[9][10] However, electrification was 'paused' by Network Rail in June 2015,[11] and then cancelled in July 2017 by then-Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, who made the decision to use bi-mode trains on the MML instead.

[12] In August 2019, East Midlands Railway placed a £400 million order for 33 five-car bi-mode units, to replace its Class 180 and 222 fleets on the MML.

[23] The major change is a 2-metre (6 ft 7 in) reduction in the length of each vehicle, which is required in order to allow paired (ten-car) Class 810 trains to use London St Pancras station.

[24] It is claimed that the seats will have wider cushions, more-sculpted headrests, softer and deeper armrests, additional privacy screening, and be upholstered in a wool-rich moquette that is intended to be easier to keep clean.

Every passenger will have access to power sockets and USB charging points, at-seat coat hooks, and storage space under each seat.