See inside Amtrak's massively upgraded new high-speed Acela trains that will take passengers from DC to Boston in 2023

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• We're one year closer to the 2023 rollout of Amtrak's new Acela.
• The new trains will have more seats, speed, and comfort.

We're still a year away from Amtrak's new Acela rollout in 2023.

Avelia Liberty

Source: Amtrak

In anticipation of the smoother and faster trains, let's take a closer look at the interior, which will appeal to Amtrak riders who are tired of the old cars lined with grey and blue seats.

Joey Hadden/Insider

Source: Amtrak

The next-generation trains are a long time coming: the current Acela trains have been in operation since 2000, and it's been six years since Amtrak announced its plans to refresh the aging stock.

Joey Hadden/Insider

Source: Amtrak

The fleet will grow from 20 to 28 trainsets all capable of running up to 160 mph.

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Source: Amtrak

The new trains will each have 378 seats …

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… a 25% increase from the 304 seats on the current models, Benji Stawski of the Points Guy reported.

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Source: The Points Guy

Inside, the swanky new cars will look more modern than any Amtrak train currently in service.

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Small details like the digital screens …

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… and winged headrests will make the new cars feel more modern and comfortable.

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But the most obvious changes will be in the coach and cafe cars.

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The cafe car will receive a complete much-needed refresh.

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Say hello to a sleeker cafe with a digital menu, hip rests, bar-style counters, and grab-and-go food options ...

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... which looks nothing like the older cafe cars travelers see today.

Joey Hadden/Insider

The coach cars still maintain the classic row of seats. But unlike the previous design, the new cars will have color-coded headrests.

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Business and first class will be separated by color: The latter will have red headrests, while the former will have blue.

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Regardless of the class, every seat will have integrated reading lights and more accessible outlets and USB ports.

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Source: Amtrak

The seats will also have tray tables of varying sizes to cater to every traveler's needs.

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There's nothing more uncomfortable than shimmying out of an interior seat. To make entering and exiting the four-person seating configuration easier, the sides of the tables will have foldable extensions.

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In a bid to make travel more sustainable, the seats will also be made of recycled leather …

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… and the train will use 40% less energy per traveler, according to Amtrak.

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It seems like everything is touchless in the age of COVID-19, and the new Acela will be no different.

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Several onboard services and amenities will be contactless, including the bathroom with an automatic door and touchless amenities.

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If you're eager to ride in the refreshed Acela, you'll have to be patient.

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You won't be seeing this new Acela in service until 2023 when it'll begin operating on the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington, DC.

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Source: Amtrak