VinFast Files Patent for Facelifted VF5 Electric SUV in India Ahead of Potential Launch
Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer VinFast filed a design patent in India for the facelifted iteration of its VF5 compact electric sport utility vehicle. The design filing indicates the automotive manufacturer is preparing product alternatives to strengthen its presence in the domestic passenger vehicle market. Automotive industry projections indicate that the compact electric model could arrive in Indian showrooms by late 2026 or during 2027. Industry assessments estimate that the forthcoming electric SUV could carry an indicative ex-showroom price ranging between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 16 lakh. At the projected price bracket, the model will compete against established battery-powered vehicles including the Tata Punch EV and Mahindra XUV 3XO. The styling patent shows that the updated front fascia incorporates sleeker headlights positioned lower down on the front bumper assembly. The revised front design features sharper contours, an upright stance, and a closed-off grille flanked by a slatted lower air intake. A lower front grille structure incorporating horizontal slatted elements complements a sculpted bumper profile across the lower section.
Signature V-shaped brand styling elements remain integrated across the front fascia above the sculpted front bumper. While the side profile retains the silhouette of the existing model, the rear section introduces a redesigned connected lighting arrangement. The rear lighting system incorporates chunkier connected LED elements that stretch across the tailgate to house turn signals and reverse lights. Central VinFast lettering spans the middle of the rear tailgate while the VF5 designation sits towards the lower edge. Overseas test mules and spy photographs indicate that the cabin will adopt a thoroughly revamped dashboard architecture. The interior configuration features a larger freestanding touchscreen infotainment unit alongside an updated center console. The updated cabin design removes the conventional digital instrument cluster, delegating primary vehicle metrics to the central display. Center console revisions retain a rotary gear selector dial positioned adjacent to dual beverage holders for front seat occupants.
In September 2026, the VF5 facelift spied without camouflage in Vietnam revealed a 16-inch wheel size, according to Autocar India.
Upgraded cabin trim includes the potential introduction of leatherette upholstery materials to replace existing fabric seating surfaces. International specifications offer a 29.6 kilowatt-hour battery pack paired with a front-axle electric motor generating 90 horsepower. The smaller battery configuration delivers 135 Newton-meters of torque and achieves a certified driving range of 268 kilometers under NEDC standards. Alternative overseas variants utilize a larger 37.23 kilowatt-hour battery setup generating 136 horsepower and 326 kilometers of driving range. For the Indian market, automotive analysts consider the larger battery capacity particularly relevant given consumer preferences for driving range. Introducing the VF5 would establish an accessible entry price point below VinFast's premium offerings such as the VF6 and VF7. The compact electric SUV allows the Vietnamese automaker to participate in high-volume vehicle categories dominated by domestic automotive incumbents. Automotive market observers emphasize that volume-oriented product offerings will serve as an essential catalyst for brand expansion in India.
On August 4, 2025, VinFast inaugurated its electric vehicle assembly plant at SIPCOT Industrial Park in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.