Vietnamese car manufacturer VinFast is jumping into the luxury game with its new model Lac Hong Brand.
The name Lac Hong is not entirely new, as it was first used on the Presidential and armored versions of the VF9 SUV. From 2027, Lac Hong will become its own independent brand with the 900S, a gigantic flagship sedan, and the 800S SUV.
Both vehicles have grilles with tall vertical slats said to be inspired by Vietnamese bamboo, while the badges and emblems are made from a real gold-plated alloy.
These cars contain other elements of Vietnamese culture. The brand’s logo, for example, features a mythical Lac bird spreading its wings, while the interior features bronze drum patterns and images of terraced rice fields.
Of course, there is also plenty of nappa leather, gold-plated trim and lots of wood in the interior.
The 900S will be available with a glass partition to separate the front and rear passenger compartments, as well as a Starlight headliner, folding tables and a large-screen projector.
The top versions of the 800S and 900S have a three-motor powertrain with one motor on the front axle and two on the rear axle.
The total output is said to be 460 kW, but the company has not yet specified how large the battery will be and how much range the cars will have. An active air suspension system is intended to offer “maximum smoothness and comfort”.
The Lac Hong 800S and 900S are scheduled to go on sale in Vietnam in 2027. Pricing and export plans have yet to be confirmed.
VinFast was founded in 2017 by Pham Nhat Vuong, one of Vietnam’s richest men. The company’s first vehicles included the Fadil (a redesigned Opel Karl/Vauxhall Viva), the Lux A2.0 (a redesigned BMW 5 Series “F10”) and the Lux SA2.0 (a redesigned BMW X5 “F15”).
Since then, the range has grown to include seven electric vehicles, six e-scooters and two electric buses. Some of these vehicles are available outside Vietnam, but reviews have ranged from unimpressed to scathing Motor trend Labeling the VF8 as “not ready for public consumption.”
Despite this, Vinfast rose to the top of the Vietnamese sales charts in 2024 with around 87,000 cars sold. Last year this number doubled to 175,099 vehicles.
The company also has a connection to Australia, having purchased the Lang Lang proving ground from Holden for $35 million in 2020, only to put it up for sale a year later.
