VinFast VF 5 Electric SUV Spied in India: The Upcoming Tata Punch.ev Rival?

The Indian electric vehicle (EV) market is bracing for a shakeup as Vietnamese automaker VinFast prepares its next major move. A heavily camouflaged test mule of the upcoming VinFast VF 5 sub-4-meter electric SUV was recently spotted testing in India. The vehicle was captured near the Mahalakshmi Metro Station in Bengaluru, indicating that VinFast is actively evaluating the model for the high-volume, mainstream EV segment.

This sighting is highly significant for the Indian market, as the VF 5 is poised to directly challenge established competitors like the Tata Punch.ev, Tata Nexon.ev, and the Mahindra XEV 3XO ev.

What to Expect: Exterior and Interior Updates

While the VinFast VF 5 (also known as the Herio Green in Vietnam) is already sold in international markets, the prototype spotted in India appears to be a second-generation model with noticeable updates.

• Front Fascia: The test mule features a more upright stance with a newly designed clamshell-style bonnet.

• Lighting: The projector headlamps look noticeably sleeker than those on the current international generation.

• Rear Design: Spy shots reveal a revised connected LED tail-lamp setup with thicker ends, moving away from the uniform LED signature of the current model.

• Dashboard Layout: The interior departs from the previous curvy design, adopting a flatter dashboard layout.

• Infotainment & Cabin: It features a rectangular, freestanding touchscreen infotainment system, a floating-style center console, a central armrest, and an all-new steering wheel.

Dimensions and Practicality

To compete in India's fierce compact SUV space, proportions are everything. The VF 5 sits comfortably under the four-meter mark while maximizing its wheelbase for interior space.

Battery, Range, and Performance Specs

While official Indian specifications are yet to be confirmed, the international versions of the VinFast VF 5 provide a clear picture of what buyers can expect under the hood.

• Battery Options: Globally, the SUV is offered with two battery pack options: a 29.6 kWh unit and a larger 37.23 kWh unit.

• Claimed Range: Under the NEDC testing cycle, these battery packs deliver a reported driving range of approximately 260 km to 268 km for the standard version, and up to 326 km for the long-range variant.

• Power Output: The front-axle mounted electric motor is capable of producing between 95 hp and 136 hp, depending on the chosen configuration, with 135 Nm of torque.

Expected Price and Launch Timeline in India

Pricing is the ultimate deciding factor in the Indian automotive market. VinFast is known globally for its aggressive pricing strategies.

• Expected Price: Industry reports speculate that the VinFast VF 5 could launch with a starting price ranging between Rs 10 Lakh and Rs 12 Lakh (ex-showroom).

• Launch Date: The manufacturer is aiming to expand its portfolio of EVs in India by the end of 2026, making a late-2026 launch highly probable for this compact SUV.

If introduced at this competitive price point with a real-world range north of 250 km, the VinFast VF 5 has all the ingredients to be a highly disruptive force in India's budget EV sector.