Picture this: a seven-seater luxury electric SUV bigger than the Kia EV9, loaded with massage seats and a monster 123 kWh battery—priced at half what Kia charges. Sound too good to be true? VinFast just patented the VF 9 in Australia, and India might be next on their conquest map.
Table of Contents
Why The Australia Patent Matters
Australia is a right-hand-drive (RHD) market, just like India. When automakers patent vehicles in RHD territories, they’re not daydreaming—they’re preparing for production. VinFast already operates a manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, making local assembly not just possible but probable.
The VF 9 joins the Limo Green (already spotted testing on Indian roads) and Minio Green in VinFast’s India-bound patent portfolio. This isn’t exploratory—it’s strategic execution.
VinFast VF 9 vs Kia EV9: The Spec Showdown
Here’s where things get interesting. The VF 9 isn’t just competing—it’s outgunning the EV9 in several critical areas:
Dimensional Comparison
| Specification | VinFast VF 9 | Kia EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 5,123 mm | 5,010 mm |
| Width | 2,200 mm | 1,980 mm |
| Height | 1,720 mm | 1,780 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,140 mm | 3,100 mm |
| Seating | 7 adults | 7 adults |
| Ground Clearance | SUV-appropriate | SUV-appropriate |
The VF 9 is 113mm longer and a massive 220mm wider than the EV9—that’s Fortuner-versus-Seltos level difference. The longer wheelbase translates to more legroom, especially critical for third-row passengers.
Powertrain & Performance
| Metric | VinFast VF 9 | Kia EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 123 kWh | 99.8 kWh |
| Motor Power | 300 kW (402 hp) | 283 kW (379 hp) |
| Torque | 620 Nm | 700 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 6.6 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Range (Claimed) | TBA (likely 600+ km) | 561 km |
| Drivetrain | Dual motor AWD | Dual motor AWD |
The VF 9 packs 23.2 kWh more battery capacity—enough for significantly extended range, especially with VinFast’s efficient thermal management. While the EV9 accelerates quicker (1.3 seconds faster to 100 km/h), the VF 9 prioritizes range and sustained highway cruising over stoplight drag races.
Feature Battle: Both Are Loaded, But Different Priorities
VinFast VF 9 Highlights
Premium Comfort:
- 12-way powered driver seat with massage function
- 10-way powered passenger seat with massage
- 8-way power-adjustable second-row seats
- Ventilated and heated front seats
- Vegan leather upholstery throughout
- Three-zone automatic climate control
Tech & Convenience:
- 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment (larger than EV9’s 12.3-inch)
- Head-up display (HUD)
- 13-speaker premium audio system
- 90W USB-C fast charging port
- Wireless phone charger
- Powered tailgate
- 75-liter frunk
- Retrofit sunshades for privacy
Kia EV9 Highlights
Advanced Tech:
- 18-way powered driver seat (more adjustability)
- i-Pedal one-pedal driving technology
- Shift-by-wire gear selector
- Tilt and telescopic steering adjustment
- Haptic-based HVAC controls
- 14-speaker Meridian premium sound system
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
- 52-liter frunk
Both SUVs target the same premium buyer, but VinFast emphasizes massage functions and larger screens while Kia focuses on driving tech and premium audio partnerships.
Design Philosophy: Sporty vs Rugged
The VF 9 adopts a sporty, refined aesthetic:
- Flush-fitting door handles for aerodynamic efficiency
- Body-colored wheel arch cladding (integrated look)
- Black roof rails for adventure appeal
- Dual-tone alloy wheels
- Sleek, coupe-like roofline despite the size
The Kia EV9 takes a more muscular approach:
- Flared wheel arches emphasizing width
- Bold, blocky SUV proportions
- Futuristic front fascia with digital tiger face grille
- Vertical LED light signature
Both are head-turners, but appeal to different aesthetic sensibilities—VF 9 buyers want elegance, EV9 buyers want presence.
The Pricing Bombshell: Where VinFast Wins Big
Here’s where the VF 9 could reshape India’s premium EV market:
| Market | VinFast VF 9 Price | Kia EV9 Price |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam (home market) | ₹50.5 lakh | Not sold |
| USA | ~₹60-70 lakh equivalent | ~₹80-90 lakh equivalent |
| India (Expected) | ₹60-75 lakh (CKD assembly) | ₹1.3 crore (CBU import) |
The EV9’s ₹1.3 crore price tag reflects India’s punitive import duties on completely built units (CBUs). VinFast’s Thoothukudi facility enables completely knocked-down (CKD) assembly, dramatically reducing costs.
Even if VinFast prices the VF 9 at ₹75 lakh ex-showroom—the absolute top end of realistic pricing—it still undercuts the EV9 by ₹55 lakh. That’s an entire Tata Harrier worth of savings.
The India Strategy: Full-Spectrum Attack
VinFast isn’t tiptoeing into India—they’re launching an all-out assault across multiple segments:
Current Patent Portfolio:
- Minio Green: Affordable compact EV (₹15-20 lakh expected)
- Limo Green: Seven-seater MPV (₹28-35 lakh expected, already testing)
- VF 6: Compact SUV (₹25-30 lakh expected)
- VF 7: Mid-size SUV (₹35-40 lakh expected)
- VF 9: Flagship luxury SUV (₹60-75 lakh expected)
This isn’t product experimentation—it’s portfolio completion. From budget-conscious families to luxury buyers, VinFast is positioning for every major EV segment.
Real-World Practicality: Why Size Matters
That extra 220mm width and 113mm length aren’t just numbers—they translate to:
- Broader shoulders in all three rows
- More elbow room during long journeys
- Better cargo flexibility with seats up
- Improved stability at highway speeds
- More generous third row (actually usable for adults)
India’s premium SUV buyers value space—it’s why the Fortuner dominates despite dated tech. The VF 9’s dimensions address that cultural priority directly.
The Challenges VinFast Must Overcome
Brand Perception:
- VinFast is unknown in India despite global presence
- Vietnamese automotive reputation still developing
- Trust takes years to build, especially at premium pricing
Service Network:
- Limited service centers initially
- Charging infrastructure still sparse
- After-sales support concerns
Competition:
- Kia has established brand loyalty
- Upcoming BMW iX, Mercedes EQE SUV also target this segment
- Mahindra XEV 9e offers strong domestic alternative
Import Dependency:
- Initially, some components will be imported
- Currency fluctuations could impact pricing
- Supply chain vulnerabilities
The Verdict: Disruptor or Dreamer?
The VinFast VF 9 checks almost every box: ✅ Bigger than the competition
✅ More battery capacity
✅ Comparable luxury features
✅ Significantly lower expected pricing
✅ Local assembly capability
✅ RHD patent filed (serious intent)
The question isn’t whether the VF 9 can compete with the Kia EV9 on paper. It already does—and wins on value.
The real question is whether Indian premium buyers will trust a Vietnamese newcomer with their ₹70 lakh purchase when established Korean, European, and American alternatives exist.
VinFast’s bet: Build it better, price it smarter, and deliver on promises. The patent filing suggests they’re serious. The Thoothukudi facility proves they’re committed. The pricing could be game-changing.
