Check out the VinFast VF MPV 7’s closest competitor

VinFast has moved the electrified multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) twice now in the Philippine market. First was with the Limo Green - a well-rounded seven-seater that is designed and priced to meet the needs of fleet operators and transport provides. The second one, of course, is the VF MPV 7, which is better suited as a privately owned all-electric family chariot. 

On its own, the VinFast VF MPV 7 offers significant value to the typical Filipino buyer. Even as an EV, it is relatively affordable. Plus, it might just be the most accessible in its segment, thanks to its very low starting price (with a battery subscription) of P1.239 million. 

But how does it compare to other similarly-sized all-electric MPV models in the market? Let’s find out here. 

VinFast VF MPV 7

Before going over the specs of its local competitor, let us first discuss the features and capabilities of the VinFast VF MPV 7. 

For its powertrain, the VinFast VF MPV 7 uses a single permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) that can produce up to 201 horsepower (hp) and 280 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. It is a front-wheel-drive model with its powertrain situated under its hood. 

Concerning range, the VinFast seven-seater nameplate can cover up to 450 kilometers from a single full charge, at least according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Additionally, it comes with a regenerative braking system, a 60-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, as well as direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) ports. 

On the outside, the latest addition to the local VinFast lineup gets a modern MPV silhouette that is adorned with a tall window line, a relatively smooth side section, and a closed-off front grille. Its front section also comes with sharp LED daytime running lamps and teardrop-shaped LED headlamp clusters. 

Some exterior equipment available to the VinFast VF MPV 7 includes a set of 19-inch alloy wheels, power-folding/adjust side mirrors, and a roof-mounted spoiler. 

Size-wise, the model is 4,740 millimeters (mm) long, 1,872 mm wide, and 1,723 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,840 mm. 

Inside the model is a seven-seater layout equipped with two-tone leather upholstery, automatic air-conditioning with rear vents, power-adjustable front seats, and fold-flat second- and third-row seats. With the third row folded down, the model can swallow up to 1,240 liters of cargo. 

Sitting in the center of the MPV’s dashboard is a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It also has an electronic parking brake, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and cruise control. 

Safety-wise, it gets a total of four airbags, anti-lock braking, traction control, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and many other safety features. 

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BYD eMAX 7

Like the VinFast VF MPV 7, the BYD eMAX 7 fills the all-electric MPV niche in the local market. Currently, the model retails at P1.498 million for the seven-seater model and P1.748 million for the top-spec Superior Captain trim. 

For its powertrain, the BYD eMAX 7 uses a single-motor setup that sends power to the front wheels. At maximum, the top-spec version can churn out 201 hp and 310 Nm of torque. The top-of-the-line Superior Captain also has a range of 530 km, according to NEDC. 

Like its VinFast competitor, the eMAX 7 comes with DC and AC charging ports and a regenerative braking system. It also has a vehicle-to-load feature, which is capable of providing power to small gadgets and the like. 

On the exterior, the BYD eMAX 7 adopts a smooth take on the brand’s design language. Its front section looks similar to that of many of its stablemates, but it appears more aerodynamic and sleeker than the typical MPV. 

Some notable exterior features of the BYD model include LED lighting fixtures with automatic headlamps, power-fold/adjustable side mirrors, a power tailgate, an NFC card reader (side mirror), and a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. 

Size-wise, the model measures 4,710 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, and 1,690 mm high. Its wheelbase also spans 2,800 mm. 

Inside the BYD eMAX 7 is a six or seven-seater layout equipped with automatic climate controls, a 60:40 split-folding second row seat, power-adjustable front seats (Superior Captain), and a panoramic glass sunroof (Superior Captain). 

Exclusive to the Superior Captain model are captain seats, which offer better legroom and elbowroom. Plus, the higher-spec model has ventilated front seats and ambient lighting. 

Other features inside the BYD MPV nameplate include:

• 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 4G connectivity
• Electronic parking brake
• Five-inch digital gauge
• Leather steering wheel
• Over-the-air software updates
• Keyless entry with push-to-start button
• Wireless smartphone charging

Safety-wise, the BYD eMAX 7’s basic kit is what you’d expect from a modern MPV. It does, however, get the DiPilot suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), which consist of a 360-degree view camera, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure assist, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, predictive collision warning, rear-cross traffic alert/braking, and door open warning. 

Final thoughts

Notably, the Philippine market currently has only two mainstream fully-electric three-row MPVs. With that said, buyers have yet to see more electric vehicle options in this segment, but the two models listed above are already attractive on paper.

Notably, both the VinFast and BYD all-electric MPVs get a healthy amount of maximum output. Then again, the eMAX 7 does trump the VF MPV 7 in range. 

Moreover, the BYD eMAX 7 gets more creature comforts and safety gear than the VinFast VF MPV 7. On the flip side, the VinFast nameplate is more accessible price-wise - a huge consideration for Filipino buyers. 

So, which one’s your pick?

Also read:

Exploring the VinFast VF 6's pros, cons

VinFast Limo Green: strengths, weaknesses

All-electric MPV battle: BYD eMAX 7 vs. VinFast Limo Green

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