VF 7, VinFast’s Last Gun?

Could the VF7 be the car that saves the future of Vietnamese automaker VinFast in Europe?

VinFast is an electric vehicle manufacturer that we have been closely following since Auto Shanghai 2022 and the Los Angeles Auto Show. Primarily because Vietnamese manufacturers are few, and secondly due to the antics of this unique brand, which blends endless communication, extravagant optimism, and some amusing tricks like buying its own cars… A rapid development that is accompanied by its share of stumbles.

In two years, VinFast has launched the SUV models VF e34, VF 5, VF 8, and VF 9, as well as a mini electric car under $20,000, the VF 3, specifically designed for the Vietnamese market.

Two models are already available for order in France with a small deposit of 150 euros: the VF 8, with its convoluted lines, advertised at less than 500 euros per month, and the massive VF 9, a 7-seater. Here’s a model that likely has a better chance of success, the famous VF 7.

With a length of 4,540 cm, the VF 7 targets the thriving electric SUV market. Against models like the Peugeot E-3008 and Tesla Model Y, among others, good promises are no longer enough; it now takes something very substantial.

The style is interesting, with a V-shaped lighting signature reminiscent of the Venturi Fetish. Inside, the trend is Tesla-like, with no driver’s screen and a simple display of 12.8 or 15.6 inches, depending on the version, mounted above the central console. While Peugeot favors modern, well-crafted interiors, and Tesla opts for simplicity, VinFast tries to appeal to all with a fairly elaborate dashboard and a two-tone ambiance. It’s not a failure, but it gives the impression of searching for a style without quite finding it. For example, KIA has handled the modernization of the cockpit much better with its EV5. Hey, a new competitor for the VF 7!

Under the hood, the entry-level VF 7 features a 59.6 kWh battery with an announced range of 375 km and a single electric motor of 177 horsepower. The VF 7 Plus doubles down with two 75.3 kWh batteries, two motors for a total of 354 horsepower, and an overall WLTP range of 431 km. Honestly, this is somewhat underwhelming for a vehicle in this segment. To have a real chance of success without a massive image or network presence, VinFast needs to strike big with pricing! In Vietnam, the base model costs around 38,000 euros, and the Plus version about 46,000 euros. Once taxes and import fees are added, what will remain for the VF 7? Sadly, we think there’s little chance of success…