VinFast VF5 Facelift Design Patent Surfaces, Hints at India Launch in 2027
Vietnamese EV maker VinFast has filed a design patent for its facelifted VF5 electric SUV in India, signalling a potential market debut in 2027. The updated design features significant exterior and interior revisions, positioning it as a challenger in the competitive affordable electric SUV segment.
Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer, VinFast, has filed a design patent for the facelifted version of its VF5 electric SUV in India. This development, with the patent surfacing in late 2024, strongly indicates the company's intent to launch the updated compact electric SUV in the Indian market, potentially by 2027. The patent filing showcases a refreshed design, aiming to make the VF5 more appealing in a segment dominated by established players.
The VF5 facelift, which has also been spied testing in Vietnam recently, brings several noticeable styling enhancements both inside and out. Its entry is expected to intensify competition, particularly against models like the Tata Punch EV and Mahindra XUV 3XO EV. BYD Qin Plus DM-i Price, Specifications and Features Revealed; Launched in China.
Refreshed Design: What's New?
The patent images reveal a sharper and more modern aesthetic for the VinFast VF5. The front fascia receives the most prominent updates, featuring sleeker headlights that are now positioned lower on the bumper. The bonnet has been redesigned, and the bumper itself sees revisions, with the black trim beneath the headlights significantly reduced for a cleaner visual.
The side profile largely retains the current model's silhouette, though the facelift is expected to sport redesigned alloy wheels, likely retaining the 16-inch size observed on test mules in Vietnam. At the rear, the updates are more substantial, introducing chunkier LED connected tail lights. Unlike the outgoing model, where reverse and indicator lights were housed in the bumper, the facelift integrates these into the main tail light units, contributing to a tidier appearance. Hyundai Bayon Price in India, Specifications and Features Revealed.
Inside, while not explicitly detailed in the patent, spy shots from Vietnam suggest a revamped cabin. Expected changes include a more upright dashboard, a larger free-standing infotainment touchscreen, and a new two-spoke steering wheel with a flat top and bottom. Interestingly, a dedicated driver's display might be absent, with a section of the central screen fulfilling this role. The centre console is also expected to feature deeper creases, a rotary drive selector, and two cup holders.
Expected Specifications and Market Positioning
While India-specific specifications are yet to be officially confirmed, the global VinFast VF5 Plus offers two battery options: a 29.6 kWh pack providing an NEDC range of 268 km, and a larger 37.23 kWh pack delivering an NEDC range of 326 km. Power outputs range from 90 hp to 136 hp, with both options offering 135 Nm of torque from a front-mounted electric motor.
The VF5 measures approximately 3965-3967 mm in length, 1720-1723 mm in width, and 1578-1580 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2513-2514 mm, making it a compact electric crossover. Boot space stands at 260 litres, expandable to 900 litres. Expected features from its global counterpart include an 8-inch infotainment system, smart home integration, virtual assistant functions, and essential safety features like ABS, ESC, and multiple airbags.
VinFast has been actively expanding its footprint in India, with a manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, which began assembling the VF6 and VF7 electric SUVs in August 2025. The company has already launched models like the VF6 and VF7, and plans to introduce the VF3 and VF5 by 2027.
Pricing and Competition
The facelifted VinFast VF5 is anticipated to carry an ex-showroom starting price of around ₹12 lakh in India. At this price point, it will directly compete with established electric SUVs such as the Tata Punch EV, which currently ranges from ₹9.79 lakh to ₹12.99 lakh, and the upcoming Mahindra XUV 3XO EV.
With its refreshed design, potential for competitive pricing, and a growing local manufacturing base, the VinFast VF5 facelift could prove to be a compelling new option for Indian buyers seeking an affordable and feature-rich electric SUV.
Disclaimer: AI tools assisted in compiling the foundational data and research for this report. The final content was reviewed, edited and verified by human editors at LatestLY.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 28, 2026 02:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
