The Rise of the Fashion SUV: The VinFast VF 7 as a Style Statement Electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming automotive culture by embracing a rising trend: the “fashionization” of design. For younger, environmentally conscious drivers, models like the VF 7 are increasingly seen as more than just transportation—they are personal style expressions. Cars as Personal Statements Historically, vehicles have conveyed messages about their owners, reflecting status, personality, and lifestyle. Today, that message is more deliberate and design-driven. Cars have evolved into lifestyle accessories, especially among urban, eco-aware consumers who view their vehicles as extensions of their personal identity. EVs: The Perfect Canvas for Design Innovation Electric vehicles offer a blank slate for innovative design, free from the mechanical constraints of combustion engines. Without the need for bulky engines and transmission components, designers can explore new forms and aesthetics. The result is a new class of vehicles that feel equally at home in a design museum as they do on the road, prompting us to rethink what makes a car beautiful. Why Do EVs Look the Way They Do? For over a century, automotive design was dictated by the mechanical needs of internal combustion engines and transmissions. These constraints often limited creativity, dictating proportions and shapes to accommodate mechanical components. EVs, however, remove these limitations, paving the way for sleeker, more innovative designs. Modern electric models favor aerodynamic, streamlined profiles that echo the aesthetics of contemporary architecture and fashion. Designers emphasize smooth surfaces, sculpted silhouettes, and flush panels that reduce drag while amplifying visual appeal. Aerodynamics has shifted from a purely engineering concern to a key element of aesthetic identity. Features like rounded fronts, elongated windshields, and sloping rooflines not only enhance airflow but also establish the distinctive visual language of EVs. Lighting design has also taken center stage, with LED arrays and signature light signatures serving as brand identifiers, much like logos. Inside, minimalist layouts, open cabins, and sustainable materials such as vegan leather reflect a commitment to eco-conscious luxury. The VF 7: Where Concept Meets Reality VinFast’s VF 7 exemplifies this new design philosophy, seamlessly blending futuristic concept cues with practical, market-ready features. Crafted by Italy’s Torino Design, the VF 7 draws inspiration from aerospace engineering—particularly supersonic aircraft—resulting in a sporty yet refined aesthetic. Its sharp lines and bold forms evoke speed and precision, even when stationary. Features like hidden door handles, widened proportions, and a tapered roofline not only add visual drama but also improve aerodynamics. Over 80,000 hours of design work by Torino have culminated in a vehicle that marries form and function. Inside, the VF 7 continues to embody Torino’s “Asymmetric Aerospace” philosophy. The driver-focused cockpit emphasizes functionality, with clean lines and minimal physical controls creating a modern, uncluttered environment. Sustainability is also a priority, with options like vegan leather enhancing eco-conscious appeal. Performance Meets Style The VF 7 isn’t just about aesthetics—it delivers impressive performance as well. The Plus model boasts 500 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, delivering that exhilarating push-back-in-your-seat feeling. The base model, equipped with a single motor, offers a robust range of 430 km on a full charge. Both versions come equipped with features like hill-start assist, traction control, and adaptive cruise control. A 10-year battery warranty underscores VinFast’s commitment to durability and customer peace of mind. A New Era of Automotive Design The VF 7 exemplifies how automakers are now designing vehicles that express identity as much as they deliver performance. As more EVs enter the market, their evolving design language may not only influence aesthetic standards but also reshape our values and expectations regarding what we seek in a vehicle. In this new era, electric cars are no longer just transportation—they are personal statements, lifestyle accessories, and symbols of innovation. 2025-07-26 Shawie Dizon