Finally, VinFast has officially launched its highly anticipated electric model, the VF 7, in the Vietnamese market. This electric SUV, which is the 6th addition to VinFast’s range of pure electric SUVs, covers segments from A to E, from VF3 to VF9.
The VinFast VF 7 comes in two versions, Base and Plus, with prices ranging from 850 million VND to 1.199 billion VND, depending on the version and the method of lease or purchase of the battery. Customers have been able to place deposits for the car since December 2, 2023, and VinFast promises to deliver the first batch of cars before the Lunar New Year 2023.
We had the opportunity to test drive the VinFast VF7 electric car in Ho Chi Minh City and identified its strengths and weaknesses.
Highlights of the VinFast VF7:
1. Strikingly beautiful design in the VinFast line-up:
The VinFast VF 7 is a very well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing design for a C-segment urban SUV. This model can be considered the most visually appealing in the VinFast line-up to date.
The car features VinFast’s signature signature LED strip at the front and rear. The stylish and robust bonnet, as well as the sporty and dynamic black front bumper with a honeycomb grille, add to its charm. The headlights are equipped with LED projectors and an additional small LED strip (Plus version) for adaptive headlight functionality.
The back of the car features “elephant ear” taillights with curved LED strips that wrap around the sides, ensuring excellent visibility for other vehicles. The camera for the 360-degree camera system is cleverly integrated below the V logo.
The coupe-like sloping roofline and large wheel arches, along with the 20-inch alloy wheels, contribute to a strong and sporty appearance.
In summary, VinFast VF7’s design receives high praise for its balanced and harmonious aesthetics, as well as the attention to detail in its exterior design. Compared to its predecessor, the VF e34, the VF 7 is taller, wider, and longer. It boasts a more luxurious and elegant design that clearly distinguishes it from a commercial vehicle to a personal one.
2. Flexibility in movement, spaciousness in the interior:
With a length of 4,545mm (2,840mm wheelbase), width of 1,890mm, height of 1,635.75mm, and ground clearance of 190mm, the VinFast VF 7 is slightly shorter and lower than its competitors, but wider and with a superior wheelbase. This enables the car to maneuver easily in congested city traffic while providing a spacious and comfortable cabin for passengers. This advantage is primarily due to electric cars not requiring a bulky engine compartment like conventional combustion engine cars. The trunk space of the VF7 is decent and can accommodate two size 28 suitcases along with some backpacks. The electric trunk feature is only available in the Plus version.
3. Driver-focused interior design:
The VinFast VF 7 places a strong emphasis on the driver’s experience. Notably, the car features a large 12.9-inch touchscreen tilted towards the driver for easy adjustment and monitoring. The piano-style shift button cluster, similar to the VF6, may look unconventional from the front but is extremely convenient and less distracting when seated in the driver’s seat.
The traditional dashboard behind the steering wheel has been replaced by an information display system on the HUD (Plus version). The Base version allows users to choose between the HUD or an LCD screen behind the steering wheel.
The VF 7 offers two interior color options, while the Plus version comes with a two-tone interior color scheme, allowing for personalization. The materials used in the interior are of high quality and carefully designed. The Plus version also includes a panoramic sunroof, providing a luxurious and premium experience. An 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat is standard in the VF7.
The rear passenger space offers ample legroom and headroom. Some useful features in the VinFast VF7 Plus include an ADAS driving assistance system (still under development), USB-A charging ports in the rear seats, wireless phone charging, Wi-Fi system, 8 airbags, and tire pressure warning, among others.
4. Powerful and responsive acceleration:
The VF 7 Plus version, equipped with two electric motors, boasts a maximum power of up to 260 kW (equivalent to 349 horsepower), a maximum torque of 500 Nm, and an all-wheel drive system. These specifications make it the most powerful car in its segment. With a 75.3 kWh battery pack, the car can travel up to 431 km on a full charge (based on WLTP standards).
On the other hand, the VF 7 Base version features a single electric motor with a maximum power of 130 kW (equivalent to 174 horsepower), a maximum torque of 250 Nm, and a 59.6 kWh battery pack. Its maximum range on a full charge is approximately 375 km (based on WLTP standards).
With power comparable to the VF8 but a lighter weight, it’s no surprise that the VF 7 offers incredibly powerful acceleration. Drivers will experience a thrilling “back stuck to the seat” feeling as soon as they step on the accelerator pedal, making highway overtaking effortless. The steering wheel design with a flat bottom is thick and comfortable to grip, providing precise and natural steering. The stability of the car when cornering is also excellent. In our evaluation, the VF7 showed better sound insulation compared to the VF8.
Some areas for improvement in the VinFast VF 7:
While the VinFast VF 7 has received praise from the media and fans, there are still some areas where improvements can be made in future generations.
Firstly, the hidden door handle design on the VinFast VF 7 may confuse some users with small hands or those unfamiliar with this design. The hidden handle design adds to the streamlined look of the car, similar to the Land Rover Velar. However, the handle’s color does not match the car’s paint, which disrupts the streamlined appearance. Opening the door requires two actions of pressing and pulling, which can be challenging for individuals with small hands or limited strength, such as women.
Secondly, the rear seats are relatively low compared to the car floor and lack thigh support. Additionally, the seat width is relatively narrow, which may become uncomfortable for passengers taller than 1.75m during long journeys.
Thirdly, the design of the rear air vents lacks the same level of refinement as the overall interior and exterior of the car.
The Plus version’s large panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of openness and luxury in the VinFast VF 7’s interior. However, in certain weather conditions, such as strong sunlight and high temperatures during the summer, it may not be ideal. Additionally, opening the sunroof significantly drains the car’s battery power required for cooling. Of course, customers have the option to choose a conventional roof to suit Vietnam’s weather conditions.
Summary:
The VinFast VF7 Base version is priced at 850 million VND (excluding the battery) and 999 million VND (including the battery). The Plus version is priced at 999 million VND (excluding the battery) and 1.199 billion VND (including the battery). VinFast offers monthly battery lease packages starting from 2.9 million VND for a maximum distance of 3,000 km and 4.8 million VND for distances exceeding 3,000 km.
Customers who place a deposit before December 31 with a fee of 50 million VND are eligible for a 30 million VND discount on the car’s price. The VF 7 comes with a 10-year or 200,000 km warranty (whichever comes first), and the battery is covered by a 10-year warranty with no mileage limit. Current incentives for electric vehicles also apply to the VF 7.
With users and VinFast constantly improving their electric cars, the VF 7 represents a significant improvement compared to previous VinFast electric models. It is a beautiful, well-designed, and highly-improved vehicle that is likely to make its mark in the Vietnamese automotive market despite the challenging conditions.
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