VinFast VF 6 and VF 7 Electric SUVs Unveiled at LA Auto Show
These electric vehicles will join the VF 8 and VF 9 in the automaker's U.S. market offerings
VinFast—the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer that made its debut at the New York auto show earlier this year—unveiled two new small SUV models the company says are bound for U.S. shores in the not-too-distant future. The VF 6 and VF 7 will join the larger VF 8 and VF 9 models, which VinFast says it will begin delivery of in the U.S. by the end of 2022.
The VF 6 is roughly the same size as subcompact SUVs like the Honda HR-V, while the VF 7 is similar in size to the Mazda CX-5. As with the larger models introduced in New York, the VF 6 and VF 7 will come in Eco and Plus trims, and will be available with either a standard- or long-range battery pack. And like the other models, customers will have the option to pay a monthly subscription fee for the batteries, which includes free replacement as capacity degrades. It’s a unique setup, but with other manufacturers like BMW offering subscription-based features, it may be one that becomes more common in the years ahead.
Photo: VinFast Photo: VinFast
CR's Take
VinFast says it has already begun delivering VF 8 and VF 9 SUVs to customers in its home country of Vietnam and has plans to deliver to customers in other parts of the world who placed preorders. Although the end of the year is fast approaching, the company told U.S. buyers the cars would start to be delivered this year.
The automaker initially rolled out a pair of battery subscription plans aimed at tailoring to an individual motorist’s needs. As of now, there is only one battery plan available. The cheaper of the two, the so-called Flexible Plan, which VinFast said was designed for motorists with low-mileage driving requirements, has been nixed. The Fixed plan, which offers unlimited mileage, costs $169 per month for the VF 8 and $219 per month for the VF 9. Battery subscription and purchase details have not yet been shared for the VF 6 or VF 7.
VinFast’s battery subscription provides a lifetime battery warranty covering all maintenance and repair costs. As part of it, the manufacturer will replace the battery free when charging capacity dips below 70 percent. This should reduce some concerns among shoppers wary of EV battery reliability. As with the VF 8 and VF 9, the VF 6 and VF 7 will come with a 10-year, 125,000-mile (whichever comes first) factory warranty. The batteries will have their own warranty coverage, depending on the plan.
The automaker also forged a partnership with Electrify America earlier this year that will allow customers to begin charging as soon as they plug into an Electrify America network EV charger. Payment will be handled through the VinFast Plug & Charge app, which the automaker says will process payments securely without having to swipe a credit card or juggle other apps.
Photo: Newspress USA Photo: Newspress USA
Outside
The smaller VinFast SUVs get the same styling treatment as the larger models. It’s aimed at an aesthetic most potential buyers will find familiar in other cars already on the market. What sets VinFast models apart is an LED spear on the front end that dips into a notable V” The taillights are tied to one another with a heckblende—a strip of shiny black plastic with a big chrome V badge at the center—that mimics the shape of the headlights. Both the VF 6 and the VF 7 sport a Nissan-esque “floating” roof design, thanks to black roof pillar trim that provides the optical illusion.
Inside
In keeping with the interior styling on many current EVs, VinFast’s SUVs have a sparse interior, with a dash centered around a large central touchscreen. There is a head-up display in front of the driver, but like the Tesla Model Y, there is no gauge display behind the steering wheel. The Eco trim on both models comes with a steel roof, while Plus trim comes with a panoramic glass roof.
Also light on ornament was the level of detail VinFast provided about what will be offered in its smaller models. VinFast also hasn’t yet specified cargo volume numbers for either model, or whether Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be available.
What Drives It
The smaller VF 6 will be available only in front-wheel-drive configuration, while the Plus trim on the VF 7 will come with a two-motor all-wheel-drive system. The power level will also vary. The VF 6 Eco will have 174 hp of output, while the higher-end Plus trim will put out 201 hp. The VF 7 Eco picks up with the 201-hp front-wheel-drive configuration from the VF 6 Plus, while the VF 7 Plus comes with a 349-hp all-wheel-drive system.
VinFast has not yet released projected range numbers or charging details for either the VF 6 or the VF 7.
Active Safety and Driver Assistance Features
VinFast says the VF 6 and VF 7 will “include a full suite of active and passive safety features.” No further details were shared, but the automaker says the safety equipment on the VF 8 and VF 9 will include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, lane changing assistance, and driver monitoring to make sure the driver is alert while hands-free driver aids are in use.
