Vinfast Electric SUVs Make Their India Debut: First Impressions of the VF6 & VF7
If you want the real scoop on Vinfast’s upcoming electric SUVs, there’s no better place than the company’s headquarters and test track in Vietnam. That’s exactly where I got a chance to experience the VF6 and VF7 firsthand—two all-electric SUVs set to hit the Indian market soon. Here’s a quick, honest rundown of my initial impressions, after just a couple of runs on a mostly straight test track.
VinFast VF3 Expected Price ₹10 Lakh,
First Up: The Vinfast VF6
Getting behind the wheel is straightforward—just hit the D button on a nifty toggle switch, and off you go. The driver’s seat is powered, making it easy to find a comfortable position. I really liked the compact steering wheel with its simple buttons; they feel a little plasticky but functional. Without a traditional instrument cluster in front of you, your view is cleaner, thanks to a heads-up display showing speed, charge level, and some ADAS features like lane keep assist. The main dashboard is minimalistic and uncluttered, with a touchscreen and AC controls that sit slightly proud of the dash, accented with a bit of brushed silver and faux leather stitching for a touch of style.
While physical controls are limited—most functions, including adjusting mirrors, are touch-based—this might be a drawback for some. The steering feels light in normal mode but firms up in sport, giving a decent and immediate response. Under the hood, the VF6 sports a 150 kW (about 204 horsepower) motor with 310 Nm of torque, powering the front wheels. Vinfast claims a 0-100 km/h time of under 9 seconds, and the battery is a 59.6 kWh pack, promising a WLTP range of around 480 km—though final figures for India are still awaited.
Acceleration feels strong and smooth, with good deceleration when lifting off. The ADAS system recognizes road signs and lane markings quite well, and the ride quality feels substantial—less light and brittle than many EVs. Handling impressions are limited, but the car pulls into corners eagerly, inspiring confidence. Power tapers off a bit at higher speeds, but most of your acceleration happens early, which is typical for city-focused EVs.
The Interior & Features
The rear seats are comfortable enough—soft cushions and decent space for a midsize SUV. Headroom is good, though knees are slightly bent, likely due to the battery placement. The big panoramic fixed glass roof is a highlight, offering a bright, airy feel, with a shade promised for India to combat heat.
Visually, the VF6 has a distinct look with Vinfast’s signature V grille and honeycomb pattern, LED DRLs, split headlamps, and a coupe-like profile. It features 18-inch alloy wheels, a prominent charging flap, and sleek, pull-type door handles. The rear carries a crossover vibe, with a layered tailgate design and LED signature lighting. The boot isn’t huge but offers enough space, and there’s potential to fit a space-saver spare underneath.
Moving on to: The Vinfast VF7
The VF7 looks quite similar at first glance but is significantly larger—longer by about 20 cm and riding on bigger 19-inch wheels. It features a more laid-back profile with a flatter roofline, a larger tailgate with vertical LED tail lamps, and a prominent spoiler. The rear design is more complex and premium, with a larger 537-liter boot, powered tailgate, and more elaborate styling.
Inside, the VF7 feels more upscale, with soft-touch materials, cross-stitch accents, and a slightly more premium ambiance. The digital screen is similar but tilted towards the driver, and there’s a wireless charger and a large panoramic glass roof. The rear seats are far more spacious—knee and headroom are significantly improved, and the seat backs can recline, adding to passenger comfort. Plus, there are three USB ports, including a 90W USB-C charger, making it more practical for rear passengers.
Performance & Powertrain
The VF7 offers a choice: a single 204 hp motor for front-wheel drive or a dual-motor setup delivering a combined 350 hp and 500 Nm of torque—enabling a 0-100 km/h time of around 5.8 seconds. That’s quick! The dual-motor version is particularly sporty, offering impressive grip and stability, ideal for those wanting performance. The larger 70.8 kWh battery provides a WLTP range slightly lower than the VF6, but the added power and all-wheel drive capability make it a compelling choice.
What’s Next?
Vinfast is positioning the VF6 as an urban, owner-friendly SUV, while the VF7 targets those seeking a more powerful, chauffeur-driven experience. Both promise to be fully loaded with features like ventilated front seats, panoramic roofs, and advanced ADAS with level 2 autonomy. They will be assembled locally in Tamil Nadu, part of Vinfast’s bold plan to establish a strong presence in India. The company also aims to roll out a comprehensive ecosystem, charging networks, after-sales, car buyback programs, and even app-based taxi services.
Final Thoughts
While it’s early days, these initial impressions suggest Vinfast’s EVs could be quite attractive in the Indian market—especially with their feature set, local assembly, and competitive pricing. Expect official launches around the festive season, and stay tuned for more detailed reviews once these SUVs hit showrooms.