Vinfast VF MPV 7 vs base-spec BYD eMax 7: Which to buy?

The Vinfast VF MPV 7 and BYD eMax 7 both occupy a relatively small segment in the Indian market. Apart from these two, buyers looking for an electric MPV under Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom) only have the Kia Carens Clavis EV as an alternative. To keep this comparison fair, we are pitting the entry-level Premium 6-seater trim of the eMax7 with the only available trim of the VF MPV 7. Without any further ado, let’s get this comparison started.

Explore full specs, features, and a price breakdown in our eMax 7 vs VF MPV 7 comparison.

Vinfast VF MPV 7 vs base-spec BYD eMax 7: Dimensions

The Vinfast MPV beats its BYD rival in terms of exterior dimensions

There is no hiding the larger proportions of the VF MPV 7 over the eMax 7. Not only does it have the overall length advantage, its wheelbase is also longer by 30mm. The VF MPV 7 is also 62mm wider and 44mm taller than the eMax 7. All of these factors, especially when clubbed with the Vinfast VF MPV 7’s SUV-eseque exterior design cues, lends it more presence out on our roads.

Vinfast VF MPV 7 vs base-spec BYD eMax 7: Powertrain options

The VF MPV 7’s larger battery offers 97km more claimed range

The entry-level eMax 7 Premium trim gets a battery pack that is 4.73kWh smaller than the unit fitted to the VF MPV 7. This results in the claimed range of the BYD electric MPV that is lower by 97km. While both cars are capable of DC fast charging at 80kW, the eMax 7 can be plugged into an 89kW DC charger too. The single electric motor of the eMax 7 produces 30Nm more torque, but the VF MPV 7’s offers 41hp more. Where the BYD MPV’s top speed is 180kph, its Vinfast rival is limited to 140kph.

Vinfast VF MPV 7 vs base-spec BYD eMax 7: Exterior features

While most features here remain similar, the VF MPV 7 gets bigger rims

The BYD eMax 7’s silhouette looks sleeker, featuring a sloping roof and large wrap-around LED headlamps. Despite these modern-looking design cues, the eMax 7’s styling very much comes across as an MPV. On the other hand, the Vinfast VF MPV 7’s upright stance, larger 19-inch wheels and flatter roofline lends it an SUV-esque look. There are six exterior colours available with the Vinfast MPV and four colours with the BYD eMax 7 in India.

Vinfast VF MPV 7 vs base-spec BYD eMax 7: Interior features and cabin highlights

The equipment list of these MPVs are pretty comparable

Despite being the entry-level trim of the eMax 7, the Premium comes with a few features that the fully-loaded VF MPV 7 misses out on. Not only does it get a larger touchscreen and a dedicated MID for the driver, the eMax 7 also comes with two additional speakers and an ambient lighting system. Moreover, where the VF MPV 7 has to make do with a wired connection for Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, buyers of the eMax 7 get wireless smartphone connectivity.

The VF MPV 7, on the other hand, comes with connected-car features and wireless phone charging. Both MPVs in the trims mentioned here lack a power-operated sunroof, multi-zone auto AC and rear sunshades, to name a few missing convenience-related features. 

Vinfast VF MPV 7 vs base-spec BYD eMax 7: Drive features

Drive-related features of both cars are almost identical on paper

What stands out here is the omission of paddle shifters to control brake regen modes and one-pedal driving – these features would have enhanced the overall driving experience. Both cars get cruise control as standard, plus three different drive modes.

Vinfast VF MPV 7 vs base-spec BYD eMax 7: Safety features

BYD offers more safety gear even with the base-spec eMax 7

While the top Superior trim of the BYD eMax 7 gets an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite, the base Premium trim does not. The Vinfast VF MPV 7 does not come with ADAS at all in India. Regardless, the eMax 7 Premium comes with two additional airbags over the VF MPV 7, along with a tyre-pressure monitoring system and surround-view cameras.

Vinfast VF MPV 7, base-spec BYD eMax 7 prices

The entry-level eMax 7 is pricier than the VF MPV 7

There are four trim options of the BYD eMax7 in India, but the Vinfast VF MPV 7 is limited to just a single trim. However, despite having picked the most affordable version of the Chinese electric MPV, it still costs Rs 2.41 lakh more than its Vietnamese rival.

Vinfast VF MPV 7 vs base-spec BYD eMax 7: Which one should you buy?

The entry-level eMax 7 is more expensive than the VF MPV 7, with a typical MPV design and a slightly mediocre interior styling cues. However, the BYD EV offers more cabin equipment and safety measures while packing a punchier electric motor and a higher top speed.