Vinfast VF7 India Review – The Most Powerful EV in Its Class

Image: Vinfast VF7 India Review – The Most Powerful EV in Its Class – Performance Comparison and Specifications

Vietnamese EV giant Vinfast has finally stepped onto Indian roads with two electric crossovers – the VF6, a rival to the Creta Electric, and the star of this review, the VF7. With a 353 hp all‑wheel‑drive powertrain, a starting price just north of Rs 20 lakh, and a long‑wheel‑base that promises generous interior space, the VF7 aims to challenge the Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra XEV 9e. Below is a hands‑on look at how the VF7 performs, feels, and measures up against its competition.

Exterior Design & Engineering – 7/10

The VF7 does not scream “SUV” at first glance. Its silhouette is more akin to a low‑slung estate, a design choice that sets it apart from the boxy rivals in this segment. A V‑shaped LED DRL frames the Vinfast logo at the front, while a subtle silver grille adds a touch of sophistication.

Dimension	VF7	Competitor
Length	4,540 mm	Tata Harrier EV – 4,660 mm
Width	1,880 mm	Mahindra XEV 9e – 1,860 mm
Height	1,520 mm	VF7 – 1,520 mm
Wheelbase	2,840 mm	Harrier EV – 2,750 mm
Ground Clearance	190 mm	9e – 185 mm

Gloss‑black cladding wraps the wheel arches, while flush‑fit door handles keep the profile clean. The 19‑inch aero‑optimised alloys enhance both aesthetics and efficiency. At the rear, a raked windshield topped by a spoiler adds visual drama, though it does compromise rear‑visibility a bit. The vertical LED tail‑light bar and chrome accents provide a modern touch, but the overall presence still feels subdued compared with the muscular Harrier EV.

Interior Space & Comfort – 8/10

Step inside and you’re greeted by a minimalist cockpit dominated by a 12.9‑inch driver‑focused touchscreen. The lack of a traditional instrument cluster is offset by a crisp heads‑up display that projects speed, range, and navigation cues directly onto the windshield.

Feature	VF7	Competitor
Upholstery	Vegan leather + orange stitching	Harrier EV – Fabric
Panoramic Roof	Yes, glass roof to rear	9e – No
Boot Capacity	537 L	Harrier EV – 500 L
Rear Seat Legroom	1,200 mm	9e – 1,150 mm
Climate Controls	Dual‑zone auto	Harrier EV – Single zone

The cabin uses a dual‑tone brown‑and‑black palette with soft‑touch vegan leather inserts that feel premium. Physical controls are limited – most functions live on the touchscreen, which can be a bit fiddly for the front passenger. Storage is generous: a deep centre console, a sizable glovebox, and multiple USB ports keep everyday clutter at bay. Rear passengers enjoy a cavernous footwell thanks to the long wheelbase, though the high, narrow windows can feel slightly confining. The panoramic roof mitigates this, flooding the cabin with natural light.

Feature & Safety Suite – 9/10

The top‑spec Sky Infinity variant we tested is a tech showcase. Highlights include a 12.9‑inch infotainment screen loaded with OTA updates, onboard games, and special modes like “Car Wash,” “Valet,” and “Pet.” A heads‑up display, wireless charger, and a powered tailgate add convenience, while LED lighting and an auto‑dimming IRVM round out the exterior flair.

Feature	VF7	Harrier EV
ADAS Level	Advanced (radar + camera)	Basic (ACC, AEB)
Airbags	7	6
360° Camera	Yes	No
Adaptive Cruise	Yes	Yes
Lane‑Keep Assist	Yes	No

Safety tech is comprehensive: 7 airbags, tyre‑pressure monitoring, a 360° camera, and a suite of ADAS features (adaptive cruise, lane‑keep, lane‑departure warning, and automatic emergency braking). The system feels well‑calibrated for Indian traffic – it intervenes when necessary without being overly intrusive.

Powertrain & Performance – 9/10

Vinfast offers three powertrains. The entry‑level Earth model carries a 59.6 kWh battery and 177 hp front‑wheel drive. The mid‑spec Wind models get a 70.8 kWh pack and 204 hp, also FWD. The champion of our test, the Sky Infinity AWD, pairs a motor on each axle for a combined 353 hp and 500 Nm of torque.

