[15][16][17] Vibrant Express is based on the CRH380A electric multiple units (EMUs) high-speed trains designed and manufactured by CSR.

[18] MTR's procurement team, after assessing the tender's qualifications announced in March 2012 that CSR Qingdao Sifang had been awarded with the contract worth HK$1.74 billion.

[10][20][2] On 23 September 2018, West Kowloon station and the Hong Kong section of the XRL began commercial operations.

Aluminium alloy was chosen for use on most of the body due to its low weight and high strength so safe high-speed performance could be achieved.

For the nose cone, FRP was used because of its ability to be molded into complex aerodynamic shapes necessary sustained at the front of the train in high-speed operations and continue to maintain its structural strength.

[24] However, unlike the closely related CRH380A trainsets operated by China Railway, the Vibrant Express does not offer higher-end premium and business class seating or have buffet cars.

The class feature floral patterns in silver grey and rose red on the seats as well as the floor and walls.

Each seat is provided with a reading light an on-board audio and TV entertainment system with a headphone jack.