Introduction
The Vietnamese automaker walks into India's competitive EV space and immediately grabs everyone's attention. That's exactly what VinFast has done with the VF7, and honestly, it's pretty impressive. This isn't just another "me too" electric SUV – it's a seriously well-thought-out machine that's making established players take notice.
The VF7 recently won the "Most Awaited New Car" award from ABP Live News, and after looking at what it offers, I can see why. This is a premium C-SUV that follows VinFast's "Asymmetric Aerospace" design philosophy – basically, they've tried to make a car that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie, but in a good way.
VF7 Variants & Key Specifications
| Specification | VF7S (Base) | VF7 Plus (Top) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 59.6 kWh | 75.3 kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 375 km | 431 km |
| Motor Configuration | Single Motor (FWD) | Dual Motor (AWD) |
| Power Output | 130 kW (174 hp) | 260 kW (348 hp) |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 500 Nm |
| 0-100 kmph | 10-11 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 150 kmph | 175 kmph |
| Wheel Size | 19 inch | 20 inch (21" optional) |
| Airbags | 6 | 8 |
| ADAS Level | Basic | Level 2 |
| Safety Rating | Not rated | ASEAN NCAP 5★ |
Performance: Two Very Different Personalities
Here's where things get interesting. VinFast is offering two completely different driving experiences with the VF7. The base VF7S is your sensible family hauler – single motor, front-wheel drive, decent performance for daily driving. Nothing spectacular, but it'll get the job done efficiently.
But the VF7 Plus? Now that's where the fun begins. With dual motors producing a combined 348 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, this thing can rocket from 0-100 kmph in just 5.8 seconds. That's quicker than most petrol SUVs on Indian roads! The all-wheel-drive system means better traction and handling, especially during our monsoon months.
Handling & Ride Quality
The VF7 rides on a 2,840mm wheelbase, which should translate to a stable, comfortable ride. The MacPherson strut front suspension and control blade rear setup is a proven combination for balancing comfort with decent handling. At 190mm ground clearance, it should handle Indian road conditions without too much drama.
Range & Efficiency: The Make-or-Break Factor
Let's address the elephant in the room – range anxiety. The VF7S with its 59.6 kWh battery offers a WLTP-certified 375 km range, while the Plus variant bumps that up to 431 km. Now, we all know real-world numbers are different, so expect around 300-350 km for the base and 350-400 km for the Plus under Indian driving conditions.
The charging story is pretty decent too. VinFast claims you can charge from 10-70% in about 24 minutes using a fast charger. For home charging, they'll offer a 3.5kW portable charger as an aftermarket accessory, which should fully charge the battery overnight.
Interior:
Step inside the VF7, and you'll find what VinFast calls a "driver-focused cockpit." The centerpiece is a massive 12.9-inch infotainment screen (with plans for a 15.6-inch upgrade), which handles pretty much everything. The Plus variant even gets a colored heads-up display – a feature you don't see in many cars at this price point.
Seating & Comfort Features
- 5-seater configuration: Smart choice for the Indian market where most families prefer the extra boot space
- Vegan leather upholstery: Premium feel without the environmental guilt
- 8-way power driver seat: Standard across both variants
- Seat ventilation: Front seats only (Plus variant), but crucial for Indian summers
- Dual-zone climate control: Keep everyone happy in our diverse climate zones
- Panoramic glass roof: Edge-to-edge design that makes the cabin feel more spacious
The second-row seats fold in a 60:40 split, giving you flexibility for cargo. The overall cabin design follows a minimalist approach – think Tesla, but with a bit more warmth and character.
Technology:
This is where I think VinFast has really done their homework. The technology package in the VF7, especially the Plus variant, is genuinely impressive for what could be a sub-₹40 lakh SUV.
Connected Car Features
- Over-the-air updates: Your car gets better while you sleep
- Virtual assistant: Voice commands in multiple languages (hopefully including Hindi)
- Remote car control: Start AC, check battery status, all from your phone
- Camp Mode & Pet Mode: Thoughtful features for outdoor enthusiasts
- Valet Mode: Limit power and speed when someone else drives your car
- User profiles: Multiple driver settings with cloud sync
ADAS: Level 2 Autonomy (Plus Variant)
The VF7 Plus comes with a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite that includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and even auto lane changing assist. The base VF7S gets basic features like blind spot detection and parking assist, but misses out on the advanced stuff.
Safety:
Here's where VinFast shows they understand the Indian market. The VF7 Plus has achieved a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating, which gives it credibility in safety-conscious markets. While we're still waiting for Bharat NCAP testing, the ASEAN rating is a good indicator.
Safety Equipment
The base VF7S comes with 6 airbags, while the Plus variant bumps that up to 8. Both variants get ISOFIX anchor points, electronic parking brake, and a comprehensive suite of electronic stability systems. The Plus variant adds features like knee airbag for the driver and automatic emergency braking.
One thing I appreciate is that VinFast hasn't skimped on basic safety features even in the base variant. Things like tire pressure monitoring, speed-sensitive auto door lock, and seatbelt pre-tensioners come standard.
The Price Question: VinFast's Biggest Challenge
Here's where things get tricky. VinFast hasn't announced Indian pricing yet, but based on their global positioning and the feature set, I'm expecting the VF7S to start around ₹35-38 lakh, with the Plus variant touching ₹45-50 lakh. That puts it in direct competition with the BMW iX1, Mercedes EQA, and the upcoming Volvo EX30.
VF7S (Base)
Expected Price: ₹35-38 lakh
Best for: Families wanting premium EV experience without breaking the bank
Key features: 375km range, basic ADAS, 6 airbags
VF7 Plus
Expected Price: ₹45-50 lakh
Best for: Tech enthusiasts who want the full experience
Key features: 431km range, Level 2 ADAS, 8 airbags, AWD
Value Proposition
At these expected price points, the VF7 offers a compelling package. You're getting features and technology that are typically reserved for cars costing significantly more. The build quality and attention to detail seem impressive from what we've seen at the Bharat Mobility Expo.
Manufacturing & After-Sales: The Local Advantage
The company is also planning an extensive charging network and has committed to establishing service centers across major Indian cities. For a new brand, this level of infrastructure investment is reassuring.
Final Verdict: A Dark Horse Worth Watching
What works: Impressive technology package, solid build quality, comprehensive safety features, local manufacturing, and competitive performance figures. The Level 2 ADAS in the Plus variant is particularly noteworthy.
What doesn't: Brand recognition is obviously a challenge, and we'll need to see real-world range figures and reliability data. The success will also depend heavily on pricing and charging infrastructure rollout.
If VinFast gets the pricing right and delivers on their infrastructure promises, the VF7 could be the dark horse that established players weren't expecting. The VF7 deserves serious consideration if you're in the market for a premium electric SUV. Just make sure to take a thorough test drive and check out their service network in your city before making the leap.
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