VinFast is preparing to take its India electric vehicle (EV) strategy into the mainstream with the VF 5, a compact electric SUV that has been spotted testing on Indian roads, and could it take on the Tata Punch?
A heavily-camouflaged prototype was recently seen in Bengaluru, signalling that the Vietnamese automaker is evaluating the model for one of India’s fastest-growing EV categories.
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| The VinFast V 5 could be priced from Rs 10 lakh. |
The upcoming VinFast VF 5 is expected to sit below the VF 6 in the company’s India portfolio and could become its most accessible electric SUV yet.
With a sub-4-metre footprint and an expected price around Rs 10-12 lakh (Rs 1-1.2 million), the model could take on popular rivals, including the Tata Punch EV, Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV 3XO EV.
VinFast VF 5 in India: What the spy shots reveal
The prototype appears to be a second-generation version of the VF 5, rather than the model currently sold in international markets.
The test vehicle gets a more upright front-end design, highlighted by a clamshell-style bonnet and redesigned projector headlamps.
At the rear, the VinFast SUV appears to feature a new connected LED tail-lamp design, with thicker elements at the outer edges.
The bumpers and tailgate also seem to have been redesigned, giving the compact SUV a more mature appearance.
The side profile retains familiar VF 5 elements, including black wheel-arch cladding and a distinctive C-pillar treatment.
However, the revised front and rear sections suggest that the India-bound model could receive significant styling changes.
New cabin and features expected
The interior is also expected to be substantially different from the current global-spec VF 5.
Spy images indicate a flatter dashboard, a large free-standing rectangular infotainment screen and a redesigned steering wheel.
A floating centre console and front centre armrest are also visible.
Other expected equipment could include a digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, a sunroof and rear air-conditioning vents.
Final feature specifications, however, are yet to be confirmed for India.
VinFast VF 5: Battery, range and performance
Globally, the VF 5 is offered with two battery options: A 29.6kWh pack and a larger 37.23kWh unit.
Depending on the configuration, the front-mounted electric motor produces 95hp or up to 136hp, with 135Nm of torque.
The smaller battery has a claimed NEDC range of around 268 km, while the larger pack can deliver up to 326 km.
India-specific battery, performance and range figures are yet to be announced; so these international specifications should be treated as indicative rather than final.
VinFast VF 5 india launch and expected price
The VF 5 could arrive in India by the end of 2026 as VinFast expands its local EV portfolio.
The company already sells the VF 6 and VF 7 in India, while its wider product strategy includes more affordable EVs.
An expected starting price of around Rs 10 lakh to Rs 12 lakh could make the VF 5 particularly interesting in the Indian market.
If VinFast combines competitive pricing, a practical sub-4-metre design and a claimed range of around 300 km, the electric SUV could emerge as a strong challenger in India’s mass-market EV space.
With testing now underway, more details about the India-spec VinFast VF 5 are likely to emerge ahead of its launch.
E-Vroooom’s views
For buyers seeking an affordable electric SUV, this upcoming VinFast could be one of the more interesting new EVs to watch, if its India-spec model retains the car’s compact dimensions and city-focused character.
The V 5’s advantage could be the combination of SUV styling, compact dimensions and electric running costs for urban families that could put a stiff challenge to the Tata Punch and this spied VinFast could find many takers in India at this price point.
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