VinFast VF8

Both variants carry an 87.7 kWh useable CATL NMC battery (90 kWh nominal). NMC chemistry delivers strong energy density but is more sensitive to sustained high temperatures than LFP alternatives. The Eco variant claims 471 km WLTP; the Plus, with its higher power output and added weight, returns 457 km. Dual electric motors drive all four wheels as standard.

In UAE summer conditions with full AC load, expect a 20–25% reduction from WLTP figures. The Eco should deliver 355–400 km in mild months and 330–370 km in peak summer. Highway driving at 120–140 km/h reduces range further. City-cycle driving holds closer to the upper estimates. The Plus variant tracks approximately 20 km below the Eco across all conditions.

The VF8 accepts 11 kW AC via Type 2, completing a full charge in approximately eight to nine hours on a villa wall box. At DEWA's residential rate of AED 0.23/kWh, a full charge costs approximately AED 20.17. In Abu Dhabi at the expatriate rate of AED 0.27/kWh, the cost is approximately AED 23.68. Overnight charging suits the VF8's battery size well.

DC fast charging peaks at 150 kW CCS2, reaching 10–80% in approximately 37 minutes. Compatible UAE networks include DEWA Green Charger, E2GO (including Saih Shuaib mega hub on the E11), UAEV in the Northern Emirates, and GreenParking. The VF8 is not compatible with Tesla Superchargers. At 150 kW, it utilises faster DC chargers effectively where available. 2025 VinFast VF8 — Battery & Charging

The VF8 seats five across two rows. Rear legroom is generous for the segment, and headroom accommodates taller passengers comfortably. The Plus trim adds Nappa leather upholstery and ventilated front seats. Interior materials are functional rather than premium — some hard plastics are present on lower contact surfaces. Door pockets and centre console storage are adequate.

The driving position is elevated with good forward visibility. The 15.6-inch central touchscreen dominates the dashboard — most vehicle controls run through it, which requires adaptation. Steering column adjusts for rake and reach. The digital instrument cluster provides essential driving data without distraction.

Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard. Cabin cool-down from peak UAE temperatures takes approximately six to eight minutes — adequate but not segment-leading. The Plus trim includes ventilated front seats, which are strongly recommended for the UAE climate. Remote pre-cooling via the VinFast app is available. Rear AC vents are fitted as standard.

Boot space is 376 litres with all seats upright, expanding to 1,373 litres with the rear seats folded. A small 77-litre frunk provides additional secure storage for valuables. The boot floor is flat, and the loading lip is manageable for heavier items.

The 15.6-inch touchscreen runs VinFast's proprietary software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Arabic language support for the UAE-spec infotainment system should be confirmed at the dealership prior to purchase. Over-the-air updates are supported. Navigation includes charging station integration. A six-speaker system is standard on the Eco; the Plus upgrades to an 11-speaker premium audio system.

Eleven airbags are standard across both trims, including a central front-seat airbag — class-leading for this price bracket. The ADAS suite includes AEB, adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic jam assist, and a 360-degree surround camera. Euro NCAP awarded four stars in 2023 testing.

The dual-motor AWD setup delivers confident traction in all conditions. Visibility from the driver's seat is strong forward and adequate to the sides. The transition from creeping speed to highway pace is smooth, though the software-driven driving experience lacks the polish of more established competitors.

The Eco variant reaches 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds; the Plus in 5.5 seconds — both more than adequate for UAE highway merges. Overtaking at motorway speeds is decisive. Wind noise at 120 km/h is moderate, and tyre roar is noticeable on coarser road surfaces. Both variants are electronically limited to 200 km/h.

Regenerative braking is adjustable through multiple levels. One-pedal driving mode is available and brings the vehicle to a near-complete stop. Brake pedal feel is consistent, though the transition between regenerative and hydraulic braking could be smoother at lower speeds.

Adaptive cruise with stop-and-go performs reliably on well-marked UAE motorways. Lane centring works on the E11 and Sheikh Zayed Road but requires regular driver input on older or poorly-marked roads. Traffic jam assist manages low-speed stop-start traffic competently. No Level 3 autonomous capability is offered.

The low battery placement keeps the centre of gravity low, providing stable high-speed cornering. Low-speed manoeuvrability is acceptable given the VF8's 4,750 mm length. The 360-degree camera assists in tight parking structures. Multi-storey car parks with standard 2.1 m clearance are accessible at 1,667 mm height.

The suspension leans toward comfort, absorbing UAE's predominantly smooth urban roads well. Over speed bumps at higher speeds, the 2,530–2,595 kg kerb weight helps settle the body quickly. Rear passenger comfort is adequate for inter-emirate journeys. Road imperfections at highway speeds produce some secondary movement.

VinFast offers a segment-leading ten-year vehicle warranty and a ten-year battery warranty with unlimited mileage, guaranteeing a minimum of 70% original capacity. Al Tayer Motors operates service centres in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. As VinFast is a new entrant to the UAE, parts availability and service turnaround times remain unproven at scale. Premier Motors handles VinFast sales and service in Abu Dhabi.

Grey import VF8 units may lack UAE-specific software calibration, regional charging compatibility, and Arabic-language support. Insurance loading is typically 15–25% above standard; some insurers decline grey-import EVs from newer brands entirely. Government incentives — free Salik tag, green parking, reduced registration fees — apply to official agency vehicles only. The ten-year warranty is a core value proposition that grey imports forfeit completely.

At AED 115,900, the VF8 Eco is among the most affordable AWD electric SUVs available in the UAE. For a buyer covering 20,000 km per year with a home wall box, annual electricity cost is estimated at approximately AED 1,900–2,200, versus AED 9,000–12,000 for a comparable petrol SUV. Combined running cost savings are estimated at AED 7,000–10,000 per year. Insurance estimates through official UAE channels range from AED 5,500 to AED 9,000 annually. EV servicing is approximately AED 1,200–1,800 per year given the simplified drivetrain. Government incentives include a free Salik tag (toll charges of AED 4–6 per gate still apply), green parking bay access with a four-hour session limit, and reduced RTA registration fees. Depreciation risk is elevated. VinFast is a first-generation entrant to the UAE with limited brand recognition and no established resale market. NMC battery chemistry is more susceptible to capacity fade in sustained high temperatures than LFP alternatives, though the ten-year warranty mitigates this financially. Three-year resale is estimated at 40–50% of purchase price — below segment averages for established brands. The aggressive entry pricing partially offsets this risk. 2025 VinFast VF8 — Standard Equipment