Vietnam's automotive market gained momentum in October as manufacturers introduced a wide range of new vehicles ahead of the year-end shopping season, from compact electric cars priced below VND300 million (US$11,500) to luxury models costing several billion dong.

Electric and hybrid vehicles accounted for the majority of new arrivals, highlighting the growing importance of electrification in automakers' product strategies.

Here are the notable models introduced during the month.

New-generation Lexus ES: First fully electric variant

Lexus Vietnam officially unveiled the new-generation ES on October 7, offering three variants: the ES 350h Premium at VND2.34 billion (approximately US$90,000), ES 350h Luxury at VND2.6 billion (US$100,000), and fully electric ES 500e at VND2.94 billion (US$113,000).

The new midsize luxury sedan competes with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Volvo S90.

For the first time in Vietnam, the Lexus ES lineup includes a fully electric model alongside two self-charging hybrid variants.

The ES 350h combines a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 243 horsepower. Meanwhile, the ES 500e features two electric motors, Lexus' DIRECT4 all-wheel-drive system, a combined output of 338 horsepower and a 74.7kWh battery.

Introducing a fully electric version allows Lexus to reach a broader customer base and signals that its electrification strategy is expanding beyond conventional hybrid technology.

Priced between VND2.34 billion and VND2.94 billion, the ES continues to target premium buyers seeking luxury, comfort and advanced driving technology.

Honda City receives updates, priced from US$20,700

Honda Vietnam introduced an updated City sedan on October 12.

The locally assembled B-segment sedan is available in two variants, L and RS, priced at VND539 million (approximately US$20,700) and VND569 million (US$21,900), respectively.

Compared with its predecessor, the updated City features revised pricing, styling and equipment.

Exterior changes include a redesigned grille and front and rear bumpers. The RS variant gains black accents on the door handles, wheels and taillights for a sportier appearance, while the L version replaces its halogen headlights with LED units.

The cabin retains its familiar, practical layout, with an emphasis on usable space. Both variants now come with rear parking sensors to help drivers maneuver in tight spaces.

The City continues to use a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

It targets first-time family car buyers and customers using their vehicles for commercial passenger services, competing with the Toyota Vios, Hyundai Accent and Mazda2 in Vietnam's B-segment sedan market.

MG launches ZS Hybrid+ and GT sedan

MG Vietnam introduced two models on October 16: the all-new ZS Hybrid+ and MG GT.

The ZS has adopted a hybrid powertrain, while the GT continues to compete in the gasoline-powered sedan segment.

The all-new ZS Hybrid+ is offered in a single variant priced at VND668 million (approximately US$25,700).

Positioned in the B-segment urban SUV category, it combines a 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 101 horsepower with a 131-horsepower electric motor and a 1.83kWh battery.

The model joins an increasingly competitive hybrid SUV segment that includes the Toyota Yaris Cross HEV, Honda HR-V e:HEV, Omoda C5 SHS-H and Jaecoo J5 SHS-H.

Meanwhile, the MG GT is a C-segment coupe-style sedan aimed at younger buyers.

It comes in two variants, the 1.5 Deluxe and 1.5 Luxury, priced at VND512 million (approximately US$19,700) and VND586 million (US$22,500), respectively.

Both use a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with a CVT.

Hyundai Palisade Hybrid starts at US$57,700

Also on October 16, Hyundai Thanh Cong announced Vietnamese pricing for the Palisade Hybrid.

The large SUV is available in three variants: Prestige at VND1.499 billion (approximately US$57,700), eight-seat Calligraphy at VND1.689 billion (US$65,000), and seven-seat Calligraphy at VND1.699 billion (US$65,300).

The Palisade Hybrid combines a Smartstream 2.5 T-GDi gasoline engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined 334 horsepower and peak torque of 460Nm.

The powertrain is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. According to Hyundai, combined fuel consumption starts at 6.1 liters per 100km.

Targeting families seeking a spacious vehicle, the Palisade offers seven- and eight-seat configurations along with a range of comfort and convenience features.

The addition of hybrid technology gives the SUV an advantage in fuel efficiency as buyers become increasingly concerned about operating costs.

With its highest-priced variant approaching VND1.7 billion, the Palisade Hybrid also offers large-SUV buyers an alternative to fully electric vehicles.

Wuling introduces four affordable electric vehicles

TMT Motors and Chinese automaker Wuling unveiled four new electric vehicles in Vietnam on October 16: the Macaron, Bingo, Grango and Darion.

