The VinFast President is a full-size luxury SUV produced by the Vietnamese automotive manufacturer VinFast. Introduced in September 2020, the President represents VinFast’s initial foray into the high-end SUV market, primarily targeted towards discerning customers in Vietnam and export markets. The vehicle is notable for its powerful American-sourced V8 engine and its emphasis on luxury appointments and advanced technology. While not officially sold in the United States, the President showcases VinFast’s ambition to compete with established global automotive brands.
VinFast President: Overview and Market Positioning
The VinFast President is positioned as the flagship SUV in VinFast’s lineup. VinFast, established in 2017, aimed to rapidly establish itself as a significant player in the automotive industry, and the President was a key component of that strategy. The vehicle was designed to appeal to customers seeking a spacious, luxurious, and technologically advanced SUV with strong performance characteristics. The President’s design draws inspiration from various luxury SUV models, but incorporates unique styling elements to establish a distinct brand identity for VinFast. The vehicle is built on a body-on-frame chassis, a construction method less common in modern SUVs, prioritizing robustness and a comfortable ride.
Engine & Performance
The VinFast President is powered by a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, sourced from General Motors. Specifically, it utilizes the LT1 engine code, producing 420 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 624 Nm (460.24 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4100 rpm. This substantial power output allows for brisk acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 6.5 seconds and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.8 seconds. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission sourced from ZF, providing smooth and responsive gear changes. The President features a permanent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, ensuring optimal traction and stability in various driving conditions. Despite its performance capabilities, the President’s fuel economy is relatively low, with combined fuel consumption of 15.8 l/100 km (14.9 US mpg or 17.9 UK mpg). The vehicle also incorporates a Start & Stop system to improve fuel efficiency during city driving.
Design & Features
The VinFast President is a five-door SUV with seating for seven passengers. Its exterior design is characterized by a large chrome grille, prominent headlights, and a muscular stance. The vehicle’s dimensions are substantial, with a length of 5146 mm (202.6 in), a width of 1987 mm (78.23 in), and a height of 1760 mm (69.29 in). The interior of the President is lavishly appointed, featuring premium leather upholstery, wood trim, and a comprehensive suite of technology features. These include a large touchscreen infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and a high-end audio system. Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock braking system) and ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels. The trunk offers a minimum capacity of 263 liters (9.29 cu. ft.). The President’s ride height is 183 mm (7.2 in), providing adequate ground clearance for various road conditions.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | VinFast |
| Model | President |
| Type (Engine) | 6.2 V8 (420 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | September, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 23.4 l/100 km (10.1 US mpg, 12.1 UK mpg, 4.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 11.6 l/100 km (20.3 US mpg, 24.4 UK mpg, 8.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 15.8 l/100 km (14.9 US mpg, 17.9 UK mpg, 6.3 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.5 sec |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.8 kg/Hp, 173.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.9 kg/Nm, 257.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 420 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 624 Nm @ 4100 rpm (460.24 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | LT1 |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 9.5 l (10.04 US qt | 8.36 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2424 kg (5344.01 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3074 kg (6777.01 lbs.) |
| Max load | 650 kg (1433 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 263 l (9.29 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 85 l (22.45 US gal | 18.7 UK gal) |
| Length | 5146 mm (202.6 in.) |
| Width | 1987 mm (78.23 in.) |
| Height | 1760 mm (69.29 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3133 mm (123.35 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 183 mm (7.2 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4). ICE drives all four wheels. |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission ZF |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Tires size | 275/40 R20 106W; 315/35 R20 110W |
| Wheel rims size | 10J x 20 ET47; 11J x 20 ET37 |
The VinFast President, while not currently available in the US market, represents a significant step in VinFast’s ambition to become a global automotive manufacturer. Its combination of American V8 power, luxurious appointments, and advanced technology positions it as a compelling offering in the full-size luxury SUV segment, particularly within its primary market of Vietnam and other emerging markets.
