VinFast VF5 Facelift Patented in India to Take on Nexon EV

VinFast is gearing up to strengthen its presence in India’s booming electric vehicle market with volume-focused offerings like the VF5 electric SUV. Following multiple sightings of test mules this year, the company has officially filed a design patent in India for the facelifted version of the VF5.

The refreshed SUV brings a revised front fascia featuring sharper lines, a more upright stance, and a seamless closed-off grille spanning the entire width. The lighting elements have been entirely redesigned with a precise geometric construction mounted lower flanking the bumper.

It also includes a lower grille with slatted elements, a sleek bumper design, and a familiar V-shaped trim lining the bonnet—which higher trims may feature with illumination. In profile, the VF5 retains much of its predecessor’s look, save for a new alloy wheel design and potential new color options, while maintaining features like circular wheel arches, door side moulding, dual-tone ORVMs, blacked-out pillars, and body-colored door handles.

At the rear, the facelift swaps bumper-mounted lights for a clean, full-width lighting setup integrating the tail lamps, turn indicators, and a sleek LED light bar, complemented by VINFAST lettering and a boot lid V-shaped trim, alongside a simpler rear bumper design. Inside, overseas test mules reveal a larger free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, a more upright dashboard, a redesigned 2-spoke yoke-style steering wheel, and the potential elimination of the traditional instrument console in favor of infotainment integration.

The updated center console features a modern design with cupholders and a rotary drive selector dial. The cabin adopts a largely black or subtle black-and-dark-grey dual-tone theme, upgraded with leatherette upholstery replacing fabric seats.

Performance and range specifications for the Indian market remain unconfirmed, but for context, the Indonesia-spec model packs a 29.6 kWh battery and a front-mounted electric motor delivering 90 HP and 135 Nm with an NEDC-certified range of 268 km, while other markets utilize a 37.23 kWh battery producing 136 HP and 135 Nm with a 326 km range. The VinFast VF5 facelift is expected to launch in India with a starting price of around Rs 12 lakh, positioning it to lock horns with rivals such as the Tata Nexon EV, Punch EV, and Mahindra XUV 3XO EV.