New VinFast VF 5 Electric SUV Spied Testing In India – Punch.ev, Nexon.ev Rival Incoming?
VinFast appears to be preparing its next major move in the Indian electric vehicle market. A heavily camouflaged compact electric SUV, believed to be the next-generation VinFast VF 5, has been spotted testing on Indian roads, signalling that the Vietnamese EV maker could soon enter the increasingly important sub-4-metre electric SUV segment.
The test vehicle was reportedly spotted near Mahalakshmi Metro Station in Bengaluru. While VinFast has not officially confirmed the model or its India launch plans yet, the prototype’s proportions and design elements strongly suggest that it belongs to the VF 5/Herio Green family.
If introduced, the VF 5 would sit below the VF 6 in VinFast India’s passenger vehicle line-up and could directly compete with models such as the Tata Punch.ev, Tata Nexon.ev and Mahindra XEV 3XO.
A New-Generation VF 5 Appears To Be Under Development
What makes the latest sighting particularly interesting is that the test vehicle does not appear identical to the VF 5 currently sold in international markets.
Despite the camouflage, several changes can be observed. The prototype carries a more upright front-end design with a revised clamshell-style bonnet, while the projector headlamps appear slimmer than those on the current-generation model. The front and rear bumpers also appear to have been redesigned.
At the rear, the prototype features a revised connected LED tail-lamp treatment. Its overall side profile and distinctive D-pillar treatment, however, continue to provide visual links with the existing VF 5.
The test mule was running on what appear to be 16-inch steel wheels, although higher variants of the eventual production model could be offered with alloy wheels.
VinFast VF 5 Expected Dimensions
The vehicle reported to be under evaluation measures approximately:
Dimension | VinFast VF 5 |
Length | 3,967 mm |
Width | 1,723 mm |
Height | 1,579 mm |
Wheelbase | 2,514 mm |
Ground Clearance | 160 mm |
These dimensions put the VF 5 comfortably below the four-metre mark, making it particularly relevant for India's compact SUV market.
The 2,514 mm wheelbase should also provide VinFast with enough scope to package a reasonably spacious five-seat cabin within the compact footprint.
Interior Also Appears To Be Completely Redesigned
The changes reportedly extend beyond the exterior.
Compared with the curvier dashboard design of the existing VF 5, the test mule appears to feature a flatter dashboard layout.
A rectangular freestanding infotainment touchscreen can be seen, along with a redesigned steering wheel and floating-style centre console. A centre armrest is also visible.
Depending on the variant and final India specification, equipment could potentially include features such as:
Digital/TFT instrument cluster
Large touchscreen infotainment system
Automatic climate control
Rear AC vents
Ventilated front seats
Sunroof
Connected-car technology
Multiple airbags
ADAS and active safety features
However, these features have not yet been officially confirmed by VinFast for the India-spec VF 5.
What Battery And Range Could VinFast Offer?
Powertrain specifications of the new-generation model remain unknown.
The existing VF 5 sold internationally is available in different specifications depending on the market.
International versions use battery packs including 29.6 kWh and 37.23 kWh, paired with a front-mounted electric motor. Depending on configuration, reported NEDC driving range figures extend from roughly 260 km to 326 km.
VinFast's official Indonesian specifications for the existing VF 5 quote an NEDC range of more than 260 km and maximum output of around 94 hp.
Meanwhile, VinFast's current Vietnamese portfolio lists the VF 5 with a claimed range of up to 326.4 km under the NEDC cycle.
These figures should not be taken as confirmation of the upcoming India model's specifications.
Considering that the vehicle spotted in India appears to be a significantly updated or next-generation model, VinFast could introduce a revised battery, motor and charging package.
A higher real-world range would be particularly important in India, where competitors have progressively increased battery capacity and driving range.
VinFast Is Gradually Building Its India Portfolio
VinFast officially entered the Indian passenger EV market with the VF 6 and VF 7, which were introduced at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo before their commercial launch in September 2025.
