The Vietnamese automaker’s flagship electric SUV has been caught testing on Indian roads once more, and honestly, it’s getting us pretty excited about what’s coming.
VinFast’s India story is picking up steam, and the latest spy shots of the VF7 electric SUV doing rounds in Mumbai are proof enough. This premium electric crossover – which we first saw at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo earlier this year – is apparently gearing up for a September 2025 launch. That’s right, the Vietnamese brand is finally ready to take on India’s booming EV market, and they’re not messing around.
Design and Exterior
So, what did the spy photographers manage to capture this time? Well, the test mule was wrapped up tighter than a festival gift, but VinFast’s design DNA still managed to peek through. Those signature ‘V-shaped’ LED DRLs? Yep, they’re there, looking as sharp as ever. The front grille maintains that distinctive VinFast character we’ve come to recognize.
The rear end tells an interesting story too. Even with all that camouflage, you can make out those sleek wraparound LED tail lights connected by a full-width light bar. It’s the kind of design that’ll definitely turn heads at traffic lights. The test car seems to be running on slightly smaller wheels than what we’ve seen globally – probably VinFast being smart about Indian road conditions.
At 4,545mm long, this thing sits right in that sweet spot of the mid-size SUV segment. Not too big, not too small – just right for Indian families who want space without the hassle of maneuvering a massive SUV through tight city streets.
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Interior and Features
Step inside, and you’re greeted by what VinFast calls their minimalist approach. Translation? Everything revolves around that massive 12.9-inch touchscreen sitting pretty on the dashboard. Here’s where it gets interesting – there’s no traditional instrument cluster. All your driving info comes through the central screen and a heads-up display. It’s either going to be love at first sight or a complete deal-breaker, depending on how tech-savvy you are.
The cabin doesn’t skimp on the premium touches either. Vegan leather upholstery gives it that upmarket feel, while the panoramic glass roof makes the space feel airy and open. Dual-zone climate control keeps everyone happy, and the rear seats actually recline – perfect for those long highway trips to Goa.
Boot space? A decent 537 litres, which should handle your weekend getaway luggage without breaking a sweat.
Powertrain Options
Now, here’s where VinFast gets serious about performance. They’re offering the VF7 in two flavors, and both sound pretty tempting. The Eco variant keeps things simple with a single electric motor pushing out 201 PS and 310 Nm – more than enough for daily driving and the occasional highway overtake.
But if you’re the type who likes their SUVs with a bit more punch, the Plus variant is where the magic happens. Dual motors, 354 PS, 500 Nm, and all-wheel drive. This thing can hit 100 kmph from standstill in just 5.8 seconds. That’s proper sports car territory right there.
Both versions pack a 75.3 kWh battery. The Eco will take you up to 450 km on a single charge (WLTP), while the Plus manages 431 km. Not bad at all for a premium electric SUV.
Safety and Technology
VinFast hasn’t cut corners when it comes to keeping you safe. The VF7 comes loaded with Level 2 ADAS features – adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, the works. Seven airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program, and a 360-degree camera system round out the safety package.
On the tech front, you get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (thank goodness), over-the-air updates, and VinFast’s own C-App for connected car features. The infotainment system plays nice with Google Voice Assistant too, so you can keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Pricing and Competition
Here’s the million-rupee question – what’s it going to cost? Word on the street suggests somewhere between ₹50-65 lakh (ex-showroom). That puts it squarely against the Hyundai Ioniq 5, BYD Sealion 7, and BMW iX1. Tough neighborhood, but VinFast has a trick up their sleeve.
They’re planning to assemble the VF7 locally at their upcoming Tamil Nadu facility. Local assembly usually means better pricing, so there’s hope for a competitive price tag. Plus, they’ve already bagged the “Most Awaited New Car” award from ABP Live News, which suggests people are genuinely interested.
With bookings expected to open soon and that September launch window approaching fast, the VF7 could very well shake things up in India’s premium electric SUV space. And honestly? It’s about time we had more options in this segment.