3 Days, 6 New Cars: Vietnam’s Automotive Market Heats Up in Early July

The Vietnamese market welcomed six new models from various countries within just three days from July 3 to July 5. Three of these vehicles originated from German brands, one from France, and two from China.

These newcomers not only varied in their countries of origin but also spanned different segments and price ranges, each carrying strategic significance for their respective automakers in Vietnam. So, what are these brands planning with these fresh offerings?

Mercedes-Benz Revamps its Approach

At this year’s LiveRARE exhibition, the three-pointed star brand unveiled two new models: the GLS 450 4MATIC facelift and the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 facelift.

The GLS 450 4MATIC received subtle exterior design updates, particularly on the grille, which sparked some controversy. Nonetheless, the new grille remains the focal point of this luxury SUV from Mercedes-Benz. The vehicle is priced at VND 5.689 billion, a VND 300 million increase compared to its predecessor.

The new Mercedes GLS 450 4MATIC features subtle exterior changes. Photo by Dan Thanh.

The second model introduced to customers is the GLS 600 Facelift, the flagship SUV of the prestigious Mercedes-Maybach brand. It boasts luxurious details such as monolithic alloy wheels, First-Class rear seats with two independently adjustable seats, and the Maybach logo appearing on various parts of the vehicle.

Priced at VND 12.379 billion, it directly competes with the Bentley Bentayga (VND 19.5 billion), Rolls-Royce Cullinan (from VND 36.7 billion), and others.

With this exhibition featuring nine top-of-the-line models and two GLS facelifts, Mercedes-Benz is aiming to reshape its approach to customers and reposition its brand.

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is introduced with a price exceeding VND 12 billion. Photo by Dan Thanh.

The brand aspires to re-establish its premium, luxurious image through these ultra-luxury models rather than attempting to “standardize” its entire product range, relying solely on more “affordable” models like the C-Class or E-Class.

While this strategy may result in a slight dip in sales volume, it could be a solution to “elevate” the brand, presenting a more reasonable image for competition at this juncture.

Audi Brings its Best-Selling Electric Car to Vietnam

Audi introduced two products with distinct propulsion systems at the beginning of July, including the standout Q6 e-tron. While a newcomer to Vietnam, this model is a strategic offering from the brand in its home market, posing a formidable rival to the Porsche Macan EV.

The Q6 e-tron impresses with its rugged design and an electric motor delivering 301 horsepower. In Launch Control mode, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds. It is priced at VND 3.199 billion.

The Audi Q6 e-tron will be the next all-electric SUV from the German automaker introduced in Vietnam.

Being a fully electric vehicle, the Q6 e-tron may not appeal to the masses in Vietnam as much as its gasoline-powered counterparts from the same brand.

Nevertheless, it remains a significant offering, especially when compared to competitors like the Porsche Macan EV (VND 3.48-5.86 billion), Mercedes EQE SUV (VND 3.99 billion), and BMW iX3 (VND 3.47 billion).

The Fashionable Audi A5 Sedan

Alongside the Q6 e-tron, Audi also unveiled the A5 sportback sedan on the same day. This vehicle is equipped with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum output of 196 horsepower, paired with front-wheel drive.

Thanks to this configuration, the A5 is positioned at a lower price point compared to its quattro-equipped siblings.

The Audi A5 is introduced with a more affordable price tag thanks to its front-wheel-drive system.

Priced at VND 2.199 billion, the Audi A5 competes with models in the same price range, such as the BMW 3-Series (from VND 1.899 billion) and Mercedes-Benz C-Class (from VND 1.7 billion). This competitive pricing gives the A5 a better chance of attracting customers, even though the absence of the renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system may diminish its appeal to enthusiasts.

Peugeot’s Limited-Edition Strategy

Peugeot introduced the 408 Legend Edition to the Vietnamese market, a limited version of the standard 408. Unlike the regular model, the 408 Legend Edition features refined exterior and interior details and incorporates the brand’s early logo to commemorate Peugeot’s 215th anniversary.

Painted in a unique Selenium Grey color, the limited edition retains the standard model’s dimensions and engine. Its power still comes from a 1.6L turbocharged gasoline engine, producing 218 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque.

