2023 VinFast VF 8 First Look Review: A Battery Of Unknowns

To circumvent the complexity of leasing the battery, it's possible to buy the SUV for $57,000 which includes the battery outright, as it would with any other EV. We have reached out to VinFast regarding availability for the Flexible plan as well as pricing for the better-equipped Plus model, and will update this story when the company confirms this information.

Rivals will include the Kia EV6 at $41,400, or you can get the 320-horsepower GT-Line AWD for $56,400. The Ford Mustang Mach-E starts at $54,975 for the Premium trim, as the cheaper Select was unavailable at the time of writing. At $37,495, the Volkswagen ID.4 is exceptional value, but it can't match the 348-hp output of the base VinFast VF 8. The base Tesla Model Y Long Range starts at $65,990.

关于新的通货膨胀削减行动,VinFastsaid it would still ensure that reservation holders get a $7,500 reduction even if they don't qualify for the $7,500 tax credit under the new legislation. This discountdoes come with some conditions, though, such as needing to convert your pre-order to a binding, written contract.

VinFast has made quite a big deal of the VF 8's Pininfarina design, but this isn't an exotically styled vehicle like some of the Italian design firm's best creations. Instead, the exterior of the new VinFast VF 8 crossover is quite conventional in profile. There is a V shape to the front fascia that follows the shape of the emblem, and this is surrounded by a split headlight design. At the back, a light strip runs almost across the full width of the body, and the VinFast name is displayed in bold lettering - important when you're trying to establish brand recognition in a new market. Along the sides are notable indentations along the door bottoms, but nothing has been too overdone. While not groundbreaking, there is just enough distinction in the details to set apart the VF 8 from its rivals.

The base Eco trim rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, but the Plus has 20-inch items and can be upgraded with 21s. Likewise, the Plus adds a panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, and a powered rear liftgate with a foot-activated sensor.

Unlike Tesla, the colors of the VinFast VF 8 offer a bit more variety. You can have it in Braminy White, Desat Silver, Neptune Gray, or Jet Black, but the brighter range of hues are Crimson Red, Sunset Orange, Deep Ocean, and VinFast Blue.

Although described as a midsize SUV, the dimensions of the VinFast VF 8 are more in line with a compact model. It has a length of 187 inches, making it just 1.4 inches longer than the Mustang Mach-E. The width is 74.8 inches and the height is 65.4 inches, while the wheelbase is 116.1 inches.

No curb weight specs have been given yet, but we know that electric crossovers of this size can easily weigh around 4,900 pounds, especially with standard all-wheel drive.

Both VinFast VF 8 models come with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive as standard. The base Eco has 348 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque, and it'll go from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. It's far quicker than a base Volkswagen ID.4, but if you consider the $57,000 starting price, including the battery, other electric crossovers are quicker.

For the Plus, outputs rise to 402 hp and 457 lb-ft, dropping the 0-60 mph time to 5.3 seconds, according to the manufacturer.

VinFast keeps things simple with just three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. While we expect instant acceleration of the mark and the smoothness for which EVs are renowned, we'll have to reserve further comment until we have the opportunity to get behind the wheel ourselves.

An 82-kWh (usable) battery is standard, but an extended-range 87.7-kWh battery is available. Based on the WLTP cycle, VinFast is targeting a range of 260 miles for the Eco and 248 miles for the Plus, while the enhanced range is 292/277 miles, respectively.

Considering that EPA estimates are usually lower, these range estimates are nothing special. Rivals like the Mustang Mach-E and Model Y can both exceed 300 miles quite easily, but we'll wait for official MPGe ratings and range data before judging the VF 8 too harshly.

Although charging speeds weren't indicated, VinFast says that the standard-range models can replenish the battery from 10% to 70% in about 24 minutes, rising to 31 minutes for enhanced-range versions.

VinFast also upgraded itsinitially poor charging dealwith Electrify America - which only provided two free charging sessions of 60 kWh - to anew one called VinFast Charged-Up. The first option provides VF 8 owners with three years of complimentary charging, with unlimited sessions. For those who own their homes, option two may prove more appealing. Here, VinFast will give customers a free Level 2 Home Charger and a credit worth $1,200 that can go towards the installation costs with a VinFast service partner.

The Charged-Up Program includes a year of free access to the VinFast Smart Driving Package, which adds numerous Level 2+ driver-assistance systems like smart parking assist and automatic lane changing.

The only downside to the Charged-Up Program is that it applied to reservations made in the US from the end of May 2022 until September 30, 2022. We do hope that VinFast will make the Charged-Up Program standard for all new models reserved at a later date as well.

The interior of the VinFast VF 8 seats five occupants in two rows, and like many other EVs, has a high-tech design and only a handful of physical controls.

VinFast has followed the Tesla approach inside the cabin, at least with regards to its large central touchscreen which controls most functions. This landscape-oriented screen measures 15.6 inches in size. Perhaps because there is no traditional gauge cluster directly ahead of the driver, a head-up display is standard on both trims. Wireless charging, keyless entry, type-A USB ports in both rows, and power-adjustable front seats are standard.

The seats in the VinFast VF 8 Eco are upholstered in synthetic leather, while the Plus has genuine leather and a wider range of front-seat adjustment. Other additions for the Plus include a driver's memory system, ventilated front seats, heated/ventilated second-row seats, and a total of ten speakers for the sound system. The standard Eco has an eight-speaker sound system.

都慷慨地配备了一连串的修剪ssist technologies. As standard, the VF 8 comes with lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane center control, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot detection, traffic sign recognition, front/rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree surround-view monitor. Summon Mode is an option, but VinFast would've done well to choose a name that was different from the same feature on Teslas. You can also pay extra for remote parking, auto lane change assist, and a Level 2 highway assist function.

At the time of writing, the cargo space in the VinFast VF 8 had not been confirmed. Despite originally being designed to accommodate a gas engine, the VF 8 still has a small frunk under the hood.