VinFast VF8 vs. the competition

VinFast Philippines has recently brought in the VF8 all-electric crossover. With that said, it is now the most affordable mid-size electric vehicle in its category. 

So, the question now is: how does it compare in terms of specifications and features against similarly sized but more expensive rivals? Let’s find out here. 

VinFast VF8

Before listing down the similarly-sized competitors of the VinFast VF8, let us first take a gander at its own specs and features. 

For the Philippine-spec model, the VF8 uses a single motor setup that drives its front wheels. At maximum, it can produce up to 227 horsepower (hp) and 330 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque, while its 60.13-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery provides a range of up to 480 kilometers (km). 

Topping up the VinFast VF8 is done via a CCS2 port. Its direct current (DC) mode can increase its state-of-charge from 10-70 percent in just 30 minutes. Like most of the models listed below, the VF8 also gets a regenerative braking system and multiple selectable drive modes. 

Size-wise, the VF8 is 4,701 millimeters (mm) long, 1,872 mm wide, and 1,670 mm in height. Its wheelbase, on the other hand, spans 2,840 mm. It also gets a full complement of LED lighting fixtures, a power tailgate, and a set of 19-inch wheels. 

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Inside, the all-electric crossover gets a five-seater layout with leather seats, including power-adjustable front seats. These go together 60:40 split-folding rear seats and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. 

The main in-car display of the VF8 is a 12.9-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity. This is connected to a six-piece speaker set. Also available are USB ports, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. 

Driver-centric equipment inside the VF8 includes:

• Electronic parking brake
• Digital gauge cluster
• Flat top and bottom leather steering wheel
• Column shifter

Safety-wise, the all-new VinFast model comes with automatic emergency braking, highway assist, forward collision warning, traffic jam assist, lane assist system, and adaptive cruise control. 

Pricing for the VinFast VF8 starts at P1.548 million, if bought with a battery subscription. Without the latter, the model retails at P1.799 million. 

Tesla Model Y 

The Tesla Model Y for the Philippine market starts at P2.369 million, specifically for the rear-wheel-drive trim. 

Propelling the model is a single-motor setup and a 60-kWh battery pack, delivering 295 hp and 420 Nm of torque. It also has a range of 466 km. For charging, the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version of the Model Y uses a Type 2/CCS2 port that can increase battery levels from 10-80 percent in 30 minutes. 

When it comes to dimensions, the RWD variant of the Model Y is 4,790 mm long, 1,982 mm wide (with mirrors folded), and is 1,624 mm tall. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,890 mm. Some of its exterior features include a full complement of LED lighting, a panoramic glass roof, power-side mirrors, 19-inch aerodynamic wheels, and a power trunk. 

Inside the model is a five-seater layout wrapped in soft textiles. These go together with automatic air conditioning (with HEPA filtration), ventilated, power-adjustable front seats, a 60:40 split-folding rear seat, USB ports, and dual wireless smartphone charging pads. 

For the driver, the model provides a drive mode strip, a touch-sensitive gear selector, a 16-inch touchscreen driving interface (doubles as infotainment display), a power-steering column, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and the ability to accept voice commands. 

Regarding in-car displays, the Tesla Model Y RWD gets a 16-inch center touchscreen and an eight-inch rear touchscreen. Paired with these is a nine-piece speaker set. 

Handling safety for the model are features such as forward collision warning, active emergency braking, lane departure avoidance, emergency lane departure avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and driver attentiveness monitoring - among others. 

BYD Sealion 7

Another more expensive competitor of the VinFast VF8 is the BYD Sealion 7. It retails at P2.588 million in the local market. 

The Sealion 7 is the peppiest amongst the mid-size EV crossovers on this list. This is thanks to its all-wheel-drive (AWD), dual-motor powertrain that delivers 522 hp and 690 Nm of torque. 

