VinFast is an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer based in Vietnam, with ambitious goals for the United States EV market. Prior to developing and producing original EV models, VinFast sold rebodied versions of other manufacturers’ gasoline cars primarily for Vietnam’s middle-class consumers. VinFast’s parent company, VinGroup, is the largest conglomerate in Vietnam. VinFast showed its prototype vehicles at several auto shows and conferences in the United States, with stated plans to begin exporting vehicles in late 2022.

The company’s first two vehicles slated for international sale are the VF 8 and VF 9. The VF 8 is a midsize, five-passenger crossover with a pricing structure that competes with luxury SUVs and EVs, while the VF 9 is larger and seats seven passengers.

The VF 8’s styling is contemporary, with a traditional crossover profile; according to VinFast’s website, legendary Italian design firm Pininfarina was involved. Early images show most VF 8 examples with black body cladding along the lower front and rear bumpers, wheel wells and fender lips, and rocker panels. This cladding is accented by gray/silver trim. Up front, the lights have a stacked design, with a slim row of lighting atop a traditional headlight shape. These lights flank the grille-like nose design with VinFast’s V logo nested in the center among a stack of V shapes created by cutouts and body creases. Across the rear, a thin line of taillight extends from each side to meet in the middle, flanking another V logo that sits atop a wide VinFast badge.

The base Eco trim gets only granite upholstery; the Plus adds the choice of beige, navy, or brown. A 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display comes standard. Early reviews of the VF 8 indicate that the fit and finish of the cabin are not up to par with other vehicles at its price point, though VinFast, for its part, has noted that every vehicle provided to a member of the press has been a preproduction model.

Both models feature standard dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) and an 87.7-kWh battery. The Eco model is rated for maximum 348 hp and a zero-60-mph time of 5.8 seconds. The Plus model is rated for maximum 402 hp and a zero-to-60-mph time of 5.3 seconds. VinFast claims both models can charge from 10% to 70% battery power in 31 minutes. Range is dependent on the battery leasing program; there’s an option to buy the battery rather than leasing it, but no details are available.

Currently, those in the US can view the VinFast VF 8 at one of nine VinFast showrooms, all located in California. VinFast is not selling cars to customers outside of California as of December 2022, but the automaker has plans to expand locations “in the coming months and years,” according to the website. The VF 8 can be reserved on VinFast’s website with a fully refundable $200 deposit.

The VinFast VF 8 has a starting price of $59,000 and features a 10-year/125,000 mile warranty, though the battery is not included in the vehicle’s price and must be leased from VinFast with a monthly subscription. Battery lease rates vary based on battery usage, though rates are not openly disclosed on VinFast’s website as of this writing.

At this early stage, VinFast’s appeal seems limited to early adopters, or to potential customers who find value in VinFast’s unique battery leasing program.