Mumbai, July 15, 2025 – Tesla has officially entered the Indian market with the launch of its highly anticipated Model Y SUV, marking a significant milestone for electric mobility in the country. Priced at ₹61.07 lakh (on-road) for the base Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant and ₹69.15 lakh (on-road) for the Long Range RWD variant, the Model Y is set to compete in India’s premium EV segment. Here’s everything you need to know about Tesla’s debut, its pricing, features, and what it means for India’s EV landscape.

Tesla Model Y Pricing and Variants

Tesla’s Model Y, imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), comes with a premium price tag due to high import duties. The variant-wise pricing is as follows:

• Model Y RWD: ₹59.89 lakh (ex-showroom), ₹61.07 lakh (on-road)
• Model Y Long Range RWD: ₹67.89 lakh (ex-showroom), ₹69.15 lakh (on-road)

These prices include an administration and service fee of ₹50,000 (with 18% GST), as per Tesla’s official website. Additional customizations, such as the Full Self-Driving (FSD) package, cost an extra ₹6 lakh, while premium color options like Pearl White Multi-Coat or Ultra Red add up to ₹1.85 lakh.

Bookings are open with a non-refundable ₹22,220 deposit, followed by a ₹3 lakh payment within a week to confirm the order. Deliveries are slated to begin in Q3 2025 for the RWD variant and October 2025 for the Long Range variant, initially limited to Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram.

Key Features and Specifications

The Tesla Model Y is packed with cutting-edge technology and premium features, positioning it as a strong contender against rivals like the BMW iX1, Volvo C40 Recharge, and BYD Sealion 7. Key highlights include:

• Performance: The RWD variant, equipped with a 60 kWh battery, offers a WLTP-rated range of 500 km and accelerates from 0-100 kmph in 5.9 seconds. The Long Range RWD, with a 75 kWh battery, extends the range to 622 km and achieves the same sprint in 5.6 seconds. Both variants have a top speed of 201 kmph.
• Charging: Using Tesla’s Supercharger network (coming soon to India), the RWD variant can gain 238 km of range in 15 minutes, while the Long Range variant adds 267 km.
• Interior and Tech: The Model Y features a 15.4-inch front touchscreen infotainment system, an 8-inch rear touchscreen for passengers, heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, and heated, electrically foldable rear seats. Additional amenities include a panoramic glass roof, ambient lighting, and a 9-speaker audio system.
• Safety and ADAS: The SUV comes with eight exterior cameras, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure avoidance. The optional FSD suite, priced at ₹6 lakh, promises advanced autonomous driving capabilities, pending regulatory approval.
• Customization: Available in seven exterior colors (Stealth Grey included, others like Glacier Blue and Quick Silver at extra cost) and two interior trims (all-black or black-and-white for ₹95,000 extra).

Tesla’s India Debut: Showroom and Market Strategy

Tesla inaugurated its first Indian showroom, dubbed the “Experience Centre,” at Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) on July 15, 2025. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis hailed the launch as a testament to Mumbai’s status as India’s entrepreneurial hub. Additional showrooms are planned for Delhi and Gurugram, with Tesla adopting a direct-to-consumer sales model. A service center and warehouse have also been established near the Mumbai showroom.

The Model Y’s high pricing, nearly double its US starting price of $37,490 (≈₹31 lakh), is attributed to India’s steep import duties of up to 70% on CBUs. Posts on X highlight the pricing disparity, with some users criticizing protectionist policies that shield domestic players like Tata Motors and