The VinFast VF5 Spotted testing on Indian roads. The company’s compact electric SUV is already generating buzz in India, and the newly revealed test mule has revealed several key design cues for the India-spec version.
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Interestingly, the VF5 being tested in India doesn’t completely resemble the global-spec model. In addition to the front and rear design, some changes have also been made to the cabin layout.
Upon its arrival in India, it is expected to be positioned below the VF6 in VinFast’s lineup.
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VinFast VF5 Spotted: What We Revealed from the Test Mule?
Despite the heavy camouflage, the VinFast VF5 spotted test mule clearly reveals its overall proportions and some exterior details.
The biggest change is visible in the front section. The India-spec prototype’s front end appears more upright, while the global-spec VF5 features a comparatively more rounded and swooping nose.
The prototype also features a clamshell-style bonnet design.
New Design May Be Seen at the Front
The headlamps on the front of the test mule are positioned lower on both sides of the bumper, giving the SUV a split-headlamp look.
The headlamp shape also appears different from the global-spec VF5. This suggests that VinFast may make some specific changes to the front fascia for the VF5 coming to India.
However, the final design for the production version has not yet been confirmed.
What Will Change in the Side Profile?
Looking at the side profile, it appears that VinFast has retained the basic design theme of the global VF5.
The prototype features elements such as:
- Black wheel-arch cladding
- Black C-pillar treatment
- Similar glasshouse design
- Lower door molding
The SUV’s compact footprint also makes it quite relevant for the Indian market.
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Changes in Rear Design
The rear section also hints at differences from the India-spec VF5. The prototype features a raked rear windscreen and a concealed horizontal section on the tailgate.
This part could be part of the connected LED tail-lamp setup on the production model. Its design is likely to be different from the global-spec VF5.
Details like a spoiler-mounted stop lamp, a curved lower bumper, and horizontal reflectors were also seen on the test vehicle.
A Different Cabin Layout
The cabin of the VinFast VF5 Spotted prototype also shows some interesting changes.
The test vehicle features an all-black interior theme, with a two-spoke steering wheel and cup holders on the center console.
The most significant change is the instrument cluster. The global-spec VF5 features a separate instrument cluster, but the India-spec prototype features a large floating infotainment display instead.
This screen is likely to be the primary way to access vehicle information and several key functions.
However, the final dashboard layout may be different in the production-spec India model.
VF5 May Be Smaller Than 4 Meters
The VinFast VF5 is expected to be under 4 meters in length in India, positioning it in the compact electric SUV segment.
The dimensions of the Global-spec VF5 are as follows:
| Dimension | Global-spec VF5 |
|---|---|
| Length | 3,967mm |
| Width | 1,723mm |
| Height | 1,579mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,514mm |
The final dimensions of the India-spec model have not yet been officially confirmed.
VinFast VF5 Battery and Powertrain
The VF5 is offered in the global market with two battery options. The first option is a 29.6kWh battery pack, with a front-mounted electric motor that produces 95hp and 135Nm.
The second option is a 37.23kWh battery pack. In this setup, the electric motor produces 136hp and 135Nm.
The claimed NEDC range figures for the global-spec model are as follows:
| Battery Pack | Power | Torque | Claimed Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29.6kWh | 95hp | 135Nm | 268km |
| 37.23kWh | 136hp | 135Nm | 326km |
It is not yet clear which of these battery options will be available in India.
Expected Price of the VinFast VF5
The VinFast VF5 is expected to have a starting price of around Rs. 12 lakh in India. If the company launches it in this price bracket, it could compete with cars like the Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV 3XO EV in the compact electric SUV segment.
However, final pricing and variants will only be revealed after the company’s official announcement.
Eyeing Private Buyers and the Fleet Market
The VF5 can be used not only for private customers but also for the fleet segment. VinFast is planning to use a fleet version of the VF5 for its Green SM taxi service in India.
This could help the company expand its presence in both the EV and ride-hailing segments in India.
Verdict: Can the VF5 be successful in India?
With the VinFast VF5 Spotted, it’s clear that the company is developing this compact EV for India, and the India-spec version could feature some changes compared to the global model.
Its compact size, potential sub-Rs. 12 lakh positioning, and a different cabin layout could make it an interesting option. However, the real challenge will be its battery range, charging capability, features, and final pricing.
If VinFast offers a good range and adequate features, along with a competitive price, the VF5 could become a new competitor for companies like Tata and Mahindra in the Indian compact EV market.
Note: Official details about the final battery, range, features, variants, and price of the India-spec VF5 are yet to be revealed. Some of the figures above are based on the global-spec model and available information.
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Raj Prajapati is a Senior Automotive Content Writer at AutoIndiaDaily. A B.Tech graduate in Computer Science and Engineering, he leverages over four years of experience covering Indian car and bike launches, EV tech, and market dynamics to break down complex automotive regulations into simple consumer guides. Specialising in Indian motor vehicle laws, IRDAI updates, and ownership costs, Raj translates technical auto policies into actionable advice for everyday drivers.