The Ambitious Flagship: A Comprehensive Look at the VinFast VF 9
In the hyper-competitive and rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles, few entrances have been as bold, ambitious, and scrutinized as that of VinFast. The Vietnamese automaker, born from the colossal Vingroup conglomerate, pivoted from internal combustion to an all-electric global strategy with breathtaking speed. At the vanguard of this audacious push is its flagship vehicle: the VinFast VF 9, a large, three-row electric SUV designed to challenge established players on the world stage. It represents not just a vehicle, but a statement of intent—a blend of Italian design, formidable specifications, and the inherent challenges of launching a new automotive brand from scratch.
Years Produced: 2023 – Present
A Brief History: The Genesis of a Global Dream
To understand the VF 9, one must first understand VinFast. The company was established in 2017 by Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate, led by the country’s first billionaire, Pham Nhat Vuong. Initially, VinFast produced gasoline-powered vehicles based on licensed BMW platforms—the Lux A2.0 sedan and Lux SA2.0 SUV—for its domestic market. However, in a stunning move announced in early 2022, the company declared it would cease production of all internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by the end of that year to focus exclusively on developing and manufacturing electric vehicles for a global audience.
This pivot was unprecedented in its speed. The company showcased a full lineup of EVs, from the small VF 5 to the flagship VF 9, at international auto shows. The VF 9, initially unveiled as the VF e36 concept in 2021, was positioned as the pinnacle of VinFast’s engineering and design capabilities, aimed squarely at the lucrative North American and European markets. Production began in Vietnam, with the first customer deliveries in its home market occurring in early 2023, followed by the first shipments to North America shortly thereafter.
.
THIS is GOOD stuff if your car is in need:
.
Design and Exterior: A Pininfarina Presence
One of VinFast’s savviest moves was collaborating with legendary Italian design house Pininfarina, the firm responsible for decades of iconic Ferrari and Alfa Romeo designs. This partnership immediately bestowed a level of design credibility upon the nascent brand. The VF 9’s exterior is a testament to this collaboration.
It is a large, commanding vehicle, with dimensions that place it in the same class as the Kia EV9, Rivian R1S, and Tesla Model X. Its most distinctive feature is the signature V-shaped LED light bar that spans the front fascia, culminating in an illuminated “V” logo at its center. This design language is mirrored at the rear, creating an unmistakable brand identity, especially at night. The silhouette is clean and modern, with a focus on aerodynamics to maximize range—a critical factor for any EV. Flush door handles, a sloping roofline, and sculpted body panels contribute to a respectable drag coefficient for a vehicle of its size. The VF 9 projects an image of premium, futuristic luxury, successfully avoiding the anonymous styling that can plague some new EV entrants.
Interior, Technology, and Space
Inside, the VF 9 embraces the minimalist, tech-forward ethos pioneered by Tesla. The dashboard is dominated by a massive, landscape-oriented 15.6-inch touchscreen that serves as the command center for nearly all vehicle functions—from infotainment and climate control to vehicle settings and navigation. There is no traditional instrument cluster behind the steering wheel; instead, critical driving information like speed and battery status is projected onto a color Head-Up Display (HUD) on the windshield.
This screen-centric approach creates a clean, uncluttered cabin but has also been a point of contention, as it requires drivers to interact with a screen for functions traditionally managed by physical buttons. The interior materials lean heavily on sustainability, with extensive use of vegan leather and other eco-friendly materials.
As a three-row SUV, space is a primary selling point. The VF 9 offers generous room for passengers in all three rows, making it a viable option for large families. The seating configuration is a key differentiator between its trim levels, offering flexibility for various needs.
Powertrain, Battery, and Performance
Underpinning the VF 9 is a dedicated EV platform featuring a large, 123 kWh (usable capacity) liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack integrated into the floor. This substantial battery powers a standard dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. One electric motor is mounted on the front axle and another on the rear, a configuration that provides sure-footed traction and impressive performance.
Regardless of the trim level, the powertrain produces a combined output of 402 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. This allows the sizable SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.5 seconds—brisk for a vehicle weighing over 6,000 pounds.
Range is paramount, and the large battery delivers competitive figures. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates, the range varies slightly by trim due to differences in wheel size and weight:
- VF 9 Eco: 330 miles
- VF 9 Plus: 291 miles
The VF 9 supports DC fast charging at speeds up to 250 kW, allowing it to charge from 10% to 70% in a claimed 26 minutes under ideal conditions.
