VinFast VF 6, VF 7: Redefining the SUV market

At the VinFast – For a Green Future exhibition, which debuted on the morning of July 7, 2023, in Hanoi, the Vietnamese car manufacturer introduced their full lineup of products, including electric vehicles in all segments, electric scooters, electric bicycles, and even electric buses.

Among these, the spotlight was on the VinFast range of cars, featuring the VF 3, VF 5, VF 6, VF e34, VF 7, VF 8, and VF 9. Of particular interest were the highly anticipated VF 6 and VF 7, alongside the recently unveiled VF 3.

The VinFast VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUV duo had been previously showcased by the Vietnamese automaker at international exhibitions such as the 2022 Paris Motor Show in France and CES 2023 in the United States. However, this marked the first time for the domestic audience to get a glimpse and firsthand experience of these high-performance SUVs.

Positioned in the B-SUV segment, the VinFast VF 6 measures 4,238 x 1,820 x 1,594 mm in overall dimensions. Notably, its wheelbase stands at 2,730 mm, surpassing that of its rivals in the same segment. Competitors such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos have respective wheelbases of only 2,610 mm.

This extended wheelbase guarantees a more spacious interior for the VinFast VF 6, ensuring passenger comfort on long journeys.

Designed by Torino Design Italia, the VinFast VF 6 boasts sleek curves and front/rear ends adorned with V-shaped LED headlights, a classic trademark of the Vietnamese car brand.

The display model of the VinFast VF 6 is outfitted with a complete LED lighting system, comprising a main projector headlamp, LED daytime running lights, and neatly arranged fog lights in the side air intake.

Additionally, both the front and rear of the vehicle are equipped with parking sensors, while the rear also features two cameras. One camera functions as a rear-view camera, while the other serves as part of the 360-degree surround view camera system. This split arrangement optimizes the system’s start-up time, enhancing the user experience.

Furthermore, the VinFast VF 6 boasts a generous ground clearance of 170mm. The Eco version is fitted with 17-inch wheels, while the Plus version boasts 19-inch wheels.

Inside the cabin, the VinFast VF 6 ditches traditional analog dials behind the steering wheel, as all pertinent driving information is integrated into the car’s main screen, following the footsteps of its elder sibling, the VinFast VF 8.

For the Eco version, the VinFast VF 6 features fabric seats, while the Plus version flaunts leather seats. Both versions employ a two-tone interior color scheme. Notably, the start/stop button and hazard warning lights are positioned on the center armrest.

Meanwhile, the gear shift buttons (P – N – R – D) are found on the dashboard beneath the air vents. The car’s screen measures a whopping 12.9 inches.

Furthermore, the vehicle is equipped with advanced level 2 highway driving assistance technologies, part of the ADAS package, including lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, emergency lane keeping assist, and more. These features outperform those offered by competitors in the same B-segment crossover category.

When it comes to power, the VinFast VF 6 presents two versions: the Eco variant delivers 174 horsepower (130 kW) of power, 250 Nm of torque, while the Plus variant generates 201 horsepower (150 kW) of power, 310 Nm of torque. Both iterations feature a 59.6 kWh battery pack and a front-wheel drive configuration, offering a range of up to 399 km for the Eco version and 381 km for the Plus version.

Unlike the starting price of 458 million VND for the VinFast VF 5 and 710 million VND for the VF e34, the VinFast VF 6 will be in the 500-600 million VND price range. This positions it as a strong contender against rivals such as the Creta and Seltos, further intensifying competition in the highly competitive and crowded B-segment crossover market.

Sitting alongside its sibling, the VF6, is the VinFast VF 7 – an offering in the C-SUV segment, sharing the stage with the VF e34. Currently, the pioneering VinFast electric vehicle is listed with a starting price of 710 million VND for battery leasing and 830 million VND, including the battery.

In this segment, rivals such as the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are priced between 850 million VND and 1 billion VND, depending on the version and equipment. The VF 7’s older sibling, the VinFast VF 8, starts at 1.09 billion VND.

That being said, with an estimated price range of 700-800 million VND, the VinFast VF 7 poses a significant challenge to its competitors. This means that Vietnamese customers now have another enticing option when considering a vehicle under 1 billion VND.

The VinFast VF 7 stands out for its remarkable attributes. Despite encompassing overall dimensions of 4,545 x 1,890 x 1,635mm, the vehicle boasts an impressive wheelbase of 2,840 mm. This ensures that the VF 7 provides a more spacious interior than its segment counterparts–such as the Tucson or Sportage, with wheelbases of 2,755mm–even rivaling higher-class competitors such as the Sorento, with an equivalent measurement of 2,815 mm, or the Santa Fe, with 2,765 mm.

Moreover, the powertrain of the VinFast VF 7 outperforms those of its rivals. Specifically, the VinFast VF 7 Eco variant boasts a single front motor, providing a maximum power output of 201 horsepower (150 kW) and 310 Nm of torque. The Plus variant features dual motors and all-wheel drive, delivering a power output of 349 horsepower (260 kW) and 500 Nm of torque.

The VinFast VF 7 is equipped with a 75.3 kWh battery pack for both variants. The Eco version offers a maximum range of 450 km, while the Plus version provides a range of up to 431 km on a full charge. Distinctively, VinFast currently boasts exclusive access to a comprehensive charging infrastructure with numerous stations nationwide, setting itself apart from all other manufacturers on the market.

Accompanied by the VF 6 and VF 7, the highly anticipated VinFast VF 3 is another model on the horizon, with its length estimated at about 3.1 meters, accommodating seating for five individuals, and offering an expected price tag that will appeal to a wider consumer base (definitely below the VF 5’s starting price of 458 million VND).

By filling in the gap in the low-end segment, once the VF 3, VF 6, and VF 7 are launched sequentially, VinFast will boast an exhaustive range of products spanning every mainstream high-performance segment. The lineup will cover a wide price range, from 300 million to 2 billion VND. As a result, the Vietnamese high-performance crossover market will undergo significant transformation.

Anh Phan

Photos: Huy Bách