VinFast is a new Vietnamese automaker that aims to dominate
the EV market with two of its models - the VF8 and the larger, three-row VF9.
What sets VinFast apart from established industry players is their unique
battery leasing program and attractive premium interior.
Speaking of firsts, the all-electric VF9 will be one of the
few electric SUVs in existence, especially as a three-row vehicle. The car has
an impressive horsepower rating enabling it to deliver high speeds while making
sure your wallet does not pay a heavy price at under $60,000.
The biggest catch in this entire plan by VinFast automobile
company is that individuals may choose either to buy or lease batteries for
this vehicle at an extra monthly charge thus creating more flexibility for
consumers looking for something affordable yet efficient option.
Exterior design and colors.
The Vinfast VF9 is a distinctive electric vehicle with an exterior design that stands out from the crowd. At the front, the car features headlights to its V-emblemed center and pop-out door handles that add a sense of flair. The strongly defined fenders paired with a rearmost side window separated from its middle counterpart by the C-pillar give it a classy, unique appearance overall.
No matter which
trim you choose - Eco or Plus – alloy wheels are included. The Eco trim offers
20" alloys while Plus has 21". There’s also a power liftgate for
convenience plus hands free access for added safety when loading cargo onto it.
When it comes to
colors, there’s plenty of choice too! Seven hues in total: Braminy White, Jet
Black, Desat Silver, Crimson Red, Neptune Gray and Deep Ocean combined with
VinFastBlue really make this EV stand out for sure but what takes precedence is
Sunset Orange – one of the most stunning colors available on any car these
days!
Engine and Performance.
The Vinfast VF 9
takes electric performance to a new level. This three-row SUV has an all-wheel
drive system powered by dual electric motors that produces 402 hp and 457 lb-ft
of torque. This makes the VF 9 very quick, with a 0–60 mph sprint time of 7.2
seconds for the Standard Range Battery version or 6.3 seconds with the Enhanced
Range Battery option. These times compare favorably to other three row SUVs
with conventional powertrains, demonstrating how powerful electric motoring can
be in this segment of vehicles.
The VF9 also offers Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes allowing you to optimize your performance needs based on conditions at hand while still ensuring great efficiency from the battery pack. However, true performance details are not yet known as the vehicle is still awaiting further testing before it goes into production later this year.
Charging and Battery Life
The VinFast VF 9
SUV offers two battery options: 92 kWh and 123 kWh. The 92kWh version has a
targeted range of 272 miles when in Eco Mode and 262 miles in Plus mode. With
the larger 123kWh battery, these figures become 369 miles (Eco) and 360 miles
(Plus).
DC Fast charging
can charge from 10% to 70% with the 92 kWh battery in 26 minutes, whereas with
the bigger 123 kWh pack this increases slightly to 35 mins. In 2022, VinFast
will be rolling out two charging deals with Electrify America as well as their
own 'VinFast Charged Up Program', which includes complimentary charging for new
owners plus $1,200 credit towards installation of a level 2 home charger
together with one year's free subscription to Smart Driving Package.
Learn More: Tesla Model Y vs. Kia EV6: Which one should you go for?
Interior design and Cargo
The Vinfast VF9 promises luxurious interior and cargo space. The layout is mostly devoid of physical controls; instead, a 15.6 inch touchscreen display with head-up display (HUD) will show the driver all key information while on the road.
The colors
available for the cabin include Granite Black, Saddle Brown, Cotton Beige, and
Navy Blue with contrast stitching on dashboard, seats and door panels that add
to its overall look.
Other notable
features included are eight Type A USB ports spread throughout the cabin
including pair in third row for connecting devices, Wi-Fi connectivity,
wireless charging and 13-speaker sound system standard even in base trim.
Plus trim gets
leather upholstery plus 12 way power adjustable driver's seat along with heated
second row seats for added comfort while driving as well as ventilated first
two rows plus massaging function in front rows to keep you relaxed during long
drives. An optional captain chair is also offered which reduces seating
capacity from seven to six people without removing any extra cargo space so you
can still jam pack things inside this car if needed!
Cargo space of
Vinfast VF9 isn't official yet but expected to be decent based on its length
size compared to other cars like Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Pacifica Minivan
both having good number of storage spaces behind last row available too.
Safety features.
Ensuring driving
safety is VinFast’s top priority. The automaker demonstrates its commitment to
drivers by equipping both trims with intelligent driver aid technologies and 11
airbags.
This includes
numerous advanced features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure
warning, a blind-spot detection system, a 360-degree surround-view monitoring
system that guarantees optimal visibility on all sides of the car while
driving. That's not all; there's also a driver monitoring system in place.
The manufacturers
have ensured that their vehicles come equipped with commendable technological
advancements, such as traffic jam assist and auto-lane change assist features.
These respective models are even designed for remote parking – an impressive
feature in itself - making it more convenient than ever to park your vehicle
safely! And if these aren't enough for you, rest assured because this includes
Highway Assist Level-2 technology too.
Learn More: XPENG G9 Review: Has XPENG finally hit the target?
The Bottom Line
Many EV startups
come and go these days, but VinFast stands out with its impressive production
goals and promising approach to pricing.
Rather than the
conventional practice of negotiating the price for both car and battery,
VinFast personalizes a membership based on estimated consumption. This
innovation separates battery cost from the vehicle's purchase value; thus it
assumes all risks that concern batteries. Consequently, this lowers costs while
assuring product quality- providing confidence about their battery's
reliability down the line.
As for the VF 9,
it is yet to be tested by experts, so we reserve our judgement on whether to
buy it or not. Keep checking on this blog as we will update on our decision soon.