While the VF 6 performs duty as a premium midsize electric SUV, the VF 7 sits a segment above, in the full-size premium SUV space. And that means, not only is the VF 7 significantly larger and more premium looking than its younger sibling, but it also packs in a bigger punch, an all-wheel drive system and gets more features too! Here, we take a closer look at the made in India, for India VF 7, manufactured at VinFast India’s state-of-the-art, world-class manufacturing facility at Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, which itself was readied in record time!
VinFast has taken a unique approach for the design of all of its cars, and the VF 7 is no exception. It is thus easy to spot the ‘family look’ that it shares with the VF 6, but with that said, there are significant differences between the two on the design front, besides the VF 7’s larger dimensions that lend it a more commanding road presence. It sports VinFast’s signature LED DRLs forming a V at the front, though the headlamps are larger and different looking for better visual appeal. Flush door handles add to its classy feel from the sides, along with the larger and more striking 19-inch alloy wheels, while the rear end looks very distinctive thanks to the trademark ‘V’ design and connected tail lamps.
The cabin exudes a very classy feel comparable to luxury SUVs, thanks to the abundance of high quality materials, like the India-specific Vegan leather. The dashboard is lined with vegan leather just like the door panels too, while seats are well-contoured, supremely comfortable and very supportive. In fact thanks to the most of the cabin being wrapped in high-quality vegan leather, along with contrast stitching at important points, the VF 7 feels a lot more expensive than it is. A distinct highlight inside this tastefully finished cabin is a crisp-looking high resolution 12.9-inch touchscreen that’s angled towards the driver. It lets you control most functions in the car like the headlamps, boot opening, ORVM adjustment, climate control, infotainment, drive modes, speedometer, charging stats, vehicle information and more. The steering wheel in the VF 7 is a flat-bottomed unit which further adds to the SUV’s sportiness. The front seats provide ample support and are ventilated, while the second row feels very spacious. Other features, include the edge-to-edge glass roof, a distinct highlight of VinFast cars, and a feature that gives the cabin an airy feel. Then there’s the boot, which offers a volume of 537 litres, ensuring you are never out of space for your luggage!
The VF 7 is on offer as both a front wheel drive and an all-wheel drive SUV, with two battery pack options – one being a 59.6kWh battery and the other a 70.8kWh unit – while claimed range for the SUV is up to 532km per charge. The latter powers dual motors, resulting in outputs of 354PS and 500Nm, numbers that can put a lot of luxury SUVs to shame. Charging times are blisteringly quick too, with the VF 7 supporting speeds of upto 110kW. Prices start from ₹23.89 lakh, which means the VF 7 punches well above its weight!
