VinFast VF 9

The VF 9 is VinFast's large electric SUV for the US, with three rows of seats for seven people. It suits big families who want one vehicle for school runs and long trips, and the Eco trim stretches the 123 kWh battery to 330 miles of EPA range. The Plus is rated at 291 miles. The starting MSRP is $62,900, before destination charges, taxes and registration fees.

Range, power and charging

Two motors drive all four wheels and together produce 402 hp. VinFast quotes 0 to 62 mph in 6.63 seconds. DC fast charging takes the battery from 10 to 70 percent in 35 minutes on both trims. The vehicle warranty is 10 years or 125,000 miles, and the battery has a 10 year warranty with unlimited miles under standard use.

Space and comfort

The VF 9 is 201.5 inches long and 88.7 inches wide, with a 123.9 inch wheelbase. Three rows of seats carry seven people. The cabin has a customisable 15.6 inch touchscreen, vegan leather, dynamic ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof, though features vary by version and configuration. Pininfarina design is credited for the styling.

Driver assistance and safety equipment

The assistance list includes motorway driving assist, automatic lane-changing assist, on-ramp and off-ramp assist, cruise assist, collision warning, automatic emergency braking, radar blind spot detection, fully automated parking assist, remote parking and summon mode. VinFast notes that some of these may arrive later by software update and may need a subscription. Eleven airbags are fitted, an Emergency SOS button contacts first responders, and a head-up display keeps information in the driver's view.

App and voice

The VinFast App covers vehicle data, remote control, navigation, maintenance booking and roadside assistance. After setup, a voice assistant can be activated by speaking its wake word and handles natural conversation.

Key facts

• Range: up to 330 miles (EPA, Eco) or 291 miles (Plus)
• Battery: 123 kWh usable
• Power: 402 hp, dual-motor all-wheel drive
• DC fast charging: 10 to 70 percent in 35 minutes
• Seats: seven
• US price from: $62,900 (MSRP)