Long-rumours of VinFast launching their compact fully-electric VF5 in India are being backed up after filing a design patent for their facelifted model here. After numerous sightings of test mules on Indian roads, and an uncamouflaged version in Vietnam, it seems likely that the Vietnamese company will be launching their improved model in India. Interestingly, the design has been improved significantly.
They now look more like a compact SUV than tallboy hatchback. The headlights have been given a sleeker design and are now much lower down on the front bumper. The thick black areas below the headlights have been made thinner and are now flush with the rest of the bumper. Up front, we get a completely redesigned bonnet and front bumper. This gives a very clean, modern and slightly more aggressive aesthetic. Looking at the side profile, the general shape has been kept the same. However, the alloys have been given a brand new multi-spoke design.
For the back of the car, the LED taillights have been given a more chunky look. The reverse lights and indicators have now been incorporated into the light units. In the centre of the tailgate, there is some branding for VinFast and a VF5 badge on the side. This design matches the uncamouflaged version seen in Vietnam back in September 2026.
Inside the cabin, it will have a brand new, more premium and tech-oriented design. From spy shots of the new VF5, we can see a more upright dashboard with a large floating touchscreen. We also get a new steering wheel with a two-spoke design. The top and bottom have been flattened. There is no longer a separate instrument binnacle and all driving information is shown on the central screen. This all creates a much cleaner and minimal look inside the car with modern EV trends.
In terms of dimensions, this car still falls into the popular sub-4 metre category. It measures around 3,967mm long and has a 2,514mm wheelbase. This puts it just behind the Tata Punch EV in size. It also has a boot space of around 260L. Globally, the car has come with a 37.23kWh battery pack and an electric motor mounted in the front producing around 136hp and 135Nm. The car has a claimed range of up to 326km on the NEDC. It is unclear whether VinFast will keep the exact same spec for India or make any changes. Either way, this powertrain will put the car up against some strong competitors.
If the facelifted VF5 does make it to India, industry estimates suggest that it will be priced around the Rs 10-12Lakh mark. This puts it up against the Tata Punch EV, Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV 3XO EV. VinFast have already set up manufacturing in Tamil Nadu which is where they build their larger VF6 and VF7 models. They have also been increasing the number of suppliers they work with. By adding the cheaper VF5 model, it means they can appeal to a larger demographic wanting an affordable EV SUV with a modern design and cabin.
Whilst the design patent and previous testing makes it likely that the car will be launched in the future, VinFast have not officially confirmed any details about the car. Most are predicting a 2027 release. This design patent is the best indication that VinFast are seriously considering launching their facelifted model in India. The car will have a much sharper SUV look, modern tech cabin and help VinFast increase their presence in one of the fastest growing EV markets in the world.