VinFast VF9 Unveiled At The Auto Expo 2025! Here Is A Closer Look At...
- Jan 19, 2025
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When you think of VinFast in India, your mind probably jumps to the VF 6 and VF 7 SUVs—the models expected to lead the Vietnamese automaker's charge into our market. They are sensible, modern, and designed to compete in crowded segments. But a look at VinFast’s global portfolio reveals a far more interesting and diverse lineup, one that includes everything from a tiny, personality-packed city SUV to an ultra-luxury armoured land yacht.
While the announced SUVs are a logical starting point, some of the brand's other electric vehicles might actually make more sense for India. These are the products that could genuinely make VinFast stand out, filling unique gaps and solving problems that go beyond the typical mid-size SUV brief. Here are the VinFast EVs that could be more than just another option—they could be answers to very specific Indian questions.
The VinFast VF 3 is a mini electric SUV that is perfect for your urban commutes. It gets a retro-cool and boxy design theme, high ground clearance and a compact footprint that can only be matched by a handful of hatchbacks out there. Given its small size, it is powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor putting out 40 PS and 110 Nm.

While these figures may not look too powerful, the light nature of this SUV and the instantaneous torque of the electric powertrain make it perfect for city duties. And with 215 km of range, it is quite usable for daily commutes as well. Its SUV styling, however small, is a massive advantage in a market obsessed with high-riding vehicles. This isn't just about being affordable; it’s about offering personality. For young buyers looking for their first car, an EV that looks this cool and is easy to park could be a compelling proposition, potentially creating an entirely new segment for lifestyle-focused city EVs.
Next-up is the VinFast VF 5, which offers a sensible package, with just the right proportions to be an all-rounder EV for the first-time car buyer. Measuring in at a shade less than 4 metres, if brought to India, it will be a direct rival to crossovers like the Tata Punch EV and Citroen eC3.

Furthermore, it gets a pretty healthy power figure of 94 PS and 135 Nm torque which could make it peppy for the city, while also retaining a more than adequate level of performance for the occasional highway runs. The VF 5 can further be even more compelling for fleet operators, which remains an underserved segment still dominated by cars like the Maruti Wagon R. Overall, with the right mix of price, features and size, VinFast should certainly consider bringing this hatchback to our shores.
Electric mobility isn't just about passenger cars, and the VinFast EC Van proves the company understands this. Based on the same compact platform philosophy as the VF 3, this is a purpose-built electric commercial van designed for the rigours of urban logistics. It’s a no-nonsense workhorse built to navigate congested city streets efficiently and with zero tailpipe emissions.

What helps its case in India is the fact that logistics and last-mile delivery is booming in India, and many of these new-age companies would be looking to electrify their fleets, which is an attractive proposition given the far lower running costs and lesser maintenance required compared to the current ICE-powered rivals in the LCV segment. Its potential volumes could dwarf those of passenger cars, making it a commercially vital product for VinFast. The growth in urban logistics could make a smart, reliable electric van more important to VinFast’s bottom line than any lifestyle SUV.
The meat of the EV market in India today is straddling in the Rs 20 lakh to Rs 30 lakh price range, but three-row EVs are where there is hardly any competition. And when it comes to VinFast, a halo product will only do good to boost the credibility of the brand. This is where the VF 9 steps in. It’s a statement piece, designed to compete in the premium EV space.

With a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 402 PS, a huge battery pack, and an EPA-estimated range of around 530 km, the VF 9 has the numbers to command attention. Even if it never sells in large numbers in India, the VF 9’s presence would be crucial. It would serve as a brand-builder, demonstrating that VinFast can engineer and build a world-class luxury EV.
Just when you think VinFast’s portfolio can’t get any more diverse, there’s the Lac Hong 900 LX. This is an ultra-luxury, armoured version of the VF 9, developed in partnership with the Canadian firm INKAS. It’s essentially a VIP protection vehicle, a mobile fortress designed for high-security applications.

This is VinFast’s moonshot project, demonstrating a level of engineering ambition that is rare for a new automaker. In India, the use case is niche but clear. The Lac Hong 900 LX could be a contender for government fleets, transporting high-level officials and dignitaries. It could also find favour with private individuals and corporations requiring high-security transport. While its market would be minuscule, its aspirational value is off the charts. The mere existence of a vehicle like this in VinFast’s global catalogue creates a sense of spectacle and capability.
As a final point of interest, VinFast has also showcased the VF Wild, a concept for an electric pickup truck. While still a concept, it taps directly into the growing global trend of lifestyle pickups. In India, where vehicles like the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu V-Cross have cultivated a passionate following among adventure and overlanding enthusiasts, an electric pickup could find a dedicated audience.

It’s a long shot for now, but it shows that VinFast is thinking about every possible segment, and that is an exciting prospect for the future.
If VinFast truly wants to become more than just another EV brand in India, its greatest opportunities may not lie with conventional mid-size SUVs. The product portfolio shows a deep understanding of diverse mobility needs. The VF 3 has the potential to create a new category of fun, desirable city EVs, while the VF 5 is the sensible volume-seller that could challenge the segment leader.
Commercially, the EC Van could be the most important product of all, tapping directly into India's booming last-mile delivery ecosystem. The VF 9 and Lac Hong 900 LX may never be volume products, but they provide the aspirational pull every new manufacturer needs to build a premium image. If just one vehicle from this list could be chosen for India, the cheeky and clever VF 3 feels almost perfectly designed for our cities and our sensibilities.
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