Automotive manufacturer Vinfast has submitted a design patent for the refreshed VF5 electric SUV within India, providing an advance preview of exterior styling modifications for the battery-powered vehicle. The regulatory filing indicates altered headlamp placement, a fresh hood, updated LED tail lamps, and new bumper assemblies. Previous reports noted that the company is evaluating the model for the Indian market, and the combination of the patent application and earlier test mule observations indicate that the brand may be readying the updated electric SUV for a domestic introduction.
Exterior Styling and Design Modifications
The patent diagrams indicate that the headlamp units have adopted a slimmer profile and are mounted lower on the refreshed vehicle relative to the existing global specification. Furthermore, the substantial black elements positioned below the headlamps have been narrowed, blending directly into the blackened lower segment of the bumper to impart a more contemporary and sharp aesthetic.
Side profiles display newly styled wheels, though a completely unmasked vehicle spotted in Vietnam during September 2026 confirmed that the rim dimensions remain unchanged at 16 inches. Remaining side profile characteristics match those found on the current production variant. At the rear end, the vehicle incorporates modified, bulkier connected LED tail lamps, whereas the older iteration positioned the reverse lamp and turn signals on the bumper, the updated edition consolidates them into the main cluster. Vietnamese photographs also show central Vinfast lettering alongside a VF5 emblem situated on the right corner of the tailgate.
Interior Layout and Cabin Enhancements
Photographs from Vietnam additionally display the interior configuration of the refreshed model, showcasing a straighter dashboard holding a bigger free-standing touchscreen infotainment unit and a modified two-spoke steering wheel featuring flat top and bottom sections. A conventional driver meter console is absent, with the primary infotainment display assuming instrumentation duties. The central console features sharper surface creases, a rotary gear selector, and dual beverage holders.
The interior color scheme is finished in black on the captured unit, mirroring the current Vietnam-spec variant, though the seating incorporates leatherette materials as an improvement over standard cloth upholstery. Specifications in regional markets such as Indonesia feature a 29.6kWh battery pack linked to a front-mounted electric motor delivering 90hp and 135Nm, with an estimated NEDC operating range of 268km. Alternative international markets utilize a 37.23kWh battery option driving a 136hp, 135Nm front motor, yielding an estimated NEDC operating range of 326km.
Market Position and Pricing Expectations
- Refreshed lighting components, updated bumpers, and a new bonnet layout
- Sleeker, lower-mounted headlamps with integrated lower bumper styling
- Connected LED tail lamps incorporating reverse and indicator lights
- Upgraded interior with a larger infotainment screen and a two-spoke steering wheel
- Leatherette seat upholstery replacing previous fabric alternatives
The India-targeted Vinfast VF5 anticipates an approximate price point of Rs 12 lakh ex-showroom. Depending on the final configurations chosen for the domestic release, it could potentially compete against alternatives such as the Tata Punch EV priced between Rs 9.79 lakh and Rs 12.99 lakh, alongside the Tata Nexon EV priced from Rs 12.49 lakh to Rs 17.69 lakh and the Mahindra XUV 3XO EV ranging from Rs 13.89 lakh to Rs 14.96 lakh.
