As a result of Rimailho's manipulations, the new tank had become a rather cumbersome vehicle. It had no turret, but a large overhanging front compartment housing the long 75 mm gun, protruding from the nose. Within the forward fighting compartment was the driver, who was also the vehicle commander, on the left. On the right a machine gunner operated the front machine gun. This gunner was also responsible for traversing the main gun and the breech operation of the same which he could only do by getting out of his seat and using his left hand. A loader (referred to in some sources as the gunner) adjusted the gun elevation, observing the target through a large hatch in the front 
of the tank, which left him vulnerable and many were killed by enemy fire. A second fighting compartment at the back held one machine gunner next to the secondary driver position, from where the tank could be driven backwards by the mechanic in an emergency. Between these two compartments was the 90 engine over the tracks, partly protruding through the roof. Narrow passageways either side of the engine connected the compartments, each also containing a machine gun position.
| Saint-Chamond | |
|---|---|
| Place of origin |  France |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 22 tonnes |
| Length | 8.7 m |
| Width | 2.7 m |
| Height | 2.4 m |
| Crew | 8 (commander-driver, gunner-loader, assistant gunner, mechanic, three machine gunners, reserve crewman) |
| | |
| Armor | 11–19 mm |
| Main armament | 75 mm gun |
| Secondary armament | four 8 mm Hotchkiss M1914 machine guns |
| Engine | 4-cylinder Panhard-Levassor (petrol) 90 hp (70 kW) |
| Power/weight | 4 hp/tonne |
| Suspension | coil spring |
| Speed | 12 km/h |
Despite weighing 23 tons, the tank could manage a top speed of 12 km/h. This speed was seldom achieved in the field as the long nose was prone to dig into the ground. The relatively high speed was made possible by a petro-electric transmission. This also gave the tank simple controls, allowing for perfect gradual steering. However it tended to overheat, and breakdowns were very common.
Due to the short tracks and large body, the vehicle had much trouble crossing obstacles. This led to such negative reactions by the first crews to be trained that special mention was made of it to the General Headquarters: Nobody wants to serve on the Saint-Chamond. Second Lieutenant de Gouyon, head driving instruction at Marly, has publicly declared that it has become impossible for him to continue to direct this unit and, as he is a Member of Parliament, he will cause the Chairman of Parliament to put it on the agenda.
