Vietnamese automaker VinFast sets to release VF7 and VF6 models in India prior to festive season debut
VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker, is set to make its mark in the Indian market with the launch of two electric SUVs - the VF6 and the VF7. The VF6 is expected to be priced around ₹25 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it as a competitor to compact electric SUVs like the Tata Curvv EV, Hyundai Creta EV, MG ZS EV, Mahindra BE6, and upcoming models like the Maruti eVitara. On the other hand, the VF7 is projected to be priced between ₹30 lakh and ₹35 lakh, according to some sources, while others estimate it closer to ₹50 lakh (ex-showroom), placing it among premium electric SUVs competing against the Hyundai Ioniq 5, BMW iX1, and BYD Sealion 7.
Price Comparison
Here's a price comparison table (approximate, ex-showroom India):
| Model | Expected Price Range (₹ lakh) | Segment / Competitors | |---------------------|-------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | VinFast VF6 | ~25 | Compact electric SUVs (Tata Curvv EV, Hyundai Creta EV, MG ZS EV, Mahindra BE6) | | VinFast VF7 | 30 - 35 or ~50 | Mid-size / premium electric SUVs (Hyundai Ioniq 5, BMW iX1, BYD Sealion 7) | | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | ~45 - 55 | Premium electric SUV | | BMW iX1 | ~50 | Premium electric compact SUV | | BYD Sealion 7 | ~45 - 50 | Premium electric SUV | | Tata Curvv EV | Estimated around 20-25 | Compact electric SUV | | Hyundai Creta EV | Estimated around 20-25 | Compact electric SUV | | MG ZS EV | ~21 - 25 | Compact electric SUV | | Mahindra BE6 | Estimated ~20-25 | Compact electric SUV |
Features of the VF7
The VF7, with its premium features like a 75.3 kWh battery with over 450 km range, a 12.9-inch infotainment display, head-up display, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, eight-way powered driver seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control, aims to compete with more established premium EVs. The VF7 will be available in six exterior shades: Jet Black, Desat Silver, Infinity Blanc, Crimson Red, Zenith Grey, and Urban Mint.
The top-spec version of the VF7 offers up to 354 PS and 500 Nm, with a claimed range of 496 km (NEDC) and acceleration from 0-100 kmph in 5.8 seconds.
The VF6 - A Compact Offering
The compact VinFast VF6 will be launched in two trims: Earth and Wind. The Earth variant has a monotone black cabin, while the Wind and Sky variants feature a dual-tone Mocha Brown and Black cabin theme. The VF6 will accelerate 0-100 kmph in 9 seconds and has an electronically restricted top speed of 175 kmph.
The VF6 will have a 59.6 kWh battery pack and a single front-mounted electric motor. It has a claimed range of 470 km (NEDC). The VF6 is expected to produce up to 201 PS and 310 Nm. The compact VF6 is expected to be priced at ₹25 lakh (ex-showroom) and could compete with electric vehicles like the Tata Curvv EV, Hyundai Creta EV, MG ZS EV, and Mahindra BE 6. The VF6, like the VF7, will have all six exterior colors available across variants.
Local Manufacturing and Investment
VinFast is also investing heavily in local manufacturing to support its India strategy. The company aims to establish a manufacturing plant in India, which could potentially create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy.
In summary, the VF6 will compete with established compact electric SUVs in the ₹20-25 lakh price band, while the VF7 will range from upper mid-size to premium SUVs with prices around ₹30-35 lakh or possibly up to ₹50 lakh, competing with luxury EV models in India. The exact pricing and localization of the VF7 may vary depending on the variant.
- The VF6, competitively priced around ₹25 lakh, aligns with compact electric SUVs within the market, such as the Tata Curvv EV, Hyundai Creta EV, MG ZS EV, and Mahindra BE6.
- The luxury electric SUV, the VF7, with a projected price between ₹30 lakh and ₹35 lakh (or potentially reaching ₹50 lakh), will challenge established premium EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, BMW iX1, and BYD Sealion 7.
- VinFast's local investment in manufacturing, aimed at establishing a plant in India, could potentially create thousands of jobs and substantially contribute to the local economy.
