Mysterious Electric SUV Caught on Camera in Vietnam: VinFast VF 5 Refresh?
A striking image has surfaced online showing what appears to be an updated VinFast VF 5 electric crossover, completely free of camouflage, parked in what looks like a VinFast facility in Vietnam. This unexpected sighting contrasts sharply with the heavily disguised prototypes recently tested on Indian roads, fueling speculation about an imminent launch.
Exterior Redesign for a Bolder Look
The front fascia of this potential new VF 5 stands out with a more assertive stance. Its upright grille towers higher than the current version, paired with a rugged black plastic lower bumper that houses central air intakes. The headlights have shifted downward, aligning closer to the license plate area, while a sleek LED daytime running light strip below likely doubles as turn signals. The main projector lenses ensure sharp illumination even in low light.
Side profiles reveal steel wheels, matching the 16-inch setups on Indian test mules. Production models could upgrade to stylish 17-inch alloys, enhancing both aesthetics and handling.
Revamped Interior with Modern Tech
Inside, the cabin adopts a cleaner, flatter dashboard layout, ditching the curved lines of the outgoing model for a minimalist vibe. A prominent floating infotainment screen dominates the center stack, promising an upgraded user interface with smoother navigation, voice controls, and app integration.
Key changes include no dedicated instrument cluster screen behind the steering wheel—digital gauges might now project via heads-up display or integrate into the main screen. The steering wheel echoes the design from VinFast’s larger VF 8, and traditional gear shifters seem replaced by steering-mounted paddles for a more intuitive drive.
Strong Market Performance of Current VF 5
The existing VF 5 is a sales powerhouse in Vietnam, listing at around 496 million VND but often discounted to 471 million VND. In July alone, it and the Herio Green model sold 4,407 units, securing second place in VinFast’s lineup. Year-to-date figures hit 24,574 units, underscoring its popularity among budget-conscious EV buyers seeking compact, efficient urban mobility.
What This Means for VinFast’s Global Ambitions
This leak suggests the refreshed VF 5 is advancing toward production, possibly targeting India’s competitive EV market alongside Vietnam’s home turf. VinFast’s strategy emphasizes affordable electrics with premium features, competing against the likes of Tata Nexon EV and MG ZS EV.
While official specs remain under wraps—no battery size, range, or powertrain details yet—expect improvements like faster charging, enhanced range (potentially 300+ km), and ADAS features. Keep an eye on VinFast announcements for launch timelines.
This spotting builds excitement for VinFast’s next chapter in the booming Southeast Asian EV scene, where infrastructure and incentives are accelerating adoption.
