October's automotive market: A wave of new cars from Asia to Europe arrives.

The Vietnamese automotive market in the first month of the fourth quarter is expected to welcome a series of new products from brands such as Suzuki, BYD, Mercedes-Benz, and Lynk & Co. This diversity will not only come from different segments and origins but also from various powertrain options, including gasoline, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engines, promising fierce competition during the year-end shopping season.

Suzuki Fronx: Pioneering hybrid technology in the A-segment SUV market.

The Suzuki Fronx is scheduled to launch in October, becoming the first model in the A-segment SUV category in Vietnam to be equipped with hybrid technology. This model boasts a unique coupe-SUV design, differentiating it from competitors like the Kia Sonet or Toyota Raize. This is considered a factor that could give the Fronx a competitive advantage.

In terms of powertrain, the Fronx uses mild-hybrid technology combining a 1.5L, 4-cylinder gasoline engine, producing 101 horsepower and 135 Nm of maximum torque. This system is complemented by an electric motor and a 6 Ah Lithium-ion battery to assist with acceleration and improve fuel efficiency. The price will be a major factor in the Fronx's success. In Indonesia, the car is priced at approximately US$15,900–19,700. If priced below VND 500 million in Vietnam, this model has good sales potential.

BYD Seal 5: C-segment sedan with DM-i Super Hybrid technology

BYD will continue to expand its product portfolio in Vietnam with the Seal 5 C-segment sedan, directly competing with the Kia K3 and Mazda3. A highlight of this model is its DM-i Super Hybrid technology, a high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrain. This system includes a 1.5L Xiaoyun gasoline engine and an electric motor, delivering a total maximum power of 200 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque, allowing the car to accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds.

The BYD Seal 5's most outstanding advantage is its range. With a full tank of fuel and a fully charged battery, the car can travel up to 1,200 km. However, the success of the Seal 5 will depend on its price and its ability to convince consumers of the durability and maintenance costs of its complex PHEV powertrain.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class: New generation to launch on October 16th.

The new generation of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class luxury sedan is expected to officially launch in Vietnam on October 16th. Dealers have started accepting deposits since September for three versions: E 200 Avantgarde, E 200 Exclusive, and E 300 AMG. The new E-Class features a refreshed exterior with LED daytime running lights surrounding the grille and redesigned taillights.

Inside, the cockpit has been upgraded with a large central screen, measuring either 12.3 inches or 17.7 inches depending on the version. The two E 200 versions use a 2.0L I4 gasoline engine producing 204 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. The E 300 AMG version also uses a 2.0L I4 engine but delivers 258 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, combined with a 48V mild-hybrid system and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The price of the new E-Class is predicted to increase slightly compared to its predecessor.

Lynk & Co 08: SUV showcasing PHEV technology

The Lynk & Co 08 is the next model from the Chinese brand to enter the Vietnamese market, positioned as a technology showcase. The car is equipped with a PHEV powertrain, which the company calls a "super hybrid," capable of flexibly adjusting the role of the electric motor. A 1.5L internal combustion engine (135 hp) combined with an electric motor (208 hp) delivers powerful performance.

A notable feature is the large 39.6 kWh battery pack, allowing the Lynk & Co 08 to travel up to 200 km on pure electric power. This battery also supports DC fast charging, charging from 10% to 80% capacity in approximately 33 minutes. With its complex powertrain and accompanying technologies, the Lynk & Co 08 is predicted to have a high price tag and will target tech-savvy customers rather than the general consumer.