VinFast's Lac Hong 900 LX Withstands 440 Bullets and 11 Grenades in German Security Tests

An Electric Limousine for Vietnam's Official Guests

VinFast unveiled its Lac Hong 900 LX armored electric limousine at the Vietnam Exposition Center in Hanoi on August 28, 2025, after the vehicle withstood 440 bullets and 11 grenades during security testing at Germany's Beschussamt Ulm testing center. Designed to carry political leaders and international dignitaries, the limousine brings Vietnam's leading electric vehicle manufacturer into the specialized market for vehicles protecting heads of state and other prominent passengers.

The company has already delivered the first batch to Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for National Day celebrations and visits by international leaders. The vehicle is also on display at the "80 Years of Independence - Freedom - Happiness" exhibition, which runs from August 28 to September 5.

The Lac Hong 900 LX is available in standard and armored versions. The armored model combines reinforced bodywork, ballistic glass and a protected passenger compartment with electric propulsion and a stated range of 450 kilometers per charge. Its security package meets the VPAM VR7 standard, an international benchmark for protection against specified threats.

For Vietnam, the debut brings together two ambitions: providing secure transport for senior officials and demonstrating the capabilities of its automotive industry. For VinFast, it adds a demanding government transport role to a business already producing electric cars, buses and scooters and pursuing expansion beyond its home market.

The main developments span the vehicle's public introduction, its intended government service and the exhibition surrounding Vietnam's independence anniversary:

• Before the August 28 unveiling: The limousine underwent ballistic and explosive testing at Beschussamt Ulm in Germany.
• August 28, 2025: VinFast showcased the Lac Hong 900 LX at the Vietnam Exposition Center in Hanoi.
• By August 31, 2025: The first batch had been delivered to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for National Day celebrations and official visits.
• September 5, 2025: The "80 Years of Independence - Freedom - Happiness" exhibition is scheduled to end.

What Happened During the German Tests?

Beschussamt Ulm subjected the Lac Hong 900 LX to gunfire and explosions intended to simulate threats faced by political leaders. The tests examined the vehicle from multiple angles, including vulnerable areas around its body, windows and chassis.

The ballistic protocol used 440 rounds of NATO Ball M80 ammunition. The ammunition was described as representative of military rifle threats, with the M14 and AK-47 cited among the weapons relevant to the vehicle's protection claims. According to VinFast and independent observers, shots were fired at a 90-degree angle and from various other positions to assess the integrity of the protective structure.

The explosive testing involved 11 DM51 hand grenades and anti-vehicle mines, with detonations beneath the vehicle and on its roof. These placements tested how the car would respond to blasts reaching it from below or above, alongside the gunfire aimed at its exterior.

The grenades and mines reportedly caused only minor dents to the undercarriage and roof. The main structure remained intact and uncompromised. A spokesperson for Beschussamt Ulm, the German center responsible for the testing, described the vehicle's performance:

Our ballistic and blast tests are designed to simulate the most extreme real-world scenarios. The Lac Hong 900 LX performed exceptionally well, maintaining structural integrity and passenger safety throughout the process.

Understanding the VPAM VR7 Standard

VPAM stands for Vereinigung der Prüfstellen für angriffshemmende Materialien und Konstruktionen, a German association that sets international standards for armored vehicles. Its ratings give manufacturers and buyers a common framework for describing the level of protection a vehicle provides.

The Lac Hong 900 LX carries a VPAM VR7 bulletproof package. The VR7 certification is described as providing resistance to rifle fire from weapons such as the AK-47 and M14, alongside protection against hand grenades and mines. This level is typically used for vehicles transporting heads of state, senior officials and other people facing elevated security risks.

VR7 is among the higher levels of civilian vehicle protection, although stronger ratings exist. The BMW 7 Series Protection and Mercedes-Benz S-Class Guard also undergo testing to VPAM standards. The electric BMW i7 Protection is certified to VR9, a higher rating described as offering greater resistance, including against sniper rifles and heavy machine guns.

The Lac Hong 900 LX's VR7 protection is presented as sufficient for most threats political VIPs encounter. Its combination of armor and electric propulsion places it in a much smaller group than the wider market for luxury cars.

How Armor Changes the Vehicle

The armored Lac Hong 900 LX weighs 5 tons, compared with 3 tons for the standard version. Reinforced steel, ballistic glass and specialized protective materials throughout the body and chassis account for the extra weight.

Those figures mean the armored model adds 2 tons, or about 67 percent, to the standard vehicle's weight. The increase reflects the amount of material required to protect the passenger space while retaining the comfort and functions expected of official transport.

The body, chassis and windows are reinforced for ballistic protection. A bulletproof rear partition supplied by Canada-based Inkas Armored Vehicle Manufacturing provides an additional protective barrier for passengers. The partnership combines VinFast's vehicle with equipment from an established armored vehicle specialist.

The protective package extends beyond the visible exterior. The underside and roof were included in the explosive tests, while the partition adds protection within the vehicle. Together, these features address threats from different directions rather than relying solely on thick doors or windows.

Range, Tires and Emergency Equipment

The armored limousine has a stated range of 450 kilometers per charge, giving it substantial driving range for an electric vehicle carrying extensive protective equipment. Electric range describes the distance a vehicle can travel before its battery needs recharging.

The Lac Hong 900 LX uses 19-inch wheels fitted with run-flat tires from Japan's Falken. These tires are designed to keep the vehicle moving after a puncture, with a stated remaining travel distance of 80 to 100 kilometers.

For an official motorcade, continued movement after tire damage is an important practical feature. The tires give the vehicle a means of leaving a dangerous location even when a puncture would stop a car using conventional tires.

