The Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturing company, VinFast, has already launched three pure-electric cars in the Indian market; they are VF 5, VF 7, and MPV VF MPV 7. The fourth one is going to be a sub-4-meter sport utility vehicle, the VinFast VF 5, whose launch is slated for late 2026 to compete with the Tata Nexon EV, Mahindra XUV 3XO EV, and Kia Syros EV.
Notably, the VF 5 from EV maker VinFast is already on sale in a few international markets; with the same name, it will make its debut in India. In the Vietnamese market, it is known by the name Herio Green. Recently, it was spotted testing in Bengaluru, Karnataka, whose spy shots are floating online and being shared by many auto enthusiasts.
The spied images shared online show the vehicle’s exterior in heavy camouflage. Among the images floating online, a few are those which also reveal what is on the cabin’s dashboard. Analyzing the spied images, we found out that the model seems to be the 2nd-Gen VF 5 because it has many new details that aren’t present on the model already on sale in the international market.
So far, the carmaker hasn’t yet showcased the second-generation anywhere; we are expecting that its global debut will happen in India and will be available for sale shortly. The market where it is already on sale may see its launch as the new-gen model. The company has a roadmap to introduce 5 EVs in India by the end of 2026, as three are already on sale; the 4th may be this upcoming one.
The things that make this sub-4-meter SUV from VinFast different from the international-spec VF 5 are the clamshell bonnet instead of a swooping one, giving a more upright stance; redesigned projector headlamps for a sleeker appearance; thicker LED taillights replacing the old ones to enhance the rear view; and new front and rear bumpers to make it more appealing for Indian drivers.
The interior spy image shows that the cabin is totally different from the standard one. It has a flatter dashboard instead of a swooping one with the rectangular free-standing screen at the center, set to support wireless smartphone connectivity. Other things that we get to see inside are a two-spoke steering wheel with physical buttons and the brand’s logo, replacing the old three-spoke unit.
The one sold internationally measures 3,967 mm in length, 1,723 mm in width, and 1,579 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,514 mm and ground clearance of 160 mm. The second-generation VF 5 coming to India will measure under 4 meters, but it won’t be the same as the international model in size. We are expecting it to measure around 3,995 mm with a wheelbase of above 2,600 mm.
The internationally available VF 5 sold as a front-wheel-drive variant is getting a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a one-speed automatic gearbox on the front axle, which delivers 95 hp power and 135 Nm torque with a 29.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and 136 hp and 135 Nm with the 37.23 kWh. The NEDC range for the variant equipped with the standard battery pack is 268 km, but the same for the large one is 326 km.
The one coming to India will also make debut as FWD, but the battery packs of 29.6 kWh and 37.23 kWh are unlikely, because its rivals have little large battery and give better range. They haven’t confirmed anything officially, but we are expecting that they may offer a 37.23 kWh battery pack option as standard, besides a large unit of around 50 kWh giving a range of 500 km on the MIDC condition.