VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker, has further bolstered its electric vehicle portfolio with the official launch of the VF 7 in Vietnam. The crossover, previously seen in various previews, showcases an elegant design featuring a distinctive “bird-wing-shaped” LED lighting strip at the front, flush-mounted door handles, a ‘pinched’ rear pillar, and optional 20-inch alloy wheels.
Measuring 178.9 inches (4,545 mm) in length and boasting a wheelbase of 111.8 inches (2,840 mm), the VF 7 positions itself as a notable competitor in the market. Notably, it surpasses the BMW X1 by 1.5 inches (38 mm) in length and offers a 5.8-inch (147 mm) longer wheelbase.
Inside, the VF 7 adopts a minimalist approach with a focus on a 12.9-inch infotainment system equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Complementing this simplicity are “vegan-leather” seats, a head-up display, and a distinctive shifter. The Plus variant enhances the experience with a two-tone design and a panoramic glass roof.
The entry-level VF 7 features a 59.6 kWh battery pack, powering an electric motor delivering 174 hp (130 kW / 177 PS) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque. This configuration allows for a city-focused WLTP range of up to 375 km (233 miles). Opting for the VF 7 Plus introduces a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, producing up to 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. With a larger 75.3 kWh battery pack, the Plus variant extends the WLTP range to 431 km (268 miles) and achieves a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in 5.8 seconds.
Safety features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and a surround-view camera system.
In Vietnam, pricing for the VF 7 starts at 999 million dong ($41,383) and reaches 1.199 billion dong ($49,669) for the Plus variant. Notably, customers have the option to lease the battery separately, potentially lowering the cost. VinFast will commence reservations on December 2, with Vietnamese deliveries scheduled for early 2024. The company also plans to extend the availability of the VF 7 to other markets, including the United States.
