Imagine an electric SUV that can withstand 400 rounds of gunfire, survive grenade blasts, and still deliver smooth, silent performance. Welcome to the Lạc Hồng 900 LX—VinFast’s game-changing answer to armored luxury that proves sustainability and security aren’t mutually exclusive.
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When Two Giants Collaborate
VinFast, Vietnam’s pioneering electric automaker, partnered with INKAS, the globally renowned armored vehicle specialist, to create something unprecedented: a fully electric armored SUV that meets some of the highest international security standards. This isn’t your typical collaboration—it’s a fusion of cutting-edge EV technology with decades of armoring expertise.
The Beast Behind the Beauty
Protection That’s Truly Presidential
The Lạc Hồng 900 LX underwent rigorous third-party ballistic and blast testing, earning VPAM VR7 certification—providing high-level ballistic protection against rifle fire and armor-piercing threats. But the certifications tell only part of the story.
| Security Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Certification | VPAM VR7 (German Standard) |
| Live Fire Testing | Withstood 400+ laser-guided rounds |
| Blast Protection | 2 simultaneous DM51 hand grenades |
| Battery Protection | High-voltage system fully secured |
| Base Platform | VinFast VF 9 |
During testing, the vehicle successfully withstood over 400 laser-guided rounds and is certified to survive the simultaneous detonation of two DM51 hand grenades beneath critical floor areas—a rare achievement in EV engineering, especially considering the protection of the high-voltage battery system.
For context, this matches protection levels used for transporting heads of state and high-value targets in conflict zones.
Performance Meets Prestige
Power Under the Armor
While both the standard VF 9 and armored version use a 123 kWh battery pack from CATL, the armored Lạc Hồng 900 LX features upgraded motors delivering 455 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. That’s more power than the standard model’s 402 hp, compensating for the additional weight of armor plating.
Despite carrying substantial protective materials, the vehicle maintains respectable performance—a testament to VinFast’s engineering prowess and the inherent advantages of electric powertrains with their instant torque delivery.
Luxury That Commands Respect
The front features a stately and ornate grille reminiscent of a Rolls-Royce, complete with a prominent hood ornament. That ornament, along with door handles and rear badging, are plated with real gold.
Inside, opulence continues. Seats are covered in Nappa leather with gold-colored stitching and embroidery of the vehicle’s winged emblem, complemented by abundant real wood trim. A partition with sliding glass separates front and rear cabins, offering total privacy for rear passengers.
Importantly, the armored version doesn’t look dramatically different from the standard model from the outside—a critical feature for dignitary transport where discretion matters.
Cultural Significance and National Pride
Timed to coincide with Vietnam’s 80th National Day celebrations, VinFast formally delivered a fleet of Lạc Hồng 900 LX models to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where they will transport international dignitaries.
The vehicle’s name, Lạc Hồng, is inspired by the ancient legend of the “Lạc Hồng” lineage—the mythical forebears of the Vietnamese people. By choosing this name, VinFast directly linked the vehicle’s design to national heritage, fusing history with contemporary global ambition.
The Consumer Connection
Here’s what makes this story even more interesting: The robust underlying architecture of the armored Lạc Hồng 900 LX is available to consumers today through the VinFast VF 9, a flagship three-row electric SUV currently offered in the U.S., measuring 201.5 inches in length with seven-passenger seating and offering an EPA-estimated range of 330 miles for the Eco model.
While you probably won’t need grenade protection for the school run, knowing your family SUV shares DNA with a vehicle built to presidential security standards adds a certain confidence.
What This Means for the EV Industry
This collaboration signals a major milestone and positions VinFast to compete directly with globally established armored luxury vehicles while demonstrating that electric platforms can meet the most demanding security requirements.
Previously, armored vehicles relied almost exclusively on large displacement engines to compensate for added weight. Electric powertrains change this equation entirely—instant torque, lower center of gravity from battery placement, and sophisticated traction control systems make EVs ideal candidates for armoring.
The Bottom Line
The Lạc Hồng 900 LX represents more than VinFast’s technical capabilities—it’s a statement about electric vehicles’ versatility and Vietnam’s automotive ambitions. From protecting dignitaries to showcasing what’s possible when innovative automakers partner with specialized manufacturers, this armored EV proves that the future of secure transport is electric.
Whether you need protection from hostile threats or just want to know that cutting-edge EV technology can handle anything, the Lạc Hồng 900 LX delivers both peace of mind and zero emissions.
