VinFast files design patent in India for VF5 facelift ahead of likely EV launch

Vietnamese carmaker VinFast is preparing to enter India's electric vehicle (EV) market. The company is getting ready to launch its new electric SUV, the VinFast VF5 Facelift, in India, with the aim of giving stiff competition to major players such as Tata Motors. It has recently filed a design patent for the car in India, which has intensified talk of its arrival in the market.

The basic form of the VinFast VF5 has been retained, but the facelifted model gets major cosmetic changes at the front and rear. The bonnet is of a new design and the headlights are now placed lower down, on the bumper. The bumper is black, which gives the car a modern and edgy look. It also gets new-design 16-inch alloy wheels and connected LED tail-lights at the rear. 'VinFast' branding is visible in the middle of the tailgate.

The SUV's cabin is likely to get several modern features. The dashboard may get a large free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, a new centre console and a two-spoke steering wheel. The central screen will show entertainment as well as all the essential driving information.

According to information available for international markets, the VinFast VF5 comes with two battery options. The first has a 29.6kWh battery and a front-axle motor producing 95hp of power and 135Nm of torque. Its NEDC range is 268 km.

The second option has a larger 37.23kWh battery pack that delivers 136hp of power and 135Nm of torque. According to the company's claim, this version offers a range of up to 326 km on a single charge. However, there is no official information yet on which battery option will come to the Indian market.

The VinFast VF5 could be the most affordable, budget-friendly car in the company's portfolio. In the Indian market, the SUV could compete with Tata's popular electric cars, the Tata Punch EV or the Nexon EV. It is estimated that the company could price it at around Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.