Mumbai, India – Tesla has electrified the Indian automotive scene with the launch of its Model Y, a mid-sized electric SUV that boasts a top speed of 201 km/h and a starting price of ₹59.89 lakh (ex-showroom). Unveiled at Tesla’s first Indian showroom in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, the Model Y combines blistering performance with cutting-edge technology, positioning it as a formidable contender in India’s burgeoning luxury EV market.
Power Meets Practicality
The Model Y is available in two variants: the standard Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and the Long Range RWD. The standard RWD, priced at ₹59.89 lakh, delivers a claimed range of 500 km and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. Its Long Range sibling, priced at ₹67.89 lakh, extends the range to 622 km and shaves the acceleration time to 5.6 seconds. Both variants share the same impressive top speed of 201 km/h, making the Model Y one of the fastest electric SUVs in its class.
Imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) from Tesla’s Shanghai factory, the Model Y faces India’s steep import duties of up to 70%, contributing to its premium pricing. In contrast, the same vehicle starts at around $45,000 (approximately ₹38 lakh) in the United States. Yet, Tesla justifies the cost with a suite of advanced features, including a 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8-inch rear touchscreen, ventilated front seats, a panoramic glass roof, and optional Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities for an additional ₹6 lakh, pending regulatory approval.
Sleek Design, Smart Tech
The Model Y’s exterior is a study in minimalist elegance, featuring a full-width LED light bar, flush door handles, and a coupe-like silhouette that enhances aerodynamics. Inside, the cabin offers a button-less experience dominated by its massive central touchscreen, available in all-black or a dual-tone black-and-white theme (at extra cost). With 822 litres of boot space and a 117-litre front trunk, it’s as practical as it is stylish.
To ease range anxiety, Tesla plans to install 16 Superchargers across India, starting with eight in Mumbai and Delhi. The Long Range variant can gain up to 267 km of range in just 15 minutes using a 250 kW Supercharger, a game-changer for long-distance travel in a country where EV infrastructure is still evolving.
Facing the Competition
The Model Y enters a competitive luxury EV segment, squaring off against the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Audi e-tron, and Kia EV6. While its price exceeds some rivals, its superior range and acceleration could sway buyers seeking performance. “Tesla’s brand and technology could be a catalyst for EV adoption here,” said automotive analyst Rohit Sharma, “though pricing remains a hurdle.”
A Market Milestone
Tesla’s Indian debut, long delayed by import duty disputes and manufacturing talks, signals a shift in the EV landscape. Bookings are open online with a ₹22,220 token, followed by a ₹3 lakh confirmation payment, and deliveries are slated for Q3 2025. The company offers a 4-year/80,000 km vehicle warranty and an 8-year/192,000 km battery warranty, bolstering buyer confidence.
For enthusiasts like Mumbai entrepreneur Priya Patel, the wait is worth it: “The Model Y’s speed, range, and features make it stand out, even at this price.” Whether Tesla can overcome high costs and expand its charging network will determine its success, but for now, the Model Y is a bold statement of power and luxury on Indian roads.