The ‘incredible’ new high-speed trains in Europe that look ‘straight out of the 70s’

A popular European train carrier has unveiled images of its newly designed high-speed trains, set to begin service in early 2026.

The TGV INOUI (formerly known as TGV-M) is the fifth generation of trains produced for France’s national operator, SNCF, by manufacturer Alstom.

The recently released images have been circulating on X, with some users calling the design ‘incredible’, while others have commented that it ‘looks straight out of the 70s’. 

The trains are set to run on the Paris-Lyon-Marseille route before gradually being introduced across the rest of the network. So, what can passengers expect?

Inside SNCF’s new TGV INOUI trains

The redesign features a two-storey bar, wider seats, more legroom, and enhanced accessibility for disabled passengers.

The new trains will feature nine passenger carriages, compared to the eight of the current model, increasing seating capacity by 20%, or a total of 740 passengers per train.

Accessibility has been improved with a new carriage designed for wheelchair users, equipped with a platform lift that enables passengers to board independently. 

The redesign also promises more comfort and space in areas dedicated to wheelchair use, as well as a larger circulation area in the lounge. Additionally, there will be a ‘service at the seat’ catering option.

Raised seat numbering will assist visually impaired passengers by making it easier to identify their seat locations.

The new TGV seats are fitted with ‘innovative foam’ for extra comfort, and the integrated equipment includes power USB outlets and adjustable lighting.

First-class seats are now 5cm wider than the current model and feature a wraparound adjustable headrest, electric seat recline, and space to store cabin luggage under the seat. 

In the second-class carriage, seats include a phone holder and an extra 5cm of legroom.

The bar area has been renamed ‘Le Bistro’ and occupies two floors, connected by a staircase. 

The self-service shopping area downstairs includes a grocery shop and fridges, while upstairs offers 28 seats where passengers can enjoy their meals.

Passengers with 5G-compatible devices will benefit from improved connectivity and stronger Wi-Fi.

Due to their aerodynamic design, the new trains will also be 20% more energy-efficient and produce 50% less CO2 emissions than single-deck high-speed trains, according to SNCF.

The trains feature a soft palette of red, blue, and yellow hues, with angular, round seats and angular yellow table lamps, creating a distinctive, inviting atmosphere.

The designers used the concept of ‘flow’ for the interior, drawing inspiration from water currents in nature to inform the placement of furniture and colours.

‘The train makes its way through the landscape, rather like the flow of a river,’  an SNCF press release states.

Images of the train were shared by @juanbuis on X, with the user commenting: ‘France’s new high-speed trains were just revealed, and they look incredible.

‘There’s just something about these 70s space-age vibes that make it feel modern and retro at the same time.’

He continued: ‘Whoever added that lamp deserves a raise.’

The tweet gained thousands of likes and comments from users equally enthusiastic about the design.

User @apostructure wrote: ‘This is an aesthetic that makes you enthusiastic about the future. It’s simple but not dry, it’s colourful, happy. You want to hang out there.’

Some users have claimed they want to fly to France just to test out the trains. User @wimserspam wrote: ‘Anyone want to pay for my trip to France just so I can get on this train.’

Another, @stasreads33 wrote: ‘I will move to France to get pink train seats and cute trains.’

But not everyone is a fan of the design, some have claimed the design is ‘old’ and others ‘hideous’. 

User @therealbcali wrote: ‘Not a fan. The seats don’t look comfortable, they look stiff and dated already. The colours are horrible. The lounge area looks like something you’d see in a hospital waiting room.’

Nevertheless, the excitement signals a wider embrace of rail travel or the ‘rail renaissance’.

Many travellers have looked toward rail travel as a slower, more immersive way to travel and an eco-friendly alternative to other modes of transport, such as flying.

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