Both SUVs are also locally assembled at VinFast's manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu.
The VF 6 and VF 7 subsequently received five-star Bharat NCAP safety ratings, strengthening VinFast's positioning around technology and safety.
In April 2026, VinFast further expanded its Indian portfolio by opening bookings for the seven-seat VF MPV 7, as it widened its presence beyond conventional SUVs.
A compact VF 5 would therefore represent a different strategic move.
Instead of competing primarily in relatively premium EV categories, VinFast could use the VF 5 to enter one of India's highest-volume electric passenger vehicle segments.
The Sub-4m EV Segment Is Becoming Increasingly Important
India's electric passenger vehicle market is gradually moving beyond expensive premium products.
Compact electric SUVs have emerged as one of the most important areas of competition because they combine familiar SUV styling with comparatively accessible pricing and manageable battery sizes.
The Tata Punch.ev currently plays strongly at the affordable end of this space, while the Nexon.ev occupies the next step up.
Mahindra's XEV 3XO will further increase competition in the segment.
A VinFast VF 5 positioned between these vehicles could therefore give buyers another alternative, particularly if the company manages to combine aggressive pricing with competitive range and equipment.
Local Production Could Be VinFast's Biggest Advantage
VinFast already has manufacturing infrastructure in India.
The company's Tamil Nadu EV facility was inaugurated in July 2025 as part of its long-term India strategy.
Local assembly gives VinFast an important opportunity to control costs compared with relying entirely on imported vehicles.
For a high-volume compact EV such as the VF 5, localisation will be even more important.
Battery sourcing, local component content and production scale could ultimately determine whether VinFast can price the VF 5 aggressively enough to challenge established Indian manufacturers.
Where Could The VinFast VF 5 Be Positioned?
VinFast's current Indian range begins with the VF 6, meaning the company has considerable space below it for a more affordable product.
Rather than simply positioning the VF 5 as another compact EV, VinFast could potentially use an aggressive introductory pricing strategy to attract buyers who are currently considering the Punch.ev or lower/mid variants of the Nexon.ev.
A starting price around the ₹10 lakh–₹12 lakh region would make the VF 5 particularly disruptive, although this remains purely speculative until VinFast confirms specifications and pricing.
The eventual price will depend heavily on battery size, localisation and standard equipment.
VinFast VF 5 India Launch Timeline
The sighting of an apparently advanced test prototype suggests development and India-specific validation work is underway.
The report indicates that VinFast could launch the model by the end of 2026, although the manufacturer has not officially announced a timeline.
If that schedule materialises, the VF 5 could become one of the most important additions to VinFast's Indian portfolio.
AutoPunditz Take
The VF 5 could be far more significant for VinFast India than another premium electric SUV.
The VF 6 and VF 7 have helped establish the brand's presence, but India's EV volume opportunity increasingly sits in more accessible segments. A sub-4-metre SUV priced close to mainstream Tata and Mahindra EVs could substantially expand VinFast's addressable market.
The interesting part of the Bengaluru test mule is that VinFast doesn't appear to be simply bringing the existing international VF 5 to India. The exterior and interior changes suggest the company may be evaluating a heavily updated product.
That gives VinFast an opportunity to address some of the limitations typically associated with entry-level EVs — particularly range, cabin technology and charging speeds.
But pricing will decide everything.
If the VF 5 enters significantly above the Punch.ev and close to larger EVs, its compact dimensions could become a disadvantage. If VinFast uses local manufacturing and aggressive localisation to achieve a starting price around ₹10–12 lakh while delivering roughly 300 km-plus usable range, it could emerge as one of the brand's strongest volume opportunities in India.
The bigger takeaway is strategic: VinFast appears ready to move beyond establishing its brand in India and start chasing scale.
A locally produced compact VF 5 could be the vehicle that tests whether VinFast can genuinely challenge India's established EV manufacturers.
