Vinfast and Pininfarina have showcased the Vietnamese automaker’s VF8 and VF 9 electric SUVs in Barcelona ahead of European deliveries starting in the second half of 2022. First revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show last fall as the VF e35 and e36, and subsequently renamed as FV 8 and VF 9, the D- and E-segment SUVs will arrive in the U.S. at the back end of 2022, having first cut their teeth in Germany, France and the Netherlands. UK sales are not planned at this stage.
The two-row VF 8 will cost € 36,133
(US$ 41,000) for the Eco model, and from € 42,669 (US$ 48,000) for the Plus version,
while the bigger VF 9 stickers at € 49,280 (US$ 56,000) for the Eco and from
€ 53,413 (US$ 61,000) for the Plus before any available EV tax incentives are
applied. Vinfast says the Tesla Model Y-rivalling VF 8 and BMW X7-sized VF 9
are inspired by sports cars and references the “modern design language to
optimise aerodynamics,” which might be hard to believe in the case of the Lego
brick-shaped VF 9. While the window outline is radically different on the two
SUVs, particularly around the C-pillar, they share the distinctive V-shaped
grille motif.
Technical details are still patchy, but
Vinfast says the dual-motor, all-wheel drive five-seat VF 8 serves up 402 hp and 620 Nm and can manage 499 km on a full
charge via the biggest available battery. Last November we reported that a
single motor version would produce 204 PS, and that opting for the
smaller available battery would cut the range to 459 km.
The VF 9 is likely to get the same
powertrain, but should offer seating for up to seven, plus even more available
range. A standard battery is tipped to endow the 9 with 484 km,
while upgrades offering as much as 679 Nm will be available.
Both cars come equipped with large
15.6-inch console touchscreens, head-up displays and should eventually offer
Level 3 autonomous driving functionality, something currently only offered by
Mercedes’ flagship cars.
