Vietnam’s first major global automaker VinFast is set to make its foray into North America. After showcasing its entire line-up at CES 2022 in Los Angeles, VinFast was also present at the 2022 New York International Motor Show (NYIAS 2022), where it offered test drives of the VinFast VF 8. The mid-size electric SUV will be available in the U.S. in two variants: Eco and Plus. Here are five things we know about the VinFast VF 8 electric SUV:
To rival the Model Y and ID.4
VinFast will attempt to establish itself as a promising player in the popular mid-size electric SUV segment. Its key rivals, the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4, belong to trusted global brands, but the customers shouldn’t write off the VinFast VF 8. The Model Y starts at USD 62,990, while the VW ID.4 starts at USD 41,230. The base variant of the VinFast VF 8 undercuts the VW, while the top variant is at par with the ID.4 Pro S.
Designed by Pininfarina
The U.S. model will come with ADAS and voice recognition with Alexa support. Images: VinFast
The cabin quality of the VinFast VF 8 appears top-drawer. Pininfarina designed the SUV, and the cabin is aplenty with hand-finished craftsmanship. A key feature of the U.S.-spec SUV is the sizeable 15-inch touchscreen infotainment with over 30 artificial intelligence-powered features. VinFast has also partnered with Amazon for Alexa voice commands in the VF 8. The U.S. model will also come with advanced driver assistance systems, including lane-keeping and changing assist, collision warning and mitigation, parking assist, and more.
A key feature of the U.S.-spec SUV is the sizeable 15-inch touchscreen infotainment with over 30 artificial intelligence-powered features. Image: VinFast
292 miles of range
The VinFast electric SUV is no slouch when it comes to performance. Both variants come with a dual-motor AWD set-up. The Eco variant produces 348 hp while the Plus offers 402 hp. The former accelerates to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds, while the latter makes the sprint in 5.3 seconds. There are two range options: Standard Range and Enhanced Range.
The Eco variant with a standard range battery offers 260 miles, while the extended-range model offers 292 miles. The Plus comes with 248 miles and 277 miles, respectively. These are preliminary WLTP figures. EPA estimates are expected to vary.
VinFast is betting big on reliability as the VF 8 comes with a 10-year/125,000 miles warranty. Images: VinFast
Reservations are open
Reservations are open on VinFast’s U.S. website for VF 8 and VF 9 electric SUVs. Customers can reserve their model by paying a USD 200 booking amount. VinFast has confirmed that the VF 8 is expected to be available to customers in the U.S. by the second half of 2022. The exact timeline has not been revealed.
VinFast says the VF 8 and VF 9 have combined international reservations of 60,000 units as of April 2022. Moreover, the brand’s USD 2 billion manufacturing site in North Carolina is expected to be operational by July 2024. Until the U.S. plant is operational, VinFast will make the EVs at its 90% automated manufacturing facility in Hai Phong, Vietnam.
VF 8 Price & Battery Subscription in the U.S.
The VinFast VF 8 Eco is priced at USD 40,700 in the standard-range variant and USD 41,000 in the extended-range variant. The VinFast VF 8 Plus costs USD 47,700 in the standard-range variant and USD 48,000 in the extended-range variant. The price difference is unusually low between the two battery versions.
Battery subscription plans are available as well. VF 8 customers can pay a monthly subscription fee of USD 35 for 310 miles. From the 311th mile, a fee of USD 0.11 for every mile covered. Moreover, VinFast is betting big on reliability as the VF 8 comes with a 10-year/125,000 miles warranty.
What is the VinFast VF 8 price?
The VinFast VF 8 is priced between USD 40,700 and USD 48,000, MSRP.
When is the VinFast VF 8 electric SUV release date?
VinFast has confirmed that the EV will be available in the U.S. in the second half of 2022. Meanwhile, reservations are open at USD 200 on its U.S. website.
What are the VinFast VF 8 rivals?
The VinFast VF 8 competes with the Tesla Model Y and VW ID.4.
Featured Image Source: VinFast
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