VinFast VF8 SUV arrives in US from South Vietnam

A dual-motor, all-electric, all-wheel-drive drivetrain powers the VinFast VF8, a new midsize sport utility vehicle that combines performance and efficiency.

The design of the vehicle was created by Pininfarina, the renowned Italian design house. The VF8 has a long wheelbase and short overhangs, which give it a balanced and attractive appearance.

VinFast is a new electric car brand from Vietnam, founded in 2017 by Vingroup, a leading conglomerate in the country. Vinfast aims to produce high-quality electric cars for the global market, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.

VinFast has already established a presence in several countries, including the U.S. where it has 10 California dealerships and plans to expand to other states. Vinfast is also confident in its products and services, as it intends to build a factory in North Carolina, where it has already acquired the land and the permits.

The VF8 “City Edition” is a sleek and modern electric car I had the chance to test drive recently. I was impressed by the minimalist and elegant design of the interior, especially the dashboard, console, and door panels. The car does not have any conventional gauges or screens in front of the driver.

Instead, it projects all the essential information on a colorful and clear Head-Up Display. This includes speed, safety alerts and navigation. The car also has a 15.6-inch touchscreen on the dashboard that controls most of the other functions, such as heating and air conditioning. Driving controls, such as wipers and cruise control, are located on the steering wheel or stalks, making them easy to access and use. The VF8 “City Edition” stylishly combines simplicity and functionality

With the key in your pocket, tap the “D” cube (for drive) on the console and off you go. The throttle response is nice and easy to modulate. Of course, there is lots of power on tap as well. The driver can easily switch between three throttle response settings to suit your style. You can even set “low” or “high” for the regenerative braking system. The steering was normal and communicative except at freeway speeds where it was a bit numb for my liking. The handling was fine for a 5,600-plus-pound car. Body roll was minimal and I liked that.

A boat carrying 1,100 VF8 “Standard Edition” vehicles has just landed in Benicia, California. The vehicles are waiting to be unloaded and delivered to customers who have pre-ordered their VF8 online. The VF8 comes in two versions: the Standard Edition and the Plus Edition. Both versions have dual-motor all-wheel drive, but they differ in power and range.

The Standard Edition, also known as the ECO model, has 348 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and has an estimated range of 293 miles on a single charge. The starting price for the Standard Edition is $49K.

The Plus Edition has 402 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. It can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds and has an estimated range of 278 miles on a full charge. The starting price for the Plus Edition is $56K.

So many of today’s cars are the science of integrating cutting-edge technology into the driver’s realm where he or she can use it. The driving and safety aids worked as intended during my drive. VinFast has a full sweet of driver assistance features that come standard. Sensor data for these systems use radar and cameras. VinFast vehicles use over the air updates for changes and new feature additions.

VinFast has big plans to sell a family of electric cars. Each displaying the big “V” as a front-end focal point. VinFast sells products to “promote a better life”. Driving is certainly relaxing in a VF8. Enjoy the drive and peace of mind with the VinFast 10 year/125,000-mile warranty.