On 11 March, SNCF presented to the press its brand new fifth generation train, named TGV M. Seats, bar, colours… Discovery of these high-speed trains that will enter service in 2026.
What does the TGV M of the SNCF look like? Built since 2016 by Alstom experts in collaboration with SCNF Voyageurs at 11 sites in France, this new train has a design (designed by the French agency AREP and the Japanese agency Nendo) and space savings that already excite future passengers. And this, despite a detail – not the least – that caused some disappointment.
More passengers and more space
With its white exterior design, the new SNCF train has nine cars, one more than today. The addition of this car will increase passenger numbers from 600 to 740, which will help relieve congestion in rail traffic.
The first red class has two seats on one side and one on the other. New features include a full armrest on the corridor side to prevent objects from falling and a shelf that allows easier access to storage. Regarding the seat, the enveloping headboards adjusted in height are intended to be more comfortable for the neck, the electric tilt is quiet and pleasant and the seat has been enlarged to offer more space. It should also be noted that all the seats were tested by 250 people of different morphology. The SCNF also opted for more space under the seats, reserved for carry-on baggage.
The second class is blue, with a slightly cooler colour than the first class. Travelers will have more space (5cm) to put their legs. The headboards are also modular, the mini-tablets and phone holder have a pocket-emptying function and the reader is repositioned above the tablet. To the delight of passengers, the shots are individual.
Obsolete USB-A sockets
However, these sockets have not failed to make the press, professionals and future travelers react. Indeed, they are USB-A type… completely obsolete today! USB-C, which has been installed in electronic devices for several years since 2014, is now the standard. With the delivery delay, the first twenty trains have USB-A. But do not panic. On the one hand, the next cars will be equipped with USB-C and, on the other hand, the SNCF states that the USB boxes are easily removable and replaceable. We can therefore imagine a modernisation of catches in the future, to meet the expectations of travellers.
In both classes, the upper spaces for luggage are continuous and not separate, which generates a significant saving of space for suitcases and bags. During busy periods, the lack of space for luggage is often the cause of sharp criticism from passengers, who are forced to rearrange the spaces of their suitcases in a Tetris way, to place their bags under their feet or to put them in a car further away. Three bike spaces are also available, which will accommodate no less than 8 two wheels.
A car has also been specially designed for wheelchair users. Five seats are reserved for people with disabilities, toilets are installed on the entire width of the car, a restaurant service on site allows passengers to enjoy the offer without moving, and finally, an elevator serves the floor… The SNCF, in collaboration with the association APF France handicap, wants to be more inclusive and provide better comfort for all passengers.
New dining spaces
The dining space, divided into two parts, occupies a whole car. On the lower floor, a self-service grocery store with refrigerators will allow passengers to eat independently even if a barista is available. On the upper level, Le bistrot is a mini restaurant on rails. With 28 seats and vintage-looking seats, the space allows you to sit down in peace.
On the kitchen side, three seasonal menus are available: bistro, counter and club. Burgers, NFCS’ legendary French toast and breakfast offers will also be on offer. A new dish will be presented every month. 65% of the suppliers are French and 100% of the meat offered is of French origin.
A nice upgrade for these TGV M that will be circulating next year. The SNCF also highlights its sustainable innovations. The new trains will be 20% more efficient, which will reduce CO2 emissions by 50% compared to high-speed trains on a single level. The materials inside are 25% from the recycling chain and 97% of the furniture is recyclable.
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Featured photo : © Yann Audic / SNCF
