Tesla has officially made its long-awaited debut in the Indian market by launching the Model Y electric SUV, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy. The launch coincides with the opening of Tesla’s first Experience Centre in Mumbai, underscoring India’s importance as a key market for the company.
Variants, Pricing, and Availability
Tesla offers the Model Y in two rear-wheel drive variants in India, with bookings now open on Tesla’s official website. Deliveries are expected to begin later this year, initially covering key cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram.
| Variant | WLTP Range | 0-100 km/h | Price (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-Wheel Drive (Standard) | 500 km | 5.9 seconds | Rs. 59.89 lakh |
| Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive | 622 km | 5.6 seconds | Rs. 67.89 lakh |
The full on-road price will vary based on state taxes and registration fees. Customers can pay an initial token booking amount of Rs. 22,000, followed by Rs. 3 lakh within seven days.
Design and Exterior Features
The Model Y features a minimalistic exterior design enhanced by new front and rear lightbars that improve aerodynamics and range. The wide panoramic glass roof comes with UV and infrared protection, while acoustic laminated glass ensures a quiet cabin by minimizing road noise. The rear boot supports a hands-free power liftgate for convenience.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the Model Y boasts a premium cabin with:
- Soft-touch materials and aluminum trims
- Wraparound ambient lighting
- A 15.4-inch central infotainment touchscreen
- An 8-inch touchscreen for rear passengers
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated and power-reclining second-row seats
- Dual-zone climate control with power-operated air vents
- Tinted panoramic roof with infrared-reflective coating
Performance and Charging
Both variants support fast charging, allowing up to 238 km of range in 15 minutes for the standard model and 267 km in 15 minutes for the Long Range version. The Model Y’s performance includes a top speed of 201 km/h, matching international benchmarks for electric SUVs.
Tech, Connectivity, and Entertainment
Tesla’s advanced ecosystem integration includes:
- A 9-speaker audio system
- Bluetooth-enabled rear seat controls
- Tesla Theater with Netflix, YouTube, and more
- Tesla Arcade for in-car gaming
- Remote vehicle access through the Tesla app, allowing locking, pre-conditioning, and live location tracking
- Safety features such as Dashcam and Sentry Mode
Safety and Driver Assistance
The Model Y in India is equipped with Tesla’s core active safety suite, featuring 8 exterior cameras (including a new front-facing camera) and multiple driver assistance technologies:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Forward Collision Warning
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Lane Departure Avoidance
Optional Upgrades and Color Options
Tesla offers multiple exterior paint choices beyond the standard Stealth Grey, including Pearl White Multi-Coat, Diamond Black, Glacier Blue, Quicksilver, and Ultra Red, with prices ranging from Rs. 95,000 to Rs. 1.95 lakh extra. Interior upholstery has an all-black standard option, with a black and white variant available for an additional Rs. 95,000. The Full Self-Driving Capability package is offered at Rs. 6 lakh and will unlock autonomous features through future over-the-air updates.
Tesla Experience Centre in India
Complementing the launch, Tesla has opened its first Experience Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai, giving prospective buyers a chance to explore the vehicle and brand firsthand. Plans are underway to expand Tesla’s physical presence to other metropolitan cities, including New Delhi.
The launch of the Tesla Model Y in India marks a new era for sustainable mobility, setting a benchmark for electric SUVs in the premium segment and reflecting the growing Indian appetite for electric vehicles. With competitive range, performance, and advanced features, Tesla aims to capture a significant share of India’s emerging EV market.