If you’re eyeing a compact electric SUV in India, the VinFast VF5 could land in your price band. The Vietnamese maker has earmarked Rs 12 lakh ex‑showroom, putting it in the same bracket as the Tata Punch EV and Mahindra XUV300EV.
The design patent filed in Mumbai shows a fresh front fascia and a lower headlamp cluster that gives the VF5 a sharper stance. The rear has a new LED tail‑lamp strip that folds into the side panels.
Inside, the VF5 appears to move away from the traditional layout. A larger, freestanding touchscreen would sit between the driver and passenger, while a new digital instrument cluster would replace the analog gauges.
VinFast’s overseas versions run on either a 29.6‑kWh pack that delivers 95 hp and 135 Nm, or a 37.23‑kWh pack that pushes 136 hp. Those rear‑end powertrains translate to a claimed NEDC range of 268 km and 326 km respectively, so the Indian model may offer a similar 300‑350 km window.
When it comes to rivals, the VF5 would be in the same league as the Mahindra XUV300EV (260 km NEDC), Tata Punch EV (260 km) and the Hyundai Kona Electric (470 km). Its lower price could be its edge, but the actual range will be decisive.
India’s EV policy keeps the GST at 5% on electric cars, which could shave a few lakhs off the final price. No launch date has yet been confirmed, but the patent filing suggests VinFast may set up a launch in 2026, pending export clearance and local assembly permissions.