Variant	Battery	Power	0‑100 km/h
Earth (FWD)	59.6 kWh	177 hp / 250 Nm	9.8 s
Wind (FWD)	70.8 kWh	204 hp / 310 Nm	7.6 s
Sky Infinity (AWD)	70.8 kWh	353 hp / 500 Nm	6.0 s

On the road the AWD version feels blisteringly quick. Independent testing recorded a 0‑100 km/h sprint in just 6.02 seconds, with 20‑80 km/h in 3.19 seconds. The power delivery is linear, and the three drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) tailor throttle response and steering weight to suit city cruising or spirited highway runs. Braking is confident, and the 2,218 kg curb weight feels well‑controlled thanks to the low centre of gravity of the battery pack.

Range, Charging & Efficiency – 7/10

Vinfast claims a real‑world range of 510 km on a single charge for the AWD version, based on the 70.8 kWh battery. In practice, range will vary with driving style and ambient temperature, but the figure is competitive for a vehicle of this size.

Charging options include a 7.2 kW AC charger for home use and a 110 kW DC fast charger that can top the battery from 10 % to 70 % in just 28 minutes. A 10‑year/2‑lak km warranty on both the vehicle and the battery adds peace of mind.

Ride Comfort & Handling – 8/10

The VF7’s ride is reminiscent of a European midsize SUV – stable at highway speeds, with a composed feel through corners. The 19‑inch wheels keep the ride relatively smooth, though low‑speed bumps can feel a little firm. Steering offers decent heft, especially in Sport mode, and the long wheelbase contributes to a planted stance but reduces agility in tight urban turns.

Value for Money – 9/10

Pricing ranges from Rs 20.89 lakh to Rs 25.49 lakh (ex‑showroom), undercutting both the Mahindra XEV 9e and Tata Harrier EV. For the price, buyers get a powerful AWD drivetrain, a feature‑rich cabin, a spacious interior, and a solid safety suite. While the styling may not be universally loved and the touchscreen absorbs many basic controls, the overall proposition is hard to ignore.

Model	Price (Ex‑Showroom)	Power	Key Highlights
Vinfast VF7 Sky Infinity AWD	Rs 25.49 lakh	353 hp / 500 Nm	Panoramic roof, 12.9″ screen, ADAS
Tata Harrier EV (Top)	Rs 30.23 lakh	225 hp	Robust design, Tata network
Mahindra XEV 9e (Top)	Rs 31.25 lakh	200 hp	Off‑road capability
Hyundai Kona Electric	Rs 22.99 lakh	201 hp	Established brand

Final Verdict

The Vinfast VF7 arrives in India as a bold statement: a high‑performance, feature‑laden electric crossover that doesn’t break the bank. Its estate‑like silhouette may divide opinions, but the spacious cabin, 353 hp AWD system, and comprehensive safety suite make it a compelling alternative to the more traditional Harrier EV and XEV 9e. If you value raw electric performance, a panoramic roof, and a modern tech cockpit, the VF7 is worth a test drive. The only caveats are the heavy reliance on the central touchscreen for basic functions and the brand’s nascent service network. Overall, Vinfast has delivered a strong first impression that could reshape the Indian EV landscape.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official launch price of the Vinfast VF7 in India?: The VF7 is priced between Rs 20.89 lakh and Rs 25.49 lakh ex‑showroom, depending on the trim.
How does the VF7’s range compare to other EVs in its segment?: Vinfast claims a WLTP‑like range of 510 km on the 70.8 kWh battery, which is competitive against the Harrier EV (≈460 km) and XEV 9e (≈450 km).
Is the VF7 available with front‑wheel drive?: Yes. The entry‑level Earth and the mid‑spec Wind variants are FWD, while the top‑spec Sky Infinity comes with AWD.
How fast can the AWD version accelerate from 0‑100 km/h?: Independent testing recorded a time of 6.02 seconds.
What charging infrastructure does Vinfast support?: The VF7 accepts 7.2 kW AC charging at home and 110 kW DC fast charging, reaching 10‑70 % in about 28 minutes.
Does the VF7 have a spare tyre?: No, the boot is designed for cargo space and does not include a spare tyre or a front trunk.
What safety features are standard on the VF7?: Standard safety includes 7 airbags, tyre‑pressure monitoring, 360° camera, adaptive cruise control, lane‑keep assist, lane‑departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
How does the interior quality compare to rivals?: The cabin uses vegan leather, soft‑touch plastics, and a large touchscreen. Fit‑and‑finish feels premium, though some plastics can feel hard and the touchscreen dominates many controls.
Is there a warranty on the battery?: Yes, Vinfast offers a 10‑year/2 lakh km warranty on both the vehicle and the battery pack.
Where can I find more details about the Vinfast VF7?: For the full specifications and the latest updates, visit the official source: Autocar India – Vinfast VF7 Review.