Vinfast VF7

The VF7’s cabin feels spacious, with a powered tailgate revealing a 537-litre boot, albeit without a spare. Rear leg and headroom are excellent, and the India-specific reclining backrest adds comfort. The high floor positions knees up, but it’s not intrusive when stretched out. A panoramic glass roof amplifies the airy feel, though the slim, high-set windows slightly restrict the view. Up front, a heads-up display replaces the instrument cluster, and the 12.9-inch touchscreen, toggle switches and vegan leather trim create a clean, premium ambience, let down only by a few ordinary plastics.

India will get a single, fully loaded Plus trim with features like ventilated seats, wireless phone charging, rear-seat recline and vegan leather. Safety kit is generous, with 7 airbags and a radar-based Level 2 ADAS suite. A big glass roof, dual-zone climate control and one-litre bottle holders round out the package. Most controls are via the touchscreen, but small icons make it fiddly to use on the go.

Both FWD and AWD variants use a 70.8kWh LFP battery, chargeable via AC and DC ports, though DC speeds weren’t disclosed. WLTP ranges are rated at 450km for the FWD and 431km for the AWD, but local MIDC/ARAI figures are awaited.

We sampled the AWD model, which makes 350hp and 500Nm, good for 0-100kph in 5.8sec. It feels quick off the line and civilised at low speeds. Power tails off after 120kph but it cruises easily. Brake feel is strong and refinement was good on the test track, with an audible but welcome electric whine under hard acceleration.

On Vinfast’s smooth track, the VF7 felt stable and secure. 19-inch wheels (with Apollo tyres) offer good bump absorption. The long wheelbase boosts high-speed stability but takes away some agility. Drive modes adjust steering weight appropriately.

With vast space, loads of kit and AWD performance, the VF7 prioritises substance over flash. Expected to start at Rs 25 lakh, rising to Rs 29 lakh for the AWD version, it’s a distinctive, well-specced choice — and the right choice to intrigue curious Indian buyers.