The launches significantly expand Wuling's lineup, with offerings ranging from compact city cars to seven-seat electric multipurpose vehicles (MPVs).

The Wuling Macaron, the smallest and most affordable model, replaces the previous HongGuang Mini EV.

It comes in two variants with claimed driving ranges of 205km and 300km, priced at VND279 million (approximately US$10,700) and VND339 million (US$13,000), respectively.

The Wuling Bingo is a small electric hatchback offered in Base, Plus and Max variants. Prices range from VND409 million to VND499 million (approximately US$15,700-19,200), with driving ranges of 333-410km depending on the version.

For families, the seven-seat Wuling Grango electric MPV costs VND519 million (approximately US$20,000) and offers a claimed range of 300km.

Positioned above it, the seven-seat Darion comes in two variants: Eco at VND769 million (approximately US$29,600), with a range of 450km, and Luxury at VND839 million (US$32,300), with a range of 500km.

Despite its competitive pricing and increasingly diverse lineup, Wuling faces several challenges in Vietnam.

Brand recognition, consumer confidence, resale values and the availability of charging infrastructure remain important considerations for prospective buyers.

BYD Sealion 5 enters C-segment plug-in hybrid SUV market

BYD Vietnam officially introduced the Sealion 5 on October 21, expanding its presence in the C-segment SUV market.

Imported fully assembled from Thailand, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is available in Essential and Premium variants, priced at VND739 million (approximately US$28,400) and VND789 million (US$30,300), respectively.

The Sealion 5 combines a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor and BYD's Blade Battery under the company's DM-i Super Hybrid powertrain.

Unlike conventional self-charging hybrids, the Sealion 5 can be plugged into an external power source to recharge its battery, enabling greater electric-only driving capability on shorter journeys.

With a wheelbase of 2,712mm, the vehicle targets families seeking a spacious five-seat SUV.

The Premium variant adds electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats, a powered tailgate, a 360-degree camera system and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

Starting at VND739 million before promotional discounts, the Sealion 5 increases competition in a segment dominated by familiar models such as the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and Ford Territory.

It is also among the relatively few mass-market PHEVs in Vietnam priced around VND700 million.

Mercedes-Benz expands electrified lineup with models priced up to US$342,300

Mercedes-Benz Vietnam introduced several electrified vehicles at its The Icons Electrified event on October 29.

The lineup included the CLA 200 Electric, GLC 350 e, E 350 e, updated S-Class and updated Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, spanning fully electric, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies.

The CLA 200 Electric, priced at VND1.59 billion (approximately US$61,200), becomes the most affordable fully electric model in Mercedes-Benz's Vietnamese lineup.

The GLC 350 e and E 350 e use PHEV powertrains, with prices of VND2.999 billion (approximately US$115,300) and VND3.399 billion (US$130,700), respectively.

The GLC 350 e competes in the midsize luxury SUV segment, while the E 350 e is a midsize luxury sedan.

In the premium segment, the updated S-Class comes in two variants: the S 450 mild-hybrid at VND5.429 billion (approximately US$208,800) and the S 580 e PHEV at VND6.189 billion (US$238,000).

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is offered as the S 480 mild-hybrid at VND8.639 billion (approximately US$332,300) and the S 580 e PHEV at VND8.899 billion (US$342,300).

The introduction of PHEV technology across the GLC, E-Class, S-Class and Maybach ranges underscores Mercedes-Benz's push toward electrification, including in its most luxurious and expensive vehicles.

Suzuki XL7 refreshed with more affordable variant

Suzuki Vietnam introduced an updated XL7 Hybrid on October 30, adding a lower-priced variant to its seven-seat compact MPV lineup.

The facelifted model is available in GL and GLX variants, priced at VND569.9 million (approximately US$21,900) and VND599.9 million (US$23,100), respectively.

The XL7 competes with the Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Veloz Cross in Vietnam's compact MPV segment.

Previously available in only one variant, the 2026 XL7 Hybrid now includes the GL version, lowering the entry price by VND30 million (approximately US$1,150) and broadening its appeal. The GLX retains its previous price.

Exterior updates include revisions to the grille and front bumper, additional black and gray trim, and newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, Suzuki has refreshed some decorative elements and added a USB Type-C charging port.

Both variants retain a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired with a mild-hybrid system, producing 103 horsepower and 138Nm of torque, coupled with a four-speed automatic transmission.

The GLX adds features including a 10-inch infotainment display, automatic climate control, cruise control and a reversing camera.

Hoang Hiep