Being Vietnam’s first automaker, VinFast has no track record and not a single series car produced yet. But if the two very convincing models it showed at the Paris motor show are any indication, the fledgling automaker has high ambitions and its sights set on the premium segment.

One of the two vehicles it unveiled in Paris is the SA2.0 SUV, a high-riding model almost the same size as a BMW X5, with sleek styling and a rather luxurious appearance. It has been said that the model makes use of a BMW-derived platform and, from the side, it really does look a bit like the aforementioned X5 (the previous generation), especially in the lower part of the body.

VinFast wants its vehicles to evoke the beauty of the land where they were made, which is why it employed Italdesign Giugiaro to come up with the design and then had Pininfarina further refine it before going public. The resulting design is actually quite successful, even if it looks a bit too Mazda Kodo-esque from some angles - definitely not a bad look.

It comes with one turbocharged engine choice, standard rear- but optional all-wheel drive and a modern seven-seater interior complete with massive portrait-style infotainment screen and hints of BMW.

2019 VinFast SA2.0

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 VinFast SA2.0
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

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Exterior

The SA2.0 SUV is almost exactly the same size as a BMW X5 and measures 4.94 meters (195.7 inches) in length, 1.9 meteres (74.8 inches) in width, standing 1.46 meters (57.6 inches) tall. The mirrors also appear as if they were lifted straight from a BMW too.

Aside from this possible platform sharing-derived similarity, there is nothing else BMW-esque about its design. The front fascia has a three-tier lighting setup, with daytime running lights on top which continue with light bars that curve downward to emphasize the badge. Then there is another set of lights integrated into the black plastic part of the bumper and then another couple of slim lights on the lower leading edge of the bumper.

From the side, it does kind of look like the X5 in the greenhouse area too, although it does have a different shape C-pillar to set it apart. The rear uses plenty of LEDs too, with a bar running inward from each cluster, then curving down to follow the shape of the “V” badge set against a black background.

It really looks nothing like a BMW from the back, but we can spot it has real exhaust pipes, just like on any X5.

The red painted motor show prototype looked really good on its 19- or 20-inch wheels and its face is probably more attractive than that of the old X5.

Interior

Inside it doesn’t look like there’s any BMW, apart from the steering wheel and the stalks for indicators and wipers. The gauges don’t look like they’re based on BMW designs and the basic architecture of the interior just looks different.

Just like the LUX A2.0 sedan, its interior is dominated by a large 10.4-inch portrait-style infotainment screen with few other buttons on the center console.

The infotainment is simple to use and is inspired by the way smartphones operating systems work, instead of trying to mimic other infotainment solutions from other manufacturers. It will feature three color themes all based on Vietnamese culture and natural beauty - it will come with standard wallpapers showing significant sights from the country, but users will be able to upload and use their own.

The material choice inside we are assured is of high quality - wood trim will use actual wood, while a coated plastic won’t be used to mimic aluminum and other materials. The manufacturer ensures material color and texture consistency by having a single supplier for all trim pieces.

Drivetrain

The LUX SA2.0 will only be available with one engine choice, a 2.0-liter turbo possibly sourced from BMW. It makes 231 metric horsepower and 350 Nm (258 pound-feet) of torque and allows the vehicle to sprint to 100 km/h / 62 mph in 8.9 seconds for the rear-wheel-drive version or 9.1 seconds for models with the optional all-wheel-drive system.

Pricing

No word on pricing for the LUX SA2.0, but since it is the size of a BMW X5 with some lower grade materials inside and only a 2.0-liter engine, it may probably even undercut the smaller X3 from BMW.

Competition

Mercedes GLE

Mercedes has just rolled out its all-new GLE SUV with which it aims to occupy the top position in its class. But lower tier models in the GLE range will get four-cylinder engines, and a fully-equipped VinFast may be considerably cheaper than a basic GLE.

If VinFast wants to expand the sale of its SUV outside of Vietnam where many may just buy it out of sheer patriotism, it needs to be priced lower than established models like the new GLE. It essentially has to be a good deal first and foremost.

Read our full review on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE.

VW Tiguan Allspace

The SA2.0 will not only face premium-badged rivals, but others like the VW Tiguan Allspace which were it not for its mainstream badge could be thought of as quite luxurious. It has a great cabin filled with high-quality materials and better fit and finish than some actual luxury cars.

It also has the Vietnamese SUV beaten for choice of engines, dealer network, and brand awareness, although it looks nowhere near as dramatic and it’s only a front-wheel drive-biased high-rider.

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace.

Conclusion

VinFast SA2.0, which will probably be called something else by the time it reaches a showroom, is a credible attempt at a premium SUV, especially from a company with zero experience in the field of building cars. The BMW connection could certainly help it become popular quicker than if it simply were an SUV drawn up from the ground up by a company with no experience.

The vehicle does look sufficiently different to an X5, and it has its own style which visually links it to the A2.0 sedan revealed alongside it at the Paris motor show. It has bold front and rear fascias, a great front three-quarter view, as well as a pretty decent looking interior with seating for up to seven and a competitive 2.0-liter turbocharged engine powering it (which is possibly a BMW unit).

If they don’t go overboard with the price and manage to market and promote it well, it could become popular outside Vietnam. But we have to wait until next year in June when deliveries are set to commence before passing final judgment.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2019 VinFast A2.0.

Read our full review on the 2019 BMW X5.