Better late than never, it seems, for Vietnamese EV start-up VinFast, the automaker finally delivering the first batch of its second model-line offerings, the VF 9. But those interested in the 3-row SUV will still find only limited availability through a handful of dealerships in California other states.
Let’s party. The first customers take delivery of the VinFast VF 9 at the automaker’s Los Angeles headquarters.
A select group of patient customers have finally taken delivery of the VF 9. That’s the second all-electric model from Vietnam’s VinFast Auto.
As with the automaker’s original VF 8, deliveries are running well behind schedule, though that may not be a bad thing, VinFast using the nearly year-long delay to prevent the sort of hardware and software issues that led to some harshly critical reviews of the earlier battery-electric vehicle.
“We are very excited to officially hand over the VF 9, VinFast’s second e-SUV model in the U.S. market. VF 9 is one of the few seven-passenger, 3-row electric car models on the market,” said Mike Nolte, Network Sales Vice President of VinFast U.S. “We believe that the VF 9 will be the ideal vehicle for large families, delivering premium quality and a luxurious experience while maintaining excellent value.”
What is a VF 9?
The VinFast VF 9, shown driving in Paris, is already available in parts of Europe and Southeast Asia.
VinFast plans to launch a broad array of battery-electric vehicles, starting with the original VF 8, a midsize SUV. The VF 9 is a size class larger and is offered in a 3-row, 7-passenger configuration.
It measures 201.5 inches in length, 78.9 inches in width, and 66.7 inches in height, with a ground clearance of 7.2 inches. That will put it in the same class as the Kia EV9, as well as the Hyundai Ioniq 9 set to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week.
The base Eco package starts at $69,800 – or about $71,000 when delivery fees are factored in. That’s a full $12,000 less than what VinFast originally said it would charge when it was planning to launch sales in late 2023. The better-equipped VF 9 plus package starts at $73,800 — $75,000 with delivery fees. The Plus was originally scheduled to come in at $91,000.
If purchased outright, the electric SUV won’t qualify for U.S. tax credits since it’s imported from Vietnam. But a loophole in the Inflation Reduction Act means lease customers could get up to $7,500 in federal incentives. And to enhance the VF 9’s appeal, VinFast is offering a $529 lease price for the Plus model after a $2,000 downpayment.
Powertrain, range and charging
Two versions of the VF 9 will be offered, the Eco and Plus.
Both versions of the VF 9 share the same pair of electric motors, one on each axle. Drawing power from a 123 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion pack, they deliver 402 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to launch the Plus model from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds VinFast claims.
While they may share the same motor drive layout, the Eco trim, as its name implies, puts a higher focus on energy efficiency. Among other things, it features 20-inch wheels while the Plus comes with 21s and offers an optional 22-inch package. All factored in, the EPA rates the Eco at 330 miles per charge, a solid number for a vehicle of its size and passenger capacity. The VF 9 Plus is rated at 291 miles.
Charging isn’t quite benchmark, however. The EV will take at least 35 minutes at a public quick charger to go from a 10 to 70% state-of-charge – depending upon the charger’s power output. Expect an overnight charge with a drained battery using a typical 240-volt Level 2 charger used at home.
More VinFast News
- VinFast Delays Opening of 1st U.S. Assembly Plant
- VinFast Shows Off Concepts at CES, Including EV Pickup
- Shakeup at troubled VinFast: Vietnamese automaker names new CEO, CFO
Design
Both versions of the VF 9 will come with a 123-kWh battery pack.
The VF 9 boasts a more distinctive look than the earlier VF 8. Credit Italian design studio Pininfarina which took over from the in-house design department that oversaw development of the VF 8.
Like most modern EVs, the Vietnamese model places its battery pack and other key drivetrain components below the load floor. That translates into a roomier cabin than many existing gas-powered competitors. It also adds a modest-sized frunk under the hood.
As with the VF 8, the newer model doesn’t have the traditional gauge cluster visible through the steering wheel. Instead, a single, 15.6-inch touchscreen atop the center console handles both instrument and infotainment duties. The system uses an Internet connection to deliver streaming features and web-browsing, along with onboard navigation.
Where you can find one
VinFast staged a special handover event at its U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles to mark the arrival of its 3-row SUV. The VinFast VF 9 has already been available in some European markets, as well as Vietnam and some other parts of Southeast Asia.
It’s just beginning to roll into U.S. showrooms. Not that there are very many of them.
The automaker says it now has a network of 15 stores and 4 standalone service centers in California, while adding another 36 franchisees in 15 other states across the U.S.
Customers will get 24/7 roadside assistance, as well as a mobile repair network. The VinFast VF 9 will be backed up by a 10-year/125,000-mile warranty.
Lotsa luck.
Maybe, if it was $35K instead of $75K.