Regarding range, this BYD nameplate can cover up to 542 km from a single full charge. This is thanks to its sizeable 82.6 kWh Blade Battery. Charging the model, meanwhile, is done using a Type 2/CCS2 port at a DC charge rate of 30 minutes to reach 30-80 percent battery levels. 

Like most of the models described here, the BYD Sealion 7 gets a vehicle-to-load function and a regenerative braking system. 

In terms of size, the BYD Sealion 7 measures 4,830 mm long, 1,925 mm wide, and 1,620 mm high. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,930 mm. 

Notable exterior features of this nameplate include full LED lighting, a power tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, and a power tailgate - among others. 

Step inside the BYD Sealion 7 and one will be greeted by a five-seater layout equipped with leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, a 60:40-split folding second row, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. 

The dash of the Sealion 7 is dominated by a 15.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This display goes together with a 12-piece Dynaudio system. Other capabilities of the Sealion 7’s infotainment system include a voice assistant, 4G connectivity, and access to the BYD Cloud Service. Charging devices inside the car can be done through USB ports and a wireless charger. 

Specific to the driver of the Sealion 7 are a 10.25-inch digital gauge, electronic parking brake, drive mode selector, and a keyless entry system - among others. 

Safety-wise, the BYD Sealion 7 comes with the DiPilot - a comprehensive suite of ADAS features which include adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert and braking, lane departure assistance, emergency lane keep assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot detection, front cross traffic alert and braking, front collision warning, door open warning, and many other advanced systems. 

MG Marvel R

The Marvel R is MG Motor Philippines’ entry into the fully-electric mid-size crossover category. Like most on this list, it is more expensive than the all-new VinFast VF8, which currently retails at P2.588 million for the RWD variant and P2.888 million for the top-spec AWD variant. 

Concerning powertrains, the AWD trim of the MG Marvel R is a triple-motor setup with a peak oomph of 298 hp and 665 Nm of torque. It also has a range of 370 km, although the entry-level RWD has a longer range of 402. Both trims use a 72.2-kWh battery. 

For its exterior, the Marvel R gets a full lineup of LED lighting fixtures, a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels, and a power tailgate. 

Size-wise, the model is 4,674 mm long, 1,919 mm wide, and 1,618 mm in height. Its wheelbase, on the other hand, spans 2,804 mm. 

Like the others on this list, the MG Marvel R is a five-seater. Its interior comes with leather-upholstered seats, automatic air-conditioning, and power-adjustable front seats. Its dash, meanwhile, is fitted with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 19.4-inch central touchscreen display. 

Its main display is linked to an eight- or nine-piece speaker set, while smartphone connectivity is done via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Topping up devices inside this EV is done through USB ports and a wireless charging pad. 

Exclusive to the Marvel R are an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an electronic parking brake, a drive mode selector, and a push-to-start button. 

Some noteworthy safety features present aboard the MG Marvel R include autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian warning system, lane keep assist, blind-spot indicator system, intelligent high beams, and intelligent speed alert system. 

Final thoughts

Due to its massively affordable price tag, well, at least when compared to other mid-size EV crossovers, the VinFast VF8 does have some compromises. 

For one thing, its peak power output simply cannot match any of its rivals listed above. It also falls short in high-tech ADAS, especially compared to Tesla and BYD nameplates. 

On the one hand, the VinFast VF8’s practical side is what shines. For less damage to your wallet, you already get 480 km of range and roughly the same charging rate as any of the pricier cars listed above. 

Plus, the VF8 isn’t all barebones inside. In fact, one would describe it as cushy, as seen from its power tailgate, power-adjustable front seats, and its rather large central infotainment display. 

So, would you rather save money and get the VinFast VF8 or go for more powerful mid-size EVs that mostly break the P2-million barrier?

Also read:

Check out the VinFast VF MPV 7’s closest competitor

Exploring the VinFast VF 6's pros, cons

VinFast Limo Green: strengths, weaknesses

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