TGV M interior unveiled

On 11 March, 2025, the interior design of the new TGV generation was unveiled at the Gare de Lyon. The arrival of the future TGV INOUI marks a new stage in terms of comfort and innovation. Supported by the French government via the ADEME (Agence de l'Environnement Et de la Maîtrise de l'Énergie) and the SGPI (Secrétariat Général Pour l'Investissement), the TGV M project has benefited from the know-how of the best experts at Alstom and SNCF Voyageurs since its launch in 2016.

The Alstom-built high-speed train is expected to enter service in early 2026, around two years behind the latest timeline for the start of operations before the Summer Olympics in Paris in 2024, but for SNCF Voyageurs it was a time of emotion and pride. Like its exterior, the interior of SNCF's new high-speed train is to be completely innovative and is set to become "the world benchmark for high-speed travel", says Christophe Fanichet, head of SNCF Voyageurs, citing the train's "400 innovations". 

For the first time, the interior design is a collaboration between Alstom, SNCF's in-house design agency Arep and the Japanese studio Nendo. As the TGV is designed for long journeys, special attention has been paid to comfort. In first class, the seats are 5 cm wider than in previous generations of the TGV, with full armrests and adjustable headrests. In second class, the seat cushions are 5 cm longer thanks to a slimmer seat design.

A novelty is the seat numbering, where the first number will always correspond to the car number: for example, seat 363 will always be in car 3, which will make it easier for passengers to find their way when boarding. Alstom and SNCF Voyageurs have been working with associations to create an offer for people with reduced mobility in order to provide the best possible facilities. Wheelchair users will be able to enter the train independently thanks to a turntable system in the car that also descends from the threshold level of the boarding doors to the floor level of the lower car floor.

The really big news is the design of the bistro car, which has been named Le Bistro. The idea is to offer simple meals based on traditional cuisine using French products, but also very popular snacks such as the famous croque-monsieur (7.90 EUR), the best-selling product on board the TGV. On the lower floor there is a self-service shopping area with payment terminals, while on upper deck there is a dining or warming area with 28 seats and benches. A barista will always be present, but those who only want to buy a salad will be able to choose from the refrigerated cases and pay separately.

The first TGV M units are expected in early 2026 on the Paris - Lyon - Marseille line, which is the most profitable for the SNCF. The new units should enable the operator to cope with growing demand, despite the fact that its fleet is currently undersized.