Vietnamese BMW X5 clone debuts with V8, sales starting soon

Vietnam-based automaker VinFast showed us the top-of-the-line President spec of its upcoming Lux SA2.0 SUV last month, followed by real photos in early August and a video ad last week (attached). Today, the BMW X5 spinoff celebrates its official premiere.

Just as expected, the President trim level includes a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 with so far undisclosed power. Last year, the company cited 455 hp (339 kW) and 624 Nm (460 lb-ft) of torque, but these figures may have changed. The origin of the engine and drivetrain also remains unknown, although General Motors comes to mind as the likeliest candidate. What is known is that the car needs 6.8 seconds to sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph).

Compared to the standard trim, the President boasts air intakes on the hood cover, a mesh grille, running boards and larger dimensions (except for the height, which is lower). Media also report it has a four-seat cabin, while the base trim has enough space for seven people.

The top spec enjoys a wider palette of available colors (see gallery). It appears that the company ditched the so-so copper-gold accents it had showed us before and is now offering the model with stylish silvery accents.

Sales in Vietnam should start in a few weeks’ time. Availability in the USA is promised for next year.

The VinFast Lux SA2.0 is a vehicle that utilizes the licensed BMW F15 X5 platform. The main spec packs a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine rated at 220 hp (164 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. It is essentially a trimmed-down BMW N20 engine without the Valvetronic system, mated to the Bavarian carmaker’s eight-speed auto transmission, ZF.