV trains will also have increased capacity, be fully accessible for wheelchair passengers, and feature a two-floor bistro coach.
The TGV-M is expected to begin operating its first passenger route on the south-east high-speed railway corridor in France in 2026.
