Amidst the many new vehicle debuts at the 2022 LA Auto Show, there are two small SUVs from VinFast. The Vietnam-based electric brand showcased the VF 6 and VF 7 alongside the larger VF 8 and three-row VF 9, both of which debuted in the US last year.
Technically, the VF 6 and VF 7 also debuted earlier, appearing this year at the Paris Motor Show (pictured directly below from the event). Their arrival this week in LA marks the pair’s official reveal for North America, though VinFast didn’t say when they’d be available. Pricing has also not been disclosed so far, although presumably, they will be placed below the VF 8 which starts at $42,200 plus a battery subscription, or $57,000 with the full battery included. Don’t worry, we’ll explain it better in a moment.
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We know the VF 6 is available with 176 horsepower (130 kilowatts) in Eco trim, or 201 hp (150 kW) in Plus trim. The VF 7 matches that with 201 hp in its base Eco trim, but jumps to 349 hp (260 kW) for the Plus. It was also the only trim of the bunch to offer all-wheel drive, with the others turning only the front wheel. The plus trim levels get vegan leather interiors and panoramic glass roofs, and all feature five-passenger seating. Whereas Pininfarina designed the VF 8 and VF 9, Torino Design was responsible for the smaller models. Refill range or speed estimates are not yet available.
Now, about that pricing structure. VinFast offers buyers the option of buying a vehicle for the full cost including battery (higher price) or with a monthly subscription for battery usage (lower price).
It’s a new approach to reducing EV costs, though a VF 8 subscription still runs $169 per month. VF 9 is even more than $219 per month, and that’s for only battery. However, the subscription covers all maintenance of the battery and provides replacement once the charging capability drops below 70 percent.
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