VinFast VF7 First Look Review - A Good Bet?

The VinFast VF7 is the more premium offering out of the two new SUVs the car maker has finally launched in the country, and while we are yet to get behind the wheel of one, the VF7 does present itself as a tempting option in the EV segment, for buyers who can spend above Rs 20 lakh.

We will be presenting our first impressions of the VinFast VF7, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.

Also read: VinFast VF7 Vs Mahindra XEV 9E: The Perfect Premium EV?

VinFast VF7 First Look Review: Design

The VF7 comes across as a more mature version of the VF6, carrying forward the brands familiar design language. It retains the DRL strips stretching across the bonnet, with the headlamps positioned lower down. The VF7 also features a larger air-vent housing along with a contrasting polished black surface.

From the side, the design remains recognisable, but it distinguishes itself with flush-fitting door handles and protective black cladding along the lower section. It rides on 19-inch aero-inspired alloy wheels. At the rear, the VF7 continues with twin light strips linking the tail lamps, complemented by a uniquely shaped tailgate and sleek vertical units. It gets a total of six paint options on offer; Infinity Blanc, Crimson Red, Desat Silver, Jet Black, Zenith Grey, Urban Mint.

Overall, the VF7 comes across a mature, but stylish-looking SUV which comes with modern elements. At the same time, it will not turn off prospective buyers, as it also has that conventional-looking silhouette which is generally appreciated by buyers in this segment.

VinFast VF7 First Look Review Powertrain, Battery And Charging

Before we carry on, we must mention VinFast's initiative to bring in early adopters by offering free battery maintenance and free charging at VGreens charging stations till June 2028, along with ten years or 2,00,000km of battery warranty. This is certainly an interesting way to make inroads into the EV segment.

The VF7 is offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The FWD version comes with a smaller 59.6kWh battery, delivering 174bhp and 250Nm of torque. The mid-spec and top-end variants get the larger 70.8kWh pack, producing 201bhp and 310Nm, with a claimed 0100kmph time of 9.5 seconds. The AWD version is the most powerful, putting out 348bhp and 500Nm of torque, and can sprint from 0100kmph in just 5.8 seconds.

The Earth variant gets the 59.6kWh battery pack, which is said to charge from 10 to 70 percent in 24 minutes. Higher-spec versions upgrade to a 70.8kWh unit, with the same charge window taking a claimed 28 minutes. Range figures also vary by trim. The Earth is rated at 438km on a single charge, while the Wind variant stretches that to 532km. The Sky slots in between, with a claimed 510km range.

VinFast VF7 First Look Review Interiors And Features

Inside, the VF7 can be had with either black vegan leather upholstery or mocca brown leather, depending on the variant. From the pictures, the Mocca Brown upholstery looks rather premium in pictures, and suspect it will feel just as premium in the flesh as well.

Standard equipment includes a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, a coloured head-up display, projector headlamps with auto-levelling, heated ORVMs, cruise control, a 360-degree camera, rain-sensing wipers, a power-adjustable drivers seat, auto-dimming IRVM, wireless smartphone integration, and multiple drive and regen modes, among others.

Higher trims add a few more premium touches, such as adaptive cruise control, 8-way ventilated power-adjustable front seats, an 8-speaker audio setup, a Level 2 ADAS suite, powered tailgate, fixed panoramic glass roof, and dual-zone climate control.

The VF7 also comes with a set of dedicated modes for specific situations. These include a Pet mode, which keeps the air-conditioning running when you step out of the car with your pet insidealong with a screen message confirming its active. Other modes include Valet, Camp, and Wash. The Wash mode, for instance, locks the hood, charging flap, and windows while the car is being cleaned. Basically, the VF7 offers quite a lot in terms of features, even in its lower trims. It does things a little differently from the XEV 9E, but it still offers quite a lot nevertheless.

VinFast VF7 Price And Variants