The VinFast VF7 has been able to stir in the Indian automotive market, which has been growing rapidly in recent months, not only in sales but also in new electric vehicle segments. This Vietnamese-crafted electric crossover, which has been locally assembled in India, manages to make its mark not only against the numerous competition on the market but also with its performance, space and features, as well as an attractive pricing, which places many of its variants comfortably below or around the 25 lakh rupees mark.
Offering prices from just around 20.89 to 25.49 lakh ex-showroom in the introductory range, which for some variants would extend a bit higher, the VF7 has managed to undercut many of its rivals, such as the Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra XEV 9e, and provide excellent value for money and competitive specs. It offers two battery options, a 59.6 kWh pack on the entry-level Earth variant, which promises a claimed ARAI range of around 438 km on a single front-wheel-drive motor, producing around 177 hp, while the larger 70.8 kWh pack is available on higher trim levels. Mid-level Wind variants make use of the larger battery pack and a single more powerful motor, offering around 204 hp and a claimed range of up to 532 km, while the top Sky and Sky Infinity models introduce dual-motors for all-wheel drive and a combined output of around 350 hp and 500 Nm of torque. This AWD option also promises a claimed 0-100 kph time of just 5.8 seconds, making the VF7 one of the fastest electric SUVs in this price range and providing excellent acceleration, which feels addictive on the open road.
The VF7 has been praised for its excellent low-speed response, confidence at higher speeds, as well as the enjoyable handling, though some road and tyre noises can be heard at higher speeds. Real-world range tends to fall short of the claimed figures, as it is the case with most electric vehicles, but the combination of the LFP battery, DC fast charging capability of the VF7, which can take the battery from 10 to 70 percent in roughly 24 to 28 minutes, and the ownership benefits offset potential range worries and promote excellent value for money.
Inside the VF7, comfort and space are prioritised. The 4.55 m long and 2.84 m wheelbase electric crossover provides generous space inside the cabin, offering particularly good rear-seat space for both legs and head, as well as excellent reclining options. A fixed panoramic glass roof floods the cabin with light, while the equipment includes a 12.9-inch touchscreen, which offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a head-up display, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, a powered tailgate, 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. Seven airbags come as standard, while the VF7 has proven its worth on the safety front, earning excellent safety scores, such as the five-star Bharat NCAP rating in available assessments.
The VF7’s design language is unique but not without its critics, with its bold lighting and crossover approach being divisive at times, as some felt the VF7 lacked the butch appeal of some of its rivals. Good quality materials and overall refinement are praised, while the touchscreen-centric approach to controls can prove to be a bit distracting. A practical boot space of around 537 litres, which becomes notably more when the seats are folded, completes the interior highlights. In terms of ownership benefits, VinFast have been able to offer packages, such as complimentary charging at V-Green network stations for a predetermined period, complimentary maintenance for three years, 10-year or 200,000 km warranty for the vehicle and battery, as well as roadside assistance. Local assembly helps promote competitive pricing and the brand presence in a market, where most electric vehicle manufacturers are still establishing their presence and local infrastructure.
To call one vehicle the best is subjective, as it depends on what the buyer is looking for. However, the VF7 manages to make a compelling case in the electric vehicle segment, which is under and around the 25 lakh rupees mark. For buyers, who seek performance, all-wheel drive option, excellent rear-seat space for those considering a chauffeur-driven option or a family, along with excellent value for money and feature-rich equipment, the competition has very little to offer. ICE-powered rivals in the same price range might provide excellent value for money and brand appeal, but they cannot offer the torque response, lower running costs and the silence, which an electric vehicle can provide. Among pure electric vehicle options, the VF7’s competitive pricing on the entry-level, as well as the ownership benefits, make it stand out as a compelling option, not only for its performance but also the value for money.
The main detractors of the VF7 include the still-growing local infrastructure, which will require some time to develop and prove itself against the established rivals, as well as the design, which may not appeal to some, and the range, which may need to be planned accordingly for longer journeys. As the local infrastructure grows and the buyers become more familiar with the benefits of electric vehicles, the VF7 can prove to be a compelling option, which can make a difference in the minds of many buyers, when it comes to the mid-size electric SUV segment.
Whether it is able to truly revolutionise the local market depends on the continued sales success, as well as the continued support from the local infrastructure and the growth of the brand’s model range and charging network, but early signs point to the VF7 managing to surprise many with the offered value and approach, which can make it a compelling option for consideration.