Overview – What You Need to Know
- VinFast VF7 spied in Mumbai before India launch
- Expected price: ₹20–30 lakh; launch by October 2025
- Single- and dual-motor variants with up to 450km range
- Will rival BYD Atto 3 and assembled locally in Tamil Nadu
VinFast: From Vietnam’s Bold Dream to India’s EV Future
Not long ago, the idea of a Vietnamese carmaker competing with global giants seemed far-fetched. But VinFast, founded in 2017 by Vietnam’s powerful Vingroup conglomerate, has turned that dream into reality—faster than anyone imagined.
Starting with internal combustion engine cars, VinFast made headlines with its debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. But instead of sticking to convention, the brand made a radical decision by going fully electric by 2021. That bold shift placed it on the global map as one of the fastest-growing EV companies in the world.
Today, VinFast EVs are sold in the U.S., Europe, Southeast Asia, and now—India is next.
In 2024, the company announced a massive ₹16,000 crore investment to build its first Indian EV plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The factory isn’t just a manufacturing hub; it’s a clear sign that VinFast is here for the long haul. India, with its growing appetite for clean mobility, is a key pillar in the company’s international growth.
And now, with the VF7 SUV spied on Mumbai streets, VinFast’s ambitious journey takes its next big step—bringing Vietnam’s most advanced EVs to Indian homes.
VinFast VF7 Spied in India Before Festive Season Launch
The Indian electric vehicle market is heating up, and the latest EV to create a buzz is the VinFast VF7, recently spied testing in Mumbai. Slated for launch around the 2025 festive season, the VF7 marks the Vietnamese EV maker’s first offering for India, with its sleek styling and capable powertrains making it a promising contender in the mid-size premium EV SUV space.
This image of the VinFast VF7 testing in India was shared by Autocar India, showcasing the electric SUV on a flatbed in Mumbai. The model spotted appears to be the India-spec version, with a set of new alloy wheels and tyres designed for local road conditions.
First Look: What the Spy Shots Reveal
Snapped on a flatbed in Mumbai, the India-spec VF7 came finished in Jet Black – one of four color options listed globally, including Crimson Red, Neptune Grey, and Brahimny White.
Unlike the 20-inch wheels and Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres seen on the global showcase model, the Indian version gets 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 245/50 R19 Apollo Aspire tyres. This move likely prioritizes better ride quality on Indian roads, aligning with strategies seen from other global automakers.
Notable features spotted include:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Wheels & Tyres | 19-inch alloys, Apollo Aspire 245/50 R19 |
| ADAS Suite | Camera-based with wing mirror cameras |
| Infotainment | Large touchscreen (likely 12.9- or 15-inch) |
| Color in Spy Shot | Jet Black |
Powertrain, Range, and Variants
Globally, the VF7 is offered in Eco and Plus variants, both using a 75.3kWh battery pack. Here’s how the two stack up:
| Variant | Power Output | Torque | Drive Type | Range (WLTP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eco | 204hp | 310Nm | FWD | 450km |
| Plus | 354hp (dual motor) | 500Nm | AWD | 431km |
India is expected to get both versions, although exact trim specifications are yet to be confirmed. What’s clear is that VinFast is targeting a price range of ₹20–30 lakh, thanks to local assembly at its new Tamil Nadu plant.
Rivals: Going Head-to-Head with the BYD Atto 3
When it launches, the VF7 will take on the likes of the BYD Atto 3, which currently dominates the ₹25–35 lakh EV SUV space. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Spec | VinFast VF7 Eco | BYD Atto 3 Extended Range |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 75.3kWh | 60.48kWh |
| Claimed Range | 450km (WLTP) | 521km (ARAI) |
| Power | 204hp | 201hp |
| Estimated Price (India) | ₹20–30 lakh | ₹24.99–33.99 lakh |
VinFast is also reportedly evaluating a battery leasing model, similar to MG Motor’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS). This could allow buyers to reduce the upfront cost of the VF7, making it even more appealing to first-time EV buyers.
Final Thoughts: A New Challenger Arrives
The VinFast VF7 arrives at a time when India’s EV market is maturing and ripe for new competition. With its bold design, competitive specs, and a strategic local manufacturing plan, the VF7 could prove to be a disruptive force in the premium EV SUV segment.
If VinFast delivers on pricing, after-sales service, and availability, it won’t be long before we see more Vietnamese EVs on Indian roads.