VinFast's VF9 electric seven-seater gets 330 miles on a charge

For a price, Vietnamese manufacturer VinFast is counting on its new VF9 to attract a growing audience for three-row, all-electric SUVs when it reaches North America by year’s end. Starting price for the VF9 “Eco” version is $83,000. Consider, however, that the company announced this week that the entry-level model received 330 miles certified EPA range for the Eco trim and 291 miles for the $91,000 Plus trim. The figures beat initial estimates of 272 miles and 262 miles, respectively.

The VF9, with an exterior designed by the classic Italian firm of Pininfarina, has already been delivered to customers in the Vietnamese market and is available for reservations globally. The SUV, which will likely compete with three-row offerings from Tesla, Ford and Rivian, has electric motors and an AWD powertrain with 402 total horsepower output.