Models and Trim Levels Offered
For the North American market, VinFast has kept the VF 9 lineup straightforward, offering two distinct trim levels that cater to different priorities: maximizing range and practicality (Eco) versus maximizing luxury and comfort (Plus).
1. VinFast VF 9 Eco
The Eco trim is positioned as the practical, range-focused model. It comes standard with the full 402-horsepower dual-motor AWD system and the same 123 kWh battery as the Plus model. The primary differences lie in its features and configuration:
- Seating: A standard 7-seat configuration (2-3-2 layout) with a second-row bench seat.
- Wheels: Fitted with 20-inch aerodynamic wheels designed to reduce drag and maximize efficiency, which is a key contributor to its superior 330-mile range.
- Upholstery: Comes with standard-grade vegan leather.
- Roof: Features a standard metal roof.
- Amenities: While still well-equipped with the 15.6-inch screen, HUD, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, it forgoes some of the premium luxury touches of the Plus trim.
2. VinFast VF 9 Plus
The Plus trim is the fully-loaded, luxury-oriented version of the VF 9. It sacrifices some range for a host of premium features and a more opulent cabin experience.
- Seating: A standard 6-seat configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs (2-2-2 layout). This enhances comfort and provides easier access to the third row. A 7-seat layout is available as an option.
- Wheels: Comes standard with larger, more stylish 21-inch wheels, which, along with the added weight of other features, reduces its EPA-estimated range to 291 miles.
- Roof: A panoramic glass roof is standard, creating a more airy and spacious feeling within the cabin.
- Upholstery: Upgraded to premium-quality vegan leather.
- Luxury Features: The front seats are equipped with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain’s chairs are also heated and ventilated.
- Audio: Often includes an upgraded premium sound system with more speakers.
Both trims come standard with VinFast’s “ADAS” (Advanced Driver-Assistance System), which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automated emergency braking.
Challenges and the Battery Conundrum
The VF 9’s market entry, particularly in North America, has been a baptism by fire. Early press reviews were critical, highlighting significant software bugs, a poorly tuned suspension that delivered a harsh ride, and inconsistencies in build quality. These “teething problems” are not uncommon for a startup automaker, but in a crowded market with polished competitors, they represent a major hurdle for building brand trust.
VinFast’s initial sales strategy also included a unique and somewhat confusing battery subscription model. The plan was to sell the vehicle at a lower upfront cost and have customers pay a monthly fee to lease the battery. This was intended to reduce the purchase price and assuage concerns about long-term battery degradation, as VinFast would replace any battery that fell below 70% health. However, this model was met with skepticism and confusion from Western consumers accustomed to owning the entire vehicle. In mid-2023, VinFast pivoted its strategy in the U.S., abandoning the mandatory lease and selling the VF 9 with the battery included in the purchase price, aligning with market norms.
Future Outlook: The Road Ahead
The future of the VinFast VF 9 is intrinsically linked to the future of the company itself. Its success hinges on several key factors.
First is the power of over-the-air (OTA) updates. Like Tesla, VinFast has the ability to push software updates to its vehicles remotely. This is crucial for addressing the initial software glitches and refining the performance of the infotainment system, driver-assistance features, and even powertrain management. Continuous improvement via OTA updates could dramatically improve the ownership experience over time.
Second is the establishment of a North American manufacturing footprint. VinFast has broken ground on a multi-billion-dollar factory in Chatham County, North Carolina. Once operational (projected for 2025), this plant will allow the company to build vehicles in the U.S., bypassing import tariffs and potentially qualifying its vehicles for federal EV tax credits, which would make the VF 9 far more price-competitive.
Finally, the company must relentlessly focus on quality control and ride refinement. As production scales up, ironing out build quality issues and re-tuning the suspension based on feedback from markets like the U.S. will be essential for competing with the polish of rivals like Kia, Hyundai, and Ford.
The VinFast VF 9 remains a vehicle of immense ambition. It is a stylish, spacious, and powerful electric SUV with the on-paper specifications to compete. However, its journey is a powerful case study in the immense difficulty of launching a new car company globally. If VinFast can weather the early storms, learn from its mistakes, and leverage its considerable financial backing to rapidly improve its product, the VF 9 could yet carve out its intended place as a compelling and unique option in the three-row electric SUV segment.
