Vinfast files design patent for VF8 in India

Vinfast has filed a design patent for the recently unveiled second-gen VF8 in India. The patented design looks largely identical to the model unveiled in Vietnam, although there are a few minor differences. However, it is unclear whether Vinfast will bring the SUV to India.

1. Vietnam-spec VF8 gets a 60.13kWh battery pack
2. Its front-mounted motor delivers 228hp and 330Nm
3. VF8’s NEDC-claimed range is 500km

Vinfast VF8 design patent: What does it reveal?

Patent shows a different design for the alloy wheels

Up front, there’s the familiar V-shaped light bar, segmented daytime running lamps (DRLs), a blanked-off grille finished in black, air curtains on the sides of the bumper and intakes lower down. The patent image of the model’s top view shows no panoramic glass roof – a feature present on the VF7 and VF6.

The side view reveals a rising window line and character line, along with contrasting black wheel arches. However, there is a distinct design for the alloy wheels here. At the back, a V-shaped LED tail-light can be seen, but the black bumper appears to have a different design from that of the Vietnam-spec model and repositioned reflectors.

Vinfast VF8: Powertrain details

Front-mounted motor delivers 228hp and 330Nm

Powering the Vietnam-spec VF8 is a 60.13kWh battery pack mated to a front-axle-mounted electric motor, producing 228hp and 330Nm. The claimed NEDC range is 500km, and it is said to take under 30 minutes to charge from 10 to 70 percent.

If Vinfast decides to bring the VF8 here, given its 4.7m length, the eSUV could sit above the 4.5m-long VF7 and would compete with high-end variants of the Mahindra XEV 9e and Tata Harrier EV.