As an electric vehicle fan, I‘ve been eagerly following the announcements around VinFast‘s first models aimed at the US market. This young Vietnamese automaker has aggressive plans to compete with the Teslas and Ford Mustangs of the EV world. Of their two debut vehicles unveiled recently, I find the new VF7 compact SUV particularly intriguing. Want to take a closer look with me?
An Overview of VinFast and the VF7
VinFast is the electric vehicle subsidiary of Vingroup, Vietnam‘s largest private company. Founded in 2017 and led by CEO Le Thi Thu Thuy, their state-of-the-art production complex already delivers several EV and ICE models to Vietnamese consumers. However, the global-focused VF7 and VF8 crossovers are their first clean sheet designs engineered specifically for American and European tastes.
The Vinfast VF7 is a 5-passenger electric crossoverSUV built on Vinfast‘s new VF e-Platform. As a dedicated BEV, its skateboard chassis mounts the battery pack and electric motor for optimal interior space and performance. Two versions will be offered in multiple configurations:
- VF7 Eco – Single 201HP rear motor, 75 kWh battery, 280 mile range
- VF7 Plus – Dual motor AWD with 402HP total, 75 kWh battery, 268 mile range
Let‘s get into the details on this exciting new entry from VinFast!
A Brief History of VinFast
VinFast was founded in 2017 by Phạm Nhật Vượng, Vietnam’s first billionaire entrepreneur. Vượng made his fortune in instant noodles and construction before shifting focus to his true passion – automotive production. His vision was to build an internationally-respected Vietnamese brand combining European styling and quality with advanced connectivity.
To accomplish that bold goal, Vượng invested heavily in infrastructure, R&D and partnerships with world-leading design and engineering firms. The team recruited top talent from brands like BMW, Pininfarina and more. Their effort bore fruit faster than anyone expected, with Vinfast delivering gas-powered luxury models to Vietnamese customers starting in 2019.
In 2021, VinFast made headlines by committing to an all-electric lineup moving forward. The company introduced the VF e34 midsize and VF e35 full-size SUVs to strong local reception. They quickly followed up by debuting the VF8 and VF7 models tailored for North America and Europe.
VF7 Styling – Form and Function
One glance at the VF7 reveals VinFast‘s strategy to blend familiar crossover proportions with distinctive European flair. They wisely collaborated with the legendary Italian design house Pininfarina to style the exterior lines. The result turns heads with its long wheelbase, fastback roofline and sporty personality.
Inside, bright fabrics and upscale trim provide a welcome contrast to cold, clinical interiors from certain German automakers 🙂 VinFast designed the VF7 cabin for visibility and versatility, with a low cowl and vast glass roof enabling clear sight lines. The interior can accommodate up to 7 passengers with the rear seats folded.
Performance, Range and Charging
VinFast aims to deliver a compelling combination of acceleration, range and rapid charging with the VF7. Let‘s compare the model variants:
| Spec | VF7 Eco | VF7 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Max Power | 201 HP (RWD) 402 HP (AWD) | 348 HP (RWD) 402 HP (AWD) |
| 0-60 mph | 6.9 seconds (RWD) | 5.5 seconds (RWD) |
| Max Torque | 228 lb-ft | 368 lb-ft |
| Battery | 75 kWh LFP | 75 kWh LFP |
| Range | 280 miles | 268 miles |
| Charging | DC 150 kW (10%-70% in 25 min) | DC 150 kW (10%-70 in 25 min) |
You can see the Plus version clearly prioritizes performance with its high power dual motor powertrain. But the efficient Eco model still packs a 201 HP punch while optimizing for range.
The 75 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery enables quick charging thanks to its thermally-stable chemistry. From 10% to 70% takes just 25 minutes at 150 kW – perfect for road trip duty. And VinFast supports the battery pack with an exceptional 10 year, 125,000 mile warranty that leads the industry.
Advanced Technology
VinFast aims to compete with the best from Europe and America, so they loaded the VF7 with advanced smart features:
- Level 2 ADAS – Driver assistance package including automated emergency braking, blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control and more
- 15” display – Massive touchscreen with Android OS and integrated apps
- Natural voice – Conversational voice assistant that learns driver preferences
- Over-the-air updates – Remote software updates add features and refinements
I especially like the ADAS 2 system that allows easy highway driving without constant nagging. And the voice assistant combined with wireless updates keeps things fresh and secure for years to come.
Price and Availability
Here‘s where things get interesting – VinFast has priced the VF7 extremely competitively starting at just $41,000 in the US. Even a fully-loaded VF7 Plus falls south of $60,000 before available tax credits. That‘s as much as $15K less than European alternatives with similar performance.
Deliveries to reservation holders kick off in March 2024. VinFast is taking pre-orders through their website with no deposit required. I suggest reserving early to secure your spot in line!
The Upstart Looks Strong
Well friend, there you have it – the first deep dive on VinFast‘s important new VF7 crossover. I don‘t know about you, but I came away mighty impressed with this ambitious effort from Vietnam. The combination of stand-out design, smart tech and reasonable pricing makes it a muy compelling option in the white-hot electric SUV segment.
I for one can‘t wait to see these futuristic forms prowling American roads in the next couple years. It may just force the old guard to up their game! Let me know if you have any other questions.
