VinFast VF 8 Plus

Overview

The VinFast VF 8 Plus, a Vietnamese-built electric SUV, made a brief appearance on US shores. Though now discontinued, this AWD machine aimed to offer a compelling package. The Plus trim specifically packed dual motors and a decent-sized battery. It's a bit of an enigma, having had a short 2023-2024 production run. You might snag one on the used market for around $20,886, making it a potentially budget-friendly entry into electric SUVs if you're aware of its early quirks and subsequent software updates aimed at refining the experience.

What's New for 2024?

For its short 2024 model year stint before discontinuation, the VF 8 Plus benefited from crucial software updates rolled out since its initial 2023 launch. These aimed to iron out early bugs, enhance battery state-of-charge calculations for better usable capacity, and speed up DC fast charging. Think improved infotainment responsiveness and refined driver-assist features. While not a ground-up redesign, these rolling improvements meant later models, including the 2024 Plus, were more polished than the very first units that hit the US market.

Design & Exterior

Styled by the legendary Pininfarina, the VF 8 Plus boasts a contemporary and rather handsome SUV look. It’s got a distinctive V-shaped light signature up front that certainly turns heads. The Plus trim often came with larger alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof, adding to its premium aspirations. Dimension-wise, it measures 187 inches long, 76.1 inches wide (mirrors folded, we presume!), and stands 65.6 inches tall. It’s a well-proportioned machine that looks quite smart on the road, even if its market journey was short-lived.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the VF 8 Plus, and you’re greeted by a minimalist cabin dominated by a massive 15.6-inch central touchscreen – no traditional driver’s display here, it’s all on the big screen or the head-up display! The five-seat layout offers decent passenger space. Material quality aims for premium, though early models had some inconsistencies. Cargo is practical: 13.3 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 48 cubic feet with seats down, plus a handy 2.7 cubic feet frunk for your charging cables. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are usually standard.

Performance & Driving Experience

The VF 8 Plus isn't shy on poke, thanks to its dual-motor AWD setup churning out a hefty 300 kW (around 402 hp) and 457 lb-ft of torque from its Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors. That translates to a nippy 0-60 mph sprint in just 5.3 seconds – pretty quick for a family SUV! Early reviews noted a firm ride and some quirks in driving dynamics, but software updates aimed to smooth things out. Braking is typical EV, with regenerative modes to claw back some energy, though fine-tuning was an early critique.

Range, Battery & Charging

The VF 8 Plus packs an 82 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 196 miles. Its efficiency is rated at 2.39 mi/kWh. For charging, it features a CCS Type 1 port. At home or a Level 2 charger, the standard 11 kW on-board unit will juice it up in roughly 7.5 hours. Hook it up to a DC fast charger, and it can gulp down electrons at up to 150 kW, getting you back on the road quicker. No NACS port from factory here.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety-wise, the VinFast VF 8 Plus scores a solid 5 stars from NHTSA, which is reassuring. While its Euro NCAP rating is 4 stars, it still packs a comprehensive suite of Level 2 ADAS features. Expect goodies like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automated emergency braking to be standard on the Plus trim. VinFast aimed to load it with tech, making these advanced safety nets a key part of its value proposition, helping you cruise with a bit more peace of mind.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

VinFast came out swinging with a seriously impressive warranty for the VF 8 Plus in the US. We're talking a 10-year/125,000-mile basic vehicle and powertrain warranty, which is class-leading stuff. Even better, the battery gets a 10-year/unlimited-mile warranty, with a guarantee against falling below 70% capacity. Roadside assistance was also typically included for 10 years. While early build quality and software gremlins were noted, this comprehensive coverage was designed to offer significant peace of mind for early adopters of this now-discontinued EV.