- VinFast begins U.S. deliveries of its VF9 flagship electrical SUV.
- The VinFast VF9 begins from $69,800.
Vietnamese automaker VinFast has formally began deliveries of its extra upmarket electrical SUV, the VF9. The battery-powered three-row SUV slots above the VF8 and competes with different family-oriented EVs such because the Kia EV9 and Cadillac Vistiq.
Two variations of the VinFast VF9 will probably be accessible in the US, the VF9 Eco and VF9 Plus. The entry-level Eco begins at $69,800 (excluding vacation spot) whereas the marginally extra upmarket Plus begins from $73,800. That stated, the primary models to be delivered to U.S. prospects will probably be VF9 Plus fashions.
The costs are a lot decrease than initially introduced. Final 12 months, the entry-level model had an MSRP of $83,000, whereas the Plus was priced at $91,000. These estimates had been lowered in December to $79,800 for the Eco and $85,800 for the Plus trim.
To sweeten the deal, VinFast is providing a promotional lease value of $529 monthly for the primary 100 VF9s delivered stateside. Based on the automaker, this determine features a $3,500 low cost and a $2,000 down cost. In the meantime, the VF9 Eco will change into accessible later this 12 months.
Each trim ranges include the identical battery–a 123-kilowatt-hour (usable) pack delivering as much as 330 miles of vary on the Eco and 291 miles on the Plus. The primary cause for the vary distinction is the wheel measurement. The Eco is provided with 20-inch wheels, whereas the Plus comes with customary 21-inchers. The extra upmarket model additionally will get entrance fog lights, a 12-way energy driver seat with reminiscence, heating, air flow and therapeutic massage, in addition to eight-way energy adjustment for second-row seats. The Plus will be optionally specced with six seats as a substitute of seven.
The VF9 Eco and VF9 Plus include a dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup delivering 402 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. The EV helps Plug & Cost and Auto Cost at suitable chargers. Plugging it right into a DC quick charger will replenish the battery from 10% to 70% state of cost in 35 minutes, in keeping with VinFast.
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The VF9 enters the more and more aggressive giant electrical three-row SUV phase. Measuring 201.5 inches lengthy, 78.9 inches vast and 66.7 inches tall, it’s proper up there with vehicles just like the Kia EV9 and Cadillac Vistiq. In comparison with the EV9, the VF9’s wheelbase is 2 inches longer whereas the physique is 4.3 inches longer. In comparison with the Cadillac Vistiq, the VinFast VF9 is 4 inches shorter however the wheelbase is 2 inches longer.
VinFast didn’t say something concerning the VF9’s eligibility for the federal tax credit score. The electrical three-row SUV is made in Vietnam, however we count on it to be eligible for the $7,500 tax credit score when leasing because of a loophole within the laws. It is also value mentioning that the corporate’s first mannequin offered within the U.S., the VF8, obtained underwhelming evaluations from the press. Journalists complained concerning the poor experience high quality and lackluster software program that appeared unfinished at launch. A few of these points had been reportedly mounted alongside the way in which.
Pricing-wise, the Kia EV9 is probably the most reasonably priced of the three, with a beginning value of $56,395 (together with vacation spot) for the entry-level model with rear-wheel drive and 230 miles of vary. In the meantime, the Cadillac Vistiq is priced from $78,790 (together with vacation spot) and comes with dual-motor all-wheel drive and a GM-estimated vary of 300 miles.
