VinFast delivered its first VF9 autos to prospects in Los Angeles yesterday, kicking off US deliveries of the brand new 3-row electrical SUV.
VinFast is a comparatively new EV model, based in Vietnam in 2017, beneath the umbrella of huge Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup. It began delivering vehicles to the US in 2023 with its VF8 mid-size SUV.
The VF9 is its three-row massive SUV, which has been delivering in Vietnam for the reason that 2023 mannequin 12 months, and in addition in another Southeast Asian and some European markets. However now it’s prepared to start out delivering the VF9 right here within the US, and it began final evening in Los Angeles.
VinFast held a small occasion at its US headquarters in Los Angeles to ship the primary 8 VF9s to the US market, and invited us out to the occasion and to have a fast take a look at the automotive.
VinFast instructed us that it at the moment has 36 dealerships in 15 states, with 13 firm owned shops in California. So deliveries received’t simply begin straight away in California, however different territories as nicely. Nonetheless, VinFast couldn’t present us an estimate of what the delay earlier than supply could be if ordering a car at this time.
VinFast trim ranges
The VF9 is available in two trim ranges, Eco and Plus. The Eco mannequin begins at $69,800 with the Plus model $4k extra at $73,800. First deliveries will begin with the Plus mannequin, with the Eco coming just a few months later.
However regardless of these considerably excessive beginning costs, VinFast can also be providing a limited-time promotion for the primary 100 car deliveries to lease the Plus for $529/mo with $2,000 down. And for the reason that VF8 has seen some actually nice lease offers, we may think about the VF9 would possibly get the identical therapy after deliveries begin taking place in earnest.
The trim ranges don’t differ considerably in drive capabilities, with the identical battery and motor between the 2. See the full spec sheet right here.
The principle variations are in a bunch of extra inside comforts on the Plus, like ventilated massaging seats, 2nd row seat heaters, seat and steering wheel place reminiscence, rear LCD show, panoramic roof and a subwoofer. The Plus additionally has fog lights and cornering lights.
Nonetheless, the Plus additionally has decrease vary at 291 miles as an alternative of 330 miles, primarily as a result of bigger 21in wheels in comparison with the bottom 20in wheels. Wheels could make an enormous distinction in aerodynamic effectivity, particularly with completely different wheel cowl designs.
The Plus can also be about 100lbs heavier than the Eco, and may are available in a 6-seat “captain’s chair” configuration, whereas the Eco solely is available in a 7-seat format.
Extraordinarily fast first drive
We bought an opportunity to drive the VF9 very briefly, however on condition that it was in the midst of LA rush hour visitors and just a few miles, this barely even qualifies for “first drive” standing.
Nonetheless, the car felt fairly spacious inside – as one would count on from a big SUV. We solely sat within the seats for a couple of minutes, however the seat materials was passably snug (not just like the outstandingly snug EX90). The third row has an enormous quantity of headroom, however little legroom – you’re principally sitting on the ground again there, and it takes some work to get out of it, too.
The drive software program does appear to have matured in comparison with the earlier VF8 model I drove. That VF8 had horrendous throttle lag, particularly when ranging from 0mph, however I didn’t expertise that fairly a lot right here within the VF9. It felt higher. They’re making progress.
The throttle pedal is a little bit weirdly jumpy although in sport mode, so regardless of that I set virtually all EVs to sport mode and simply go away it there, this could be a automotive that I’d drive in normal or eco extra usually. And hope that Vinfast continues to tweak the drive software program to make it really feel a little bit extra refined. However that stated, once more, I’d like an opportunity to check this extra and get a really feel for it.
Energy was good although not superb, it’s a big automotive in any case so consolation goes to be extra of a premium than velocity.
I like VinFast’s person interface nicely sufficient – it’s fairly nicely laid out, it doesn’t undergo from the lag that another UIs do, and you may at all times escape to CarPlay or Android Auto if that’s your choice. Although the gathered media did expertise some random faults on the three early-production press vehicles we had entry to for the evening, like a defective anti-window-pinch sensor and rear hatch closure sensor.
All in all, after the comparatively poor general critiques for the VF8 and a middling expertise myself after I drove one, I got here away pleasantly shocked by the VF9, with a car that was nicer than I anticipated on this very quick drive. I’m nonetheless not a big SUV man and would like to see a few of VinFast’s smaller autos right here (the VF7 is coming to the US, however I’d wish to see the even-smaller ones), however so long as the arrow retains getting into the appropriate path and VinFast retains enhancing, there could possibly be a pleasant future right here for Vietnam.
And that’s the factor… I actually need VinFast to succeed. I like the concept of getting one other nation be part of the worldwide stage of auto manufacturing, and it will be nice for Vietnam to realize some chops within the realm of advanced manufacturing. The nation already does nicely in textiles and electronics… however vehicles are a complete completely different factor. This drive was too quick to attract many conclusions, however VinFast does appear to be enhancing from the quick expertise we had.
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