All-New VinFast VF8 Electric SUV review // First drive in Vietnam

#VinFastVF8
#VF8Electric
#CoupleCarReview
This is a Motormouth couple car review of the all-new VinFast VF8 electric SUV from the newest car company in the world, VinFast of Vietnam. We couldn’t be more excited to join VinFast to learn more about their new electric vehicles, the VF8 and VF9 and tour the manufacturing plant in Vietnam. We drove the VF8 but hope to also spend some time in the VF9 as well. VinFast is a Vietnamese Automaker that was established in 2017 and although VinFast is new, it is part of a much larger conglomerate, the VinGroup founded in 1993 by Pham Nhat Vuong. The VinGroup focuses on technology, industry, real estate development, resorts, retail and service ranging from healthcare to hospitality. Pham started out selling instant noodles, he sold the company in 2010 to Nestle for $150 million and is currently the wealthiest person in Vietnam. VinFast launched its own cars in Vietnam in 2019 and were based on existing models using BMW architecture. Now the company wants to focus only on electric vehicles and plans to stop producing gas powered vehicles this year. The VF8, a 5-seater SUV and the VF9, a 3-row SUV will hit the North American market towards the end of the year. VinFast builds its EV’s in Vietnam but has plans to open a factory in North Carolina. The VF8 offers up to 471 km/292 miles of range and up to 402 horsepower, it has a starting price of $51,250 CAD/$40,700 USD. The VF9 offers up to 594 km/342 miles of range and up to 402 horsepower with a starting price of $69,750 CAD/$55,500 USD. There is a monthly battery subscription fee with unlimited km for $139 CAD/month for the VF8 and $199 CAD/month for the VF9. A Flexible plan is available for the VF8 it starts at $39 CAD/month for the first 500 km and adds $0.09 per extra km. The VF9 $59 CAD for the first 500 km and add $0.11 per extra km. Vinfast also commits to provide a lifetime battery warranty covering all maintenance and repair costs and will replace the battery for free when charging capacity dips below 70%. Owner of the fixed subscription plan will get these fees for the lifetime of their vehicle and the plan will be automatically transferred to the new owner after the vehicle is sold.

Get the dealership cost, any rebates and special interest rates, plus secret discounts, go to CarCostCanada. Use the promo code MOTORMOUTH to become an expert member.

[Motormouth...]

This VF8 is a prototype model so everyone who drove the vehicle for a short time had an instructor with them. We also had a videographer who was getting extra footage for Vietnam Television. We were interviewed by the station earlier in the day and they wanted footage of our in-car driving segment to feature us on their show. They will also be providing the link to our videos, the VF8 review and our lifestyle piece on Vietnam which drops Saturday. Looking forward to sharing it with you, Vietnam is a beautiful place to visit, Zack and I really enjoyed the trip.

[paulmarchand]

I'm very interested. I saw the VF8 in st-hyacinthe yesterday and i'm surprised. Still have questions. if I have an accident, what happens with parts? Quebec is cold in the winter. How will it react to weather here? What happens if vinfast quits canadian market? I saw what happened with Suzuki and i'm puzzled. I'm VERY interested but still have questions.

[kenneth]

Could you specify what the battery chemistry is. Is it possible to buy it out right.

[MrSostos]

I visited the West Vancouver showroom a couple of days ago and was told that the battery lease program is cancelled. Instead the battery is warrantied for 10 years unlimited km's.

[kdt]

This is such an unbiased review. So they have a VinFast rep sitting in the back to make sure you don't say anything negative about the car?

[jackl]

Are these coming to Canada? We have a very limited option when it comes to EV

[jctx]

What is the point to buy an EV as my monthly gasoline bill is around $160 if I have to pay to lease the battery. Not to mention there is no track record of their reliability

[Moonchild-CA]

As soon as elctrical vehicles become near affordable, I will get one, VinFast is on my bucket list. Looks very stylish.

[hugoking]

Is there labor charge or hidden fee when replacing the battery? Thx

[dennisstafford]

Beautiful video, impressive vehicle, looking forward to seeing the new Vinfast factory that is being built in North Carolina

Vinfast is Vietnam new Automotive company operated by VinGroup, they hired American and European Engineers to build these cars VF8 VF9, incase someone never heard of Vinfast.
Thanks you 2 for reviewing Vietnam's cars ;) i'll watch tomorrow to see how you guys like this car.

[nunayobiznass]

Cant find info on the sound system. What is the sound system?

[bobtins]

I am hyped about the VF8 because I got to see one in person!
I got to check out the Plus, which makes a way better impression than the model you drove (but I'm glad you went to drive it in person and tell us about it).

I live in Oakland, California, next door to Berkeley which has one of the very first Vinfast outlets in all of North America.
We are nuts about EV's in California, so they can't make enough--for most models you will be waiting several months.
I went to the showroom because my son, who is a car nut, spotted it. They have a VF8 on the floor, and we were able to check everything out. It was a fun experience.
I was so impressed that I put down $200 on the spot for a reservation. Some thoughts:
The model in this video is the base model but I saw a Plus, which starts around 5K higher...but you want the Plus. Why?
- Leather seating in 4 different colors
- Hands free trunk (slide your foot under to raise it)
- HUGE sunroof that goes all the way to back seats
- That's what I remember but there's more...
A big deal is being made about the battery monthly fee, but I think it's a good idea.
I did the math; over a 5 year loan it's like paying $6k more for the car; but for this car it's still a good deal--and no worry about replacing the battery!

My overall impression:
It is a freaking beautiful car, and it's a really good fit for my family. I just have a good feeling about this car and about Vinfast; hopefully I'll be rolling up in one before long...
If you are able to get to one of the showrooms, check it out!

[Devronx]

will that subscription be for Charging cost & Battery replacement? when you say compare to monthly gas price, thinking if subscription includes charging prices?

[TweedSuit]

So over 3 years the battery lease comes to $7200... how do you recoup that after trading it in or selling??

[litao]

Battery subscription is cheaper than my phone and internet bills

[nickolastiguan]

So basically the price does not include a warranty for the battery, and you are paying a month fee to buy a lifetime, unlimited km warranty for the battery. Is the cost of the battery itself included in the price of the vehicle? Lol

Probably a hard sell for most private buyers, but like you said, fleets buyers might like this model.

[WilliamIsCool]

And how is the safety and AWD compared to Subaru?

[Heeinzz]

I've legit seen this brand at richmond center a few weeks ago. They have a subscription about charging at home??

[kellingtonlink]

Vietnam is on my bucket list. I love the architecture, the landscape, the FOOD and the people. It is pleasantly rewarding to see what they have graced us with. It is an absolutely brilliant debut. Clearly, I am impressed.

I think their monthly battery idea is somewhat reasonable. Probably with a flat purchase rate, like everybody else, the price might be an additional $15-25 grand). So the savings and absence of battery degradation concerns may payoff… especially on the used market. After all, I believe the an OEM battery for a Tesla Model S (non-performance models) are over $27, 000 American dollars. Time will tell if this pricing model will be adopted or not by the public… or if other manufacturers will consider it in the future. Especially if their batteries are out sourced.

Great filming… the thru-vehicle shot was a creative choice. Spectacular scenery. Amazingly wide streets/roads. And…Great watch choice. Thanks for the video.