The Eurostar e320 belongs to Siemens’ Velaro high-speed train family.
Eurostar e320 is the commercial name for British Rail Class 374, a 16-coach electric multiple unit built by Siemens Mobility. It is a version of the Velaro platform, whose other variants include trains for Germany, Spain, China, Russia, and Turkey. The “320” refers to its planned maximum operating speed of 320 km/h.
Unlike Eurostar’s older e300 fleet, which used power cars at each end, the e320 uses distributed traction equipment along the train. Its design was intended to support international operation through the Channel Tunnel and across several European railway systems. Passenger service began in November 2015.
The e320 is often confused with the TGV because both operate Eurostar services and are associated with France and the Channel Tunnel. The older Eurostar e300 fleet was based on TGV-derived technology, but the e320 is a Siemens Velaro design. Each set is about 400 meters long and has roughly 900 seats.