It’s a familiar story, one that has played out in living rooms and car showrooms across the country. The desire for a new and exciting SUV is present. The allure of going electric, saving on fuel, and doing your bit for the planet is undeniable. But then, the spreadsheets come out, the calculators get fired up, and that initial spark of excitement can dim, overshadowed by two persistent questions: ‘Is it worth the money?’ and ‘What about the battery?’ For too long, the answer has been a compromise. You either went big and premium, or you settled for an electric vehicle that felt like a trade-off. But what if we told you that the game is about to change? What if a brand arrived on the scene not just with a new car, but with a new philosophy, one that promises to unplug value from the socket of compromise?
Enter VinFast. The Vietnamese EV giant has made its grand entrance into the Indian market, and it isn’t just here to compete; it’s here to redefine what it means to own an electric SUV. With their maiden offerings, the VF 6 and the VF 7, VinFast isn’t just selling a car; they’re offering an entire ownership ecosystem built on the pillars of affordability, peace of mind, and a surprisingly premium experience. First impressions matter, and both the VF 6 and VF 7 arrive with a head-turning design language that feels fresh and distinctly European, a nod to their collaboration with the legendary Italian design house, Pininfarina. The VF 6, a compact SUV, boasts a youthful, sporty silhouette with sharp, fluid lines and a dynamic presence. The signature V-shaped LED light strip up front is a modern, stylish flourish that instantly sets it apart in a crowded segment. The VF 7, its larger sibling, takes that same sculpted aesthetic and amplifies it. It’s a mid-size SUV that commands attention with its muscular stance and clean, futuristic lines. The recessed door handles and striking two-tone body give it a premium, almost concept-car-like feel. These aren’t just generic SUVs with an EV powertrain; they are thoughtfully designed machines that look every bit the part of a contemporary, aspirational vehicle.
Aesthetics are just the beginning. Get behind the wheel, and the true character of these VinFast SUVs reveals itself. The VF 6, with its dual powertrain options, offers a choice for every kind of driver. The Earth variant delivers a respectable 174 bhp and 25.5 kgm of torque, perfect for the urban jungle. But for those who crave a little more zest, the Wind and Wind Infinity variants push the boundaries with 201 bhp and 31.6 kgm of torque, providing a more spirited drive and a sub-9 second 0-100 km/h sprint. The VF 7 is where things get truly exciting. The FWD variants already offer a strong 174 bhp and 25.5 kgm of torque, but the pièce de résistance is the top-of the-line AWD models. With a dual-motor setup delivering a staggering 349 bhp and 51 kgm of torque, the VF 7 can launch from 0 to 100 km/h in a jaw-dropping 5.8 seconds. This isn’t just quick for an EV; it’s genuinely fast, offering a level of performance that has, until now, been reserved for much pricier luxury brands. The whisper-quiet cabin and smooth, instantaneous acceleration make every journey an event.
Step inside either SUV, and the theme of value becomes even clearer. The interiors of the VF 6 and VF 7 are a masterclass in modern, minimalist design. The conventional instrument cluster has been banished, replaced by a large, central touchscreen, 12.9 inches in the VF 6 and an even more commanding 15.6 inches in the VF 7. This central hub controls everything from infotainment to climate, creating a clean, uncluttered dashboard. The quality of materials feels premium, with both SUVs offering vegan leather upholstery and a host of comfort features. The VF 6’s top variant, the Wind Infinity, even gets a panoramic fixed glass roof that floods the cabin with light, making the space feel even larger. The VF 7 takes this a step further with ventilated front seats, a dual-zone AC with an air ioniser, and a premium eight-speaker audio system. These are not features you expect at this price point. Both models also come equipped with a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, adding a crucial layer of safety and convenience.
But here is where VinFast truly breaks the mould. Beyond the features and performance, they are tackling the two most significant pain points of EV adoption head-on. First, the price. The VinFast VF 6, starting at ₹16.49 lakh (ex showroom), and the VF 7, beginning at ₹20.89 lakh, are priced so aggressively they immediately put pressure on established rivals. This isn’t just a competitive price; it’s a compelling statement. Second, the ownership experience. The VF 6 gets a 7 year or 1,60,000 km warranty and VF 7 gets a 10-year or 2,00,000 km warranty. Let that sink in. A decade of coverage on the most critical and expensive component of an EV. It’s an unprecedented commitment that removes the single biggest anxiety for prospective EV buyers.
The worry of battery degradation is, for all intents and purposes, a non-issue as VinFast offers a battery warranty of 10 years or 2,00,000 km for both the VF 6 and VF 7. And as if that weren’t enough, VinFast is also rolling out a free charging programme at its V-Green charging stations until July 2028. This means for the first few years of ownership, your running costs are virtually nil. Combine the competitive price, the decade-long warranty, and the free charging, and what you get is a value proposition that is genuinely unheard of in the Indian automotive landscape.
The VinFast VF 6 and VF 7 aren’t just new cars; they are a manifesto. They represent a belief that electric mobility should be accessible, exciting, and, most importantly, uncompromising. With their stunning design, robust performance, and feature-rich cabins, they are a force to be reckoned with. But it’s the ‘unplugged’ value, the irresistible combination of a sensational price, a decade-long warranty, and a free charging programme—that makes them a truly special proposition. VinFast is here to prove that a great EV doesn’t have to be a leap of faith. It can, and should, be an unprecedented degree of value.
