- VinFast, an Vietnamese startup automaker, today revealed the VF6 and VF7 electric SUVs at the L.A. auto show.
- The subcompact front-drive-only VF6 is said to make up to 201 hp; the larger VF7 makes a claimed 201 hp (FWD) or 349 hp (AWD).
- Both EV models are coming to America, with production expected to start sometime in the third quarter of 2023.
VinFast—the up-and-coming Vietnamese automaker whose name sounds like a mashup of Vin Diesel and Fast and Furious—is adding two new members to its U.S.-bound family. While this isn’t the first we’ve heard of these electric SUVs, the company today revealed production-intent versions of the 2024 VinFast VF6 and VF7 at the L.A. auto show.
2024 VinFast VF6
Measuring 166.9 inches from stem to stern, the VF6 is about the same size as conventional subcompact SUVs. Its 107.5-inch wheelbase is 0.5 inch shorter than the Kia Niro EV, and the VF6 is just as wide and about an inch taller at 62.8 inches. VinFast definitely makes the VF6 stand out stylistically, with distinctive V-shaped lighting elements front and back to go along with its shapely sheetmetal.
The VF6 will only be offered with a single electric motor mounted on the front axle. VinFast claims the Eco model will produce 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and it says the Plus will generate 201 horses and 228 pound-feet. The company also says to expect two different battery pack options, but their capacities and estimated driving ranges are yet to be determined. The same goes for its charging rates.
Inside, the VF6 has a simple design, and a tranditional gauge cluster is conspicuously absent. Instead, there’s a head-up display and a prominent center touchscreen. The latter includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Amazon Alexa voice-assistant. VinFast also mentioned an in-car karaoke app and an app called what3words that offers a simpler way to access voice-activated navigation. The VF6 offers either cloth or faux leather upholstery, and while the Eco model has a steel roof, the Plus has a panoramic sunroof.
2024 VinFast VF7
Compared with the subcompact VF6, the VF7 measures exactly a foot longer at 178.9 inches, which is a mere two-tenths shorter than the compact Mazda CX-5 SUV. The VF7 also spans 74.4 inches from hip to hip and stands 64.4 inches tall. Again, for context, those dimensions make it about 2 inches wider and 2 inches shorter than the Mazda. The VF7’s design is highlighted by its unique lighting bits, and its smooth body panels aren’t busy, contributing to a clean look, even if its rear “floating roof” element is a bit contrived.
The VF7 is available with one or two electric motors. The former setup is found on the Eco model, providing front-wheel drive and a claimed output of 201 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque (same as the VF6 Plus, if you didn’t notice). The all-wheel-drive VF7 Plus is considerably more powerful, with VinFast saying it produces 349 horses and 368 pound-feet. The company didn’t divulge any performance estimates, and there’s no word on battery sizes or predicted driving range.
With its increased dimensions, the two-row VF7 will offer more cargo and passenger space than the smaller VF6. Its interior appears to be more upscale, too. The 7 gets a larger 15.6-inch center touchscreen infotainment system with the same connectivity features as the 6. Along with cloth upholstery on the VF7 Eco, the Plus trim level comes with “premium” faux leather.
Arrival Time and Pricing
The VF6 and VF7 will join the two-row VF8 and three-row VF9 SUVs (the two other models VinFast is planning to sell in America). As of this writing, the company hasn’t sold any models on our shores, and so far it only has six mall-style retail outlets, all of which are in California. However, a VinFast spokesperson told Car and Driver the company aims to add brick-and-mortar sales and service centers by the end of next year. Each model will also be backed by VinFast’s notable warranty, which spans 10 years or 125,000 miles.
VinFast hasn’t yet announced pricing for the 2024 VF6 or VF7. We’d wager that the smaller of the two electric SUVs will start in the low-$30k range, whereas we think the larger one will have a base price somewhere above $35,000. As with the VF8 and VF9, expect VinFast to offer the VF6 and VF7 with or without a monthly battery subscription.
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This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Source: Motor - aranddriver.com
