VinFast VF5 Facelift Set for India Launch, Competing with Tata Nexon EV
New Delhi, November 11: The Vietnamese automobile company VinFast is set to launch the updated VF5 electric SUV in the Indian market soon. The design of this car has been patented in India, and testing models have been spotted in various parts of the country. Reports suggest that the launch is not far off. The new VF5 will compete directly with popular electric SUVs like the Tata Nexon EV. Let’s take a look at what the company is offering.
More SUV-Like Design
The current model of the VinFast VF5 has a design that resembles a long hatchback, but the facelift model will have a more SUV-like appearance. The design patent revealed in India shows significant changes in the front profile. The new VF5 will feature slimmer LED headlamps, positioned lower on either side of the front bumper. The bumper design will also be new, with the thick black elements below the headlamps reduced in size, allowing for a better blend with the lower black section of the bumper.
Additionally, the bonnet will be taller and more angular. While there are not many expected changes in the side profile, new alloy wheels may be introduced. Spy photos from Vietnam suggest that 16-inch alloy wheels could be included. The rear design will see major changes, featuring new and larger LED taillights connected by a light bar. The VinFast logo may be placed in the center of the tailgate. Overall, the new VF5’s design will appear more modern and SUV-like. However, it is yet to be confirmed whether its ground clearance has actually been increased.
The current VF5 measures 3,967 mm in length, 1,723 mm in width, and 1,580 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,514 mm. The facelift model is expected to retain these dimensions. Its length of under 4 meters and elevated design could make it a rival to the Nexon EV.
Updated Cabin with Larger Touchscreen
Several changes are anticipated in the cabin of the new VF5. According to spy photos, it will feature a more upright and newly designed dashboard. A larger free-standing infotainment touchscreen may replace the smaller screen in the current model. Additionally, a new 2-spoke steering wheel is expected, with a flat upper and lower section.
Battery, Motor, and Range Information
VinFast sells the VF5 with different battery and motor configurations in various countries. Therefore, details regarding the battery capacity, power, and range of the model coming to India have not yet been disclosed. The current VF5 in Indonesia comes with a 29.6 kWh battery pack paired with a front-mounted electric motor that generates 90 hp and 135 Nm of torque. Its claimed range is 268 km (NEDC). In some other international markets, the VF5 is available with a larger 37.23 kWh battery pack, offering a claimed range of 326 km on a single charge. It is still unclear which battery pack will be offered in India.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.