UK: New Intercity Train 'Serenza' Officially Unveiled!

UK East Coast Main Line operator LNER has officially unveiled its new intercity train, ‘Serenza’ (Class 897). Manufactured by CAF and financed by Porterbrook, the train is set to enter service in the coming years, helping LNER meet growing passenger demand—with annual ridership exceeding 24 million in 2024-2025.

Serenza will be the first entirely new fleet introduced since the formation of Great British Railways (GBR) and will fully adopt GBR branding. Its name blends “serene” with a Spanish-style suffix, conveying modernity and dynamism. As the UK’s first long-distance tri-mode intercity train, Serenza can operate on overhead electric, diesel, and battery power, offering both full route coverage and lower emissions.

The interior focuses on comfort, convenience, and sustainability, with 569 seats, upgraded seating, HD information screens, multiple water-refill stations, and improved cycle storage. Accessibility features include a redesigned wheelchair-accessible table, space for assistance dogs, Braille seat numbers, and enhanced toilets. Each seat is equipped with charging ports, and a café bar is available onboard.

Serenza will gradually replace the nearly 40-year-old InterCity 225 fleet. With its design now nearing finalisation, the train represents a significant step forward in the UK’s rail modernisation and green transition.