The Peugeot 408 Legend Edition is limited to 215 units globally. Photo by Thaco.

The special edition is offered in three versions, priced at VND 1.039 billion, VND 1.139 billion, and VND 1.289 billion, respectively. These prices represent a slight increase of VND 20-30 million compared to the standard model.

With a limited production run of 215 units for the Vietnamese market and prices starting at over one billion dong, the 408 Legend Edition targets a niche group of loyal customers rather than serving as a volume seller. Nonetheless, it remains an attractive proposition for those who appreciate exclusivity and individuality.

Lynk & Co 06’s Affordable Variant

Lynk & Co has launched the Core Plus version of its Lynk & Co 06 SUV in Vietnam. This variant differs from the current model in terms of engine specifications and safety equipment.

Specifically, the Core Plus is lighter (1,430 kg) than the existing version in Vietnam (1,465 kg). Inside, Lynk & Co has removed features like automatic dual-zone climate control, one-touch power windows, and an active air purification system. It also forgoes the ADAS safety suite but retains essential safety features, along with rear sensors and a backup camera.

The affordable version of Lynk & Co 06 has fewer interior amenities and lacks the ADAS system. Photo by Lynk & Co.

Thanks to these adjustments, the Lynk & Co 06 Core Plus is priced at VND 679 million, VND 50 million lower than the standard model. By introducing this more affordable variant, the brand demonstrates its clear intention to compete on price.

As the SUV segment, particularly the B-SUV category, becomes increasingly crowded, lowering the starting price of the 06 to below VND 700 million enhances its competitiveness. This strategy is especially crucial at this time, as the 06 is currently the brand’s main volume bearer.

BYD Plays its “Ace”

More than a year after its market entry, BYD is now stepping into the hotly contested B-SUV segment with the Atto 2. This all-electric SUV is powered by a front-mounted electric motor producing 174 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque. It can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds. Beneath its floor is a Blade battery pack with a capacity of 45.12 kWh, offering an estimated range of 400 km on a single charge.

The BYD Atto 2 is expected to be the brand’s new strategic model in Vietnam. Photo by Dan Thanh.

Priced at VND 669 million, the BYD Atto 2 is the most affordable offering in the brand’s electric vehicle lineup in Vietnam. By launching a B-SUV with a competitive price, BYD demonstrates its clear strategy to seriously compete in the electric vehicle market, rather than solely relying on its current PHEV offerings, as speculated on social media.

Undoubtedly, this strategy comes with challenges, but with a well-positioned range of models and pricing, the BYD Atto 2 has the potential to create a level playing field, at least against its domestic rivals. This model is certainly expected to boost the brand’s sales performance in the coming period.

You may also like

The Rise and Fall of Chinese Auto Brands in Vietnam: A Tale of Booming Launches and Silent Retirements

The influx of Chinese automobiles in Vietnam has presented Vietnamese consumers with an array of new choices. While this wave offers opportunities for all involved, not every car brand will emerge victorious.

The Audi Q6 e-tron: Unveiling in Vietnam, July 2025

After a long period of “teasing” on the official website, Audi Vietnam has finally confirmed the launch of its luxury electric SUV, the Q6 e-tron, in the domestic market.

The All-New Audi Q6 e-tron: Now in Vietnam, Offering an Impressive 600+ km Range for an Unparalleled Electric Experience.

The Audi Q6 e-tron was recently spotted at an emission testing center in Hanoi, hinting at an imminent launch. With an expected price tag of 3.1 billion VND, the electric SUV is set to make its debut in Vietnam this month.

Electric Luxury: The Audi Q6 e-tron SUV is Set to Arrive in Vietnam Next Month

With a projected price tag of around 3.099 billion VND, the Audi Q6 e-tron is set to make waves in the Vietnamese market, according to information revealed by the dealership.

The All-New Audi Q6 e-tron: Unveiling in Vietnam this July with an Estimated Price of Over 3 Billion VND

After a long period of “teasing” on the official website, Audi Vietnam has finally confirmed the launch of its luxury electric SUV, the Q6 e-tron, in the domestic market.