VinFast has officially entered the Indian market with the launch of the VF 6 and VF 7, two premium electric SUVs that mark the beginning of its local operations. Both models are being assembled at the company’s brand-new factory at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, a plant that will serve both domestic and export markets. For a brand that has only been around since 2017, this is a significant milestone, and it is clear that VinFast intends to make a serious impression right from the start.
What really stands out about VinFast’s debut is the aggressive ownership package it has put on the table. Buyers of the VF 6 and VF 7 will enjoy free charging until July 2028, three years of complimentary maintenance, and a 10-year or 200,000 km warranty, whichever comes first. For Indian buyers who are still cautious about making the transition from internal combustion to electric power, such peace-of-mind initiatives are bound to make a difference.
Vinfast VF 7
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Special Arrangement
The VF 6, the smaller of the two, is positioned as a compact family-friendly option. It comes with a 59.6 kWh battery that delivers an ARAI-certified range of up to 468 km, which immediately makes it one of the longest-range EVs in its price bracket. Prices start at ₹16.49 lakh, and the car is available in multiple trims that build from comfort-oriented features such as a large 12.9-inch infotainment screen and powered driver’s seat, to more performance-led specifications that include 150 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque. Higher variants also bring in ventilated seating, dual-zone climate control, and advanced driver assistance systems. At the very top, the Wind Infinity trim adds a panoramic glass roof, lending the SUV a more premium ambience. The VF 6, then, sits right in Tata Nexon EV territory but distinguishes itself with a stronger range figure and a slightly more upmarket execution.
The VF 7, on the other hand, is aimed at buyers looking for something larger and more sophisticated. Measuring over 4.5 metres in length and riding on a 2,840 mm wheelbase, it occupies the mid-size SUV space and comes with the kind of presence Indian buyers are increasingly drawn to. Pricing starts at ₹20.89 lakh, and like the VF 6, it is available in a spread of variants that cover a wide range of performance and equipment levels. The base version uses the same 59.6 kWh battery as the VF 6 but with outputs of 130 kW and 250 Nm, delivering a range of 438 km. Moving up, the Wind trim adds a larger 70.8 kWh pack with 532 km of range and premium features such as ventilated seating, a powered tailgate, and a driver monitoring system. For enthusiasts, the VF 7 Sky variant provides a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup producing 260 kW and 500 Nm, with a claimed 0–100 km/h time of just 5.8 seconds. The Sky Infinity, with its panoramic roof, rounds off the range as the flagship.
Vinfast VF 7
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Special Arrangement
VinFast has taken care to ensure that both these SUVs are not just global products transplanted into India. They have been tuned for local road conditions, with appropriate ground clearance, suspension settings, and features that reflect Indian driving realities. The interiors are clean, tech-heavy, and premium in feel, with large screens, wireless connectivity, and multiple drive modes. Initial impressions of fit and finish are positive, and if this translates into consistent quality at scale, VinFast could avoid the pitfalls that have often hampered new entrants in India.
The company is also backing its products with a robust ecosystem. Its plant in Thoothukudi is a cornerstone of its Indian strategy, while plans for 35 showrooms and 240 extended service workshops by the end of 2025 ensure that after-sales and service infrastructure will not be an afterthought. Partnerships for charging infrastructure and battery recycling further highlight VinFast’s commitment to the long game.
Vinfast VF 6
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Special Arrangement
Where VinFast really makes its intentions clear is in how it positions itself against India’s current EV champions. The VF 6 directly challenges Tata’s Nexon EV, a car that has enjoyed an almost unchallenged run so far. By offering more range, a sharper feature set, and a comparable price, VinFast is signalling that it wants to win over the same audience. The VF 7, meanwhile, takes aim at the space that Mahindra and Tata are preparing to enter with their upcoming large EVs. With a starting price just over ₹20 lakh and a flagship model brushing the ₹25 lakh mark, it covers the ground between premium mass-market SUVs and the more expensive international imports.
Of course, pricing and features can only go so far. The ultimate verdict will depend on how the VF 6 and VF 7 perform on Indian roads — their ride comfort, handling, efficiency, and long-term reliability. These are aspects that only time and real-world use will reveal. But for now, VinFast has made the kind of debut that very few new entrants manage. It has priced its products smartly, packaged them attractively, and shown that it has both the manufacturing and dealer infrastructure to back them up.
Vinfast VF 7
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Special Arrangement
For a first effort, the VF 6 and VF 7 are compelling packages that could very well change the dynamics of India’s electric SUV market. Whether VinFast can sustain this momentum remains to be seen, but the opening act has certainly grabbed everyone’s attention.
The Vinfast VF 6 is available from ₹16,49,000 onwards, and the VF 7 is available from ₹20,89,000 onwards.
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Published – September 11, 2025 11:25 am IST
