The Vietnamese carmaker has huge plans to grab a chunk of the rapidly burgeoning Indian automobile market
A 7-seater VinFast Limo Green sold abroad looks like an ideal Tata Harrier EV-rival to me. We know that the Harrier EV is currently the flagship model from the Indian auto giant. Harrier represents the best that Tata Motors has to offer in terms of tech, styling, safety and premium materials. On the other hand, VinFast has commenced operations with the VF6 and VF7 in our market. In its native market of Vietnam, the Limo Green is also sold as a practical 7-seat EV. I believe it comes the closest to something like the Harrier EV.
VinFast Limo Green 7-Str Could Rival Tata Harrier EV
Now, the Tata Harrier EV retails between Rs 21.49 lakh and Rs 30.23 lakh, ex-showroom. On the other hand, the VinFast VF7 bears a retail tag from Rs 20.89 lakh to Rs 25.49 lakh, ex-showroom. Therefore, a larger 7-seat iteration based on the VF7 could prove to be a great value-for-money proposition. Granted, it bears a more MPV-ish stance, as evident by the images. Still, the overall dimensions and a modern appearance could attract new buyers. It has been on sale in Vietnam as a commercial and private vehicle since last August. On the outside, it bears sleek LED DRLs with a clean fascia, massive 18-inch alloys, connected LED taillamps, sporty bumpers and a minimalist design. These are in line with what the Tata Harrier EV also embodies.
Having witnessed the VF6 and VF7, I know that the inside of these EVs carries the new-age trend of a minimalist cabin with almost no physical buttons. A digital instrument cluster and an infotainment display take care of most in-cabin functions, including multimedia, HVAC, connectivity, etc. In the last few years, I have observed the customer pattern towards buying cars with high safety ratings and tons of active and passive safety functions. In this regard, the VinFast Limo Green doesn’t disappoint with 4 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, rear camera as standard. Again, the Tata Harrier EV gets all these amenities and then some.
Specs
The 7-seat electric SUV is 4.74 m long and has a wheelbase of 2.84 m. These are slightly higher numbers than the Harrier EV at 4.61 m and 2.74 m, respectively. Apart from that, the VinFast EV carries a 60.13 kWh battery pack, generating 150 kW (204 PS) and 280 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. On a single charge, the carmaker claims a range of 450 km on the NEDC method. Finally, using an 80 kW fast charger, the battery juices up from 10% to 70% in just 30 minutes. I believe that the overall capabilities and practicality of the VinFast Limo Green 7-str can challenge those of the Tata Harrier EV confidently, should VinFast decide to launch it in India. In any case, it will be great for the consumers if they get more options in this relatively niche market segment. Of course, the Harrier EV is also fairly capable off the road. This is something that might not be true for this VinFast MPV. However, for most electric vehicle buyers, practicality matters a lot more than off-roading credentials. And this is exactly why the Limo Green can turn out to be a perfect alternative.
Editor’s View
Yatharth Chauhan, Managing Editor
The VinFast Limo Green could indeed be a compelling addition to the brand’s Indian lineup. With its practical 7-seat configuration, contemporary styling, and competitive specs, it fits well into the emerging premium EV space. While it may lack the off-road appeal of the Harrier EV, it makes up for it with urban practicality and value. I’d like to see how VinFast positions it if it does bring it here.
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Also Read: VinFast Opens Its Largest Indian Showroom in Chennai
