Auto manufacturers waving the words “premium” and “luxurious” are like motoring journalists boasting their awards – they don’t mean anything. But if a supposed premium vehicle is paired with a steep asking price, there are certain expectations. Enter, the VinFast VF 9 – an all-electric SUV touted to be its most luxurious model. Evidently, the Vietnamese automaker has big ambitions with this nameplate.
With a price tag north of P5.34 million, the VF 9 aims to stand shoulder to shoulder with established luxury electric SUVs. On paper, it certainly looks the part: a sleek silhouette, generous proportions, three-row seating, and a fully electric drivetrain. But first impressions show that the execution is far from flawless – and in a segment where polish and refinement are key, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
Visually, the VF 9 isn’t bad. The design is contemporary, and distinguishes itself from the rest of the VinFast range from VF 3 up to the VF 7. The green paint on the media unit – almost a British Racing Green hue – looks absolutely stunning in the sunlight. It gives the SUV an upscale, polished feel from the outside, even if the interior doesn’t quite match.
Very spacious but questionable in quality
Step inside the VF 9 and the first thing you’ll notice is space – lots of it. Legroom and headroom on both first and second rows are excellent. Even third-row passengers, despite the limited legroom, are treated well, with perfectly positioned air-conditioning vents and good visibility. The seats in the first and second rows have cooling function and come with a massage function, adding a welcome touch of luxury on longer drives. Every control’s digital, too, and the cabin’s quite high-tech. Even the doors have a soft-close function – something we only find in top-spec European models.
But then you start noticing the quirks – and not the charming kind. Some trims feel loose, panels don’t line up perfectly, some rough rubber linings, ugly and exposed holes on the floor, and unfinished-looking leather upholstery don’t quite live up to the car’s premium aspirations. In fact, it feels more like faux leather found in vehicles half the price. The white interior trims, while stylish at first glance, are prone to staining – an unfortunate choice for a vehicle that’s clearly meant to haul families or groups.
Then there’s the full glass roof, which should be a showstopper. And it is – visually. But under the hot midday sun, the insufficient tinting and lack of cover turns the cabin into a greenhouse, forcing you to crank the A/C to level 5 just to keep things bearable. Thankfully, the climate control system is powerful, and side vents help keep airflow circulating throughout the cabin. Still, it’s not an ideal solution for everyday usability in country where it’s either warm or hot.
Disclaimer: VinFast Philippines clarified that customer units will come standard without the full glass roof, which is why the VF 9 is now P50,000 cheaper than initially announced. Those who really want the glass roof can order so from the company for an added premium.
Heavy, sluggish, and unrefined
The VF 9 is a large and heavy SUV, and it feels that way on the road. Acceleration is sluggish for an EV – you need to press hard on the accelerator to get the motor going with any urgency. Compared to similarly priced electric SUVs that offer near-instant torque, the VF 9 feels almost lazy off the line.
Braking isn’t much better. The pedal is stiff and hard to modulate, making smooth stops tricky. There’s a lack of initial bite, which may lead drivers to press harder than expected. Combine that with a similarly tough accelerator pedal, and you’re left constantly trying to finesse a vehicle that doesn’t want to cooperate.
The suspension setup also leaves something to be desired. While not bone-jarringly stiff, the VF 9 doesn’t soak up imperfections as cleanly as you’d expect from a premium SUV. Highway expansion joints, cracks, and small bumps are noticeably transmitted into the cabin. And when you take a turn – even at modest speeds – you’ll feel the body lean noticeably. This pronounced body roll doesn’t inspire confidence, particularly for passengers prone to motion sickness.
Steering is another weak point. It feels slow and disconnected, with little road feedback and a lack of precision. Predicting the car’s path through tighter turns takes more effort than it should, and that’s not ideal in a vehicle this size.
Initial verdict
VinFast deserves credit for its ambition. The VF 9 has some genuinely likable qualities – especially in terms of space and seating comfort. But in a segment packed with polished, refined competitors, the VF 9 feels like a prototype that snuck onto the showroom floor. For over five million pesos, buyers expect more than just a roomy cabin, a huge infotainment touchscreen, and a massage function.
There’s potential here, but it’s buried under rough edges that need serious refinement. If VinFast can tighten the build quality, recalibrate the driving dynamics, and address the practical oversights, the VF 9 could one day be a serious premium. As it stands, especially with its price tag, this early look suggests that while the VF 9 is aiming high, it has lots of room for improvement.
Granted, VinFast clarified that the VF 9 we drove and rode in was a pre-production unit. Still, it’s unacceptable since they shouldn’t expect us to just take their word when it comes to a vehicle that priced itself alongside European stalwarts. Hopefully the bevy of misses we experienced will not be present in customer cars because luxury isn’t just about high-tech features; execution is just as important.
