Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast has unveiled its next-generation VF 8 for the 2027 model year.

The VF 8 is one of two vehicles the automaker sells in Canada. The VF 8 is a five-seat electric SUV, while the company’s other model available here, the VF 9, is a three-row electric SUV.

VinFast didn’t provide Canadian market details for the new VF 8, but globally, the first deliveries are expected to begin in late July.

The new VF 8 is receiving new styling, plus upgrades to its technology, features, and driving performance.

Design and size

The updated VF 8 is getting a little bit smaller than the outgoing model.

The new VF 8 measures 4,701 mm long, 1,872 mm wide and 1,670 mm tall and rides on a 2,840-mm wheelbase. The first-gen model measures 4,750 mm long, 1,934 mm wide, 1,667 mm tall and has a wheelbase that’s 2,950 mm.

Ground clearance is also shrinking slightly to 170 mm, from 175 mm.

VinFast said the new model uses the Tech Fluid design philosophy, which is intended to integrate technology into the vehicle’s design language.

The front end has a wide gloss-black grille with wing-shaped daytime running lights.

Large air intakes integrated into both sides of the front bumper help improve aerodynamic efficiency, VinFast said.

Interior tech and design

On the inside, the VF 8 gets an ergonomic layout that’s intended to be intuitive.

There’s a driver display and a floating 12.9-inch centre infotainment touchscreen – sadly, there are no physical buttons to go with the centre screen.

The electric SUV has dual-zone automatic climate control, integrated air ionization and a Combi 1.0 air filter.

The driver’s seat is six-way power adjustable and has memory function, while the rear seats can recline and feature a 60:40 split.

New chassis for improved ride

VinFast said the updated vehicle has a more stable driving experience.

It rides on a new chassis platform and the suspension system has frequency selective dampers front and rear. This system can adjust the damping characteristics depending on road conditions to maintain vehicle stability and reduce vibrations.

A central vehicle computer manages data processing and vehicle control functions to support quicker and smoother responses to drive inputs, VinFast said.

Powertrain

The VF 8 gets a front-wheel-drive electric powertrain with 228 hp and 243 lb.-ft. (330 Nm) of torque and uses a 60.13-kWh capacity battery.

Based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) testing standards, the EV is estimated to get up to 500 kilometres of range. Converted to our EPA/NRCan test standards, which are tougher, that should translate to around 364 kilometres.

VinFast said DC fast-charging should be able to recharge the battery from 10 to 70 per cent in less than half an hour.

VinFast said the new VF 8 has an integrated thermal management system that efficiently manages the cooling and heating for the battery, motor, electrical systems and the cabin’s climate control.

Advanced driving assistance systems

The 2027 VF 8 will feature a suite of advanced driver assistance systems with features such as highway assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, and a high-definition 360-degree camera system.

VinFast currently has retailers in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia.

For updates, visit the VinFast Canada website.

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