Chinese brands may be dominating the new EV conversation in the Middle East right now, but VinFast wants attention too, and after spending time with the VinFast VF8, we can honestly say this Vietnamese SUV is far more interesting than we expected.
VinFast is still a new name for many people, but the company is already expanding aggressively across global markets. The VF8 currently sits as one of the brand’s flagship electric SUVs, and after driving it, one thing became clear very quickly, this is not some cheap, unfinished EV experiment.
First Impressions
The VF8 definitely stands out on the road. The design feels modern without trying too hard to look futuristic. VinFast’s signature V-shaped lighting elements give the front and rear a distinctive look, while the clean side profile keeps things simple and premium.
The Interior Feels Surprisingly Premium
Step inside, and the first thing you notice is the sense of space.
The cabin feels airy, clean, and genuinely comfortable. The seats may feel slightly smaller for larger drivers, but overall comfort is good, especially for everyday family use.
The dashboard uses soft-touch materials throughout, and the leather-like upholstery feels surprisingly premium for the price point. The giant infotainment screen becomes the centre of everything inside the cabin.
Too Many Controls Inside the Screen
Like many modern EVs, VinFast has moved almost every control into the touchscreen.
Adjusting:
- Mirrors
- Steering wheel
- Sunroof
- Vehicle settings
All happens through the display.
While the graphics and responsiveness are mostly good, constantly going through menus while driving can become annoying.
We still prefer having proper physical buttons for key functions. The wireless Apple CarPlay connection, however, worked flawlessly during our drive.
What Is It Like to Drive?
We drove the more powerful VF8 Plus variant, and like most EVs, instant power is always available when you press the accelerator.
But honestly, VinFast seems to have focused more on comfort and refinement than outright sportiness.
The VF8 feels:
- Quiet
- Stable
- Relaxed
especially at highway speeds.
Road noise and wind noise are impressively well controlled, which really helps the premium feel inside the cabin. The suspension is slightly firm over rough roads, but not harsh.
Rear Seat Comfort Is Excellent
The VF8 works really well as a family SUV; rear passengers sit slightly higher than the front seats, giving a nice open view outside. Headroom and legroom are generous, and the panoramic roof helps the cabin feel even more spacious.
There is a slight transmission tunnel despite the EV platform, so the rear bench is ideal for two adults and one child rather than three full-sized adults.
ADAS Can Feel Overprotective
One thing we noticed quickly was how aggressively the driver assistance systems intervene.
The lane assist system reacts very cautiously, and if you delay using the indicator while changing lanes, the car sometimes tries to pull itself back into the lane.
Real-World EV Experience
VinFast claims around 493 km range, but like every EV, actual range depends heavily on driving style, traffic, and weather conditions.
During normal driving, a realistic difference of around 10-15% from the claimed range seems reasonable.
Also read: https://fly-wheel.com/mini-convertible-jcw-pack-launched-in-india-at-%e2%82%b961-5-lakh/
Verdict
The VinFast VF8 surprised us more than expected. It may not completely redefine the EV segment, but it feels properly engineered, spacious, refined, and genuinely usable as a family SUV. Yes, the touchscreen-heavy controls can get frustrating, but overall, VinFast already looks far more serious and polished than many people might assume from such a young brand.