Optional specialized equipment includes an oxygen support system and an integrated fire-fighting system. These systems add emergency capabilities to the combination of armor, protected glass and tires designed to remain usable after damage.

VinFast's configuration seeks to preserve passenger comfort and the functionality required by senior officials while adding security equipment. The vehicle's intended use therefore combines protected travel with the needs of people conducting official business between destinations.

A Place Among Established Official Limousines

The US president's Cadillac One, known as "The Beast," Russia's Aurus Senat and the UK's Bentley State Limousine are established examples of vehicles built for national leaders. Their combination of luxury, protection and specialized systems provides the broader setting for VinFast's entry into the market.

Vehicles in this category typically use armored steel and composite bodywork, ballistic glass capable of stopping high-caliber rounds, and floors and roofs designed to resist blasts. Run-flat tires, self-sealing fuel tanks, advanced communications and emergency systems are also among the features associated with these limousines.

The Lac Hong 900 LX matches many of those features, particularly ballistic and blast protection. Its electric propulsion gives it a different configuration from many familiar official vehicles, while the 450-kilometer range supports its intended transport role.

The BMW i7 Protection is described as the only other electric armored limousine certified to similar standards. VinFast's model combines electric mobility, driving range and security features tailored to political VIPs in Asia and beyond, with its first government deployment taking place in Vietnam.

What the Delivery Means for Official Transport

Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is receiving the Lac Hong 900 LX for a specific task: carrying international guests and supporting National Day celebrations. The first deliveries move the vehicle beyond an exhibition display and into preparations for official duties.

A ministry representative described the significance of introducing the armored limousine for visiting dignitaries:

The introduction of the Lac Hong 900 LX enhances our ability to safely transport international guests and demonstrates Vietnam's commitment to security and innovation.

Heads of state and senior officials use armored limousines to reduce their exposure to assassination attempts, terrorist attacks and other threats while traveling. Vehicles in this category are designed to withstand gunfire, explosions and chemical attacks while providing a comfortable, discreet place for official business.

Automotive security specialists describe the choice of vehicle as depending on the threat level, operational requirements and whether officials need discretion or visibility. The most advanced examples, including Cadillac One and the Queen's Bentley State Limousine, combine protection with luxury features and advanced communications.

VinFast's debut gives Vietnam a domestically branded option for this role. The tests and the collaboration with Inkas are central to the company's case that it can supply vehicles for government users with demanding security requirements.

VinFast's Growth Beyond the Limousine

VinFast was established in 2017 as a subsidiary of Vingroup. Its vehicle lineup includes the VF 3, VF 5, VF 6, VF 7, VF 8 and VF 9, alongside electric buses and scooters.

The company delivered nearly 10,000 electric cars in April 2025 alone, while cumulative domestic sales for the year exceeded 44,000 units. Those figures place the specialized limousine within a much broader effort to expand electric transport in Vietnam.

In Indonesia, VinFast has started construction of an electric vehicle assembly plant costing $200 million. The planned annual capacity is 50,000 vehicles, with the facility aimed at serving the Southeast Asian market.

VinFast ranked 23rd in electric vehicle sales in the United States during the first quarter of 2024, selling 927 vehicles and placing ahead of Mini and Jaguar. The company is also preparing to launch electric buses in Europe and has received approval to build a factory costing $4 billion in North Carolina.

Pham Nhat Vuong, Vietnam's richest man, provides financial backing for VinFast. His net worth surged by $39 billion following the company's Nasdaq listing. VinFast's market capitalization briefly exceeded those of Ford and General Motors, reflecting investor confidence in its growth potential at that time. Market capitalization is the stock market's valuation of a company, based on its share price and the number of shares.

Quality Control Alongside Expansion

VinFast's growth has also brought quality control challenges. Earlier in 2024, the company recalled nearly 6,000 VF 5 Plus electric vehicles because of a headlight malfunction.

The fault was traced to a hardware component supplied by a supplier. The issue was resolved quickly, and no incidents were reported. The recall illustrates the maintenance and quality responsibilities that accompany a growing vehicle business.

Government transport adds particularly demanding expectations because passengers rely on both the ordinary functions of the vehicle and its protective equipment. VinFast's approach to quality control is therefore part of the trust it must maintain as it enters the armored vehicle market.

Industry analysts view the Lac Hong 900 LX as an achievement for Vietnam's automotive sector. Meeting an international protection standard and working with Inkas Armored Vehicle Manufacturing support VinFast's position as a supplier of vehicles requiring substantial security protection.

The limousine also gives a concrete expression to Vietnam's ambitions in automotive technology: a vehicle produced under a Vietnamese brand, tested in Germany and delivered for official use at home. Its public display in Hanoi allows the security project to form part of the country's independence anniversary exhibition.

What to Know

• VinFast unveiled the Lac Hong 900 LX in Hanoi on August 28, 2025, after tests at Germany's Beschussamt Ulm involving 440 bullets, 11 grenades and anti-vehicle mines.
• The armored electric limousine carries a VPAM VR7 protection package and a bulletproof rear partition supplied by Canada's Inkas.
• The armored model weighs 5 tons, compared with 3 tons for the standard version, and has a stated range of 450 kilometers per charge.
• Falken run-flat tires provide a stated 80 to 100 kilometers of travel after a puncture. Oxygen support and fire-fighting systems are optional.
• The first batch has been delivered to Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for National Day celebrations and visits by international leaders.
• The vehicle remains on display at the Vietnam Exposition Center during the independence anniversary exhibition ending September 5.
• VinFast is pursuing expansion in Southeast Asia, the United States and Europe while managing quality responsibilities across its wider vehicle business.