2023 VinFast VF 8

While VinFast’s first products used internal combustion technology, it’s shifting over to battery power. And the automaker plans to take a unique approach to marketing those new, electrified products. Going forward, customers will be able to purchase models like the VF8 but their batteries will be leased.

While VinFast has its own internal styling team, the automaker turned to Italy’s Pininfarina to help design the VF 8. The look is handsome, albeit relatively traditional, with a squared off two-box design and a long front end—since it originally was designed to house an internal combustion engine under the hood. The shift to electric propulsion did give VinFast the opportunity to squeeze in a modest-sized frunk—or front trunk.

There’s a distinctive “V” logo on the nose and a split lighbar linking the VF 8’s split LED lighting. As has become the norm with modern battery-electric vehicles, or BEVs, there is no traditional grille since there’s no need to push air into what would have been the crossover’s engine compartment. A small grille below the bumper feeds air to the crossover’s power electronics, motors and battery pack.

The VinFast VF 8 has roughly the same overall dimensions as a BMW X3—or, among battery-electric vehicles, the new Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ford Mustang Mach-e.

There’s a reasonable amount of space inside, though not as much as some of the new, purpose-built battery-electric vehicles. Like most new BEVs, VinFast has gone for a high-tech look. One of the more eccentric details is the lack of a gauge cluster. Instead, critical information, such as your speed, can be read out on either the large head-up display, or a 15.6-inch touchscreen rising out of the center console.

As is rapidly becoming an industry norm, the infotainment system incorporates an Alexa-style personal voice assistant. You simply have to say, “Hey, Vinfast,” and issue a plain English command to set a destination, change the cabin temperature, even operate the oversized sunroof. The automaker plans an extensive array of features using the infotainment system, from cloud-based navigation to streaming video, as well as a shopping service now in the making. 

Borrowing a page from the Japanese and Koreans, VinFast promises to offer plenty for your money. In the case of the VF 8 that means high-line details at a mainstream price, including leather and other luxury touches.

While Vietnamese and European versions of the VF 8 will be offered with a front-wheel-drive option, all packages bound for the U.S. will feature all-wheel-drive, with motors on each  axle. The base Eco package detunes the motors to a combined 260 kW. For the metrically challenged, that’s equal to 348 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. 

The Plus model boosts output to a combined 300 kW, or 402 hp, and 457 lb-ft of torque.

As for range, a base 82 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion pack will deliver an EPA-estimated 207 miles per charge in the Eco model, 248 miles in the more powerful Plus edition. 

As for charging, VinFast claims the VF 8 will go from a 10% to 70% state-of-charge in 31 minutes or less using a public fast charger.

When Will the VinFast VF 8 be Available?

Orders for the VF 8 are already open and the first deliveries of the VF 8 City Edition are set for March 1, 2023. Don’t be surprised by more changes as the 2023 Vinfast VF 8 fully launches. A number of features are still under development, including one-pedal mode and semi-autonomous driving. The electric SUV will be equipped for smartphone-style over-the-air updates. Company officials say those and other features may be added later. 

VinFast is setting up its U.S. dealer network, but it’s focusing mostly on California, with other markets being rolled out over the next several years.

How Much Will the VinFast VF 8 Cost?

The VF 8 City Edition Eco and Plus will start at $49,000 and $56,000, respectively. A launch promotion takes off another $3,000. VinFast is no longer offering battery pack leasing options, and includes the battery in the sale price.

The Vinfast VF 8 won’t be eligible for the revamped federal tax credit of up to $7,500 because it’s made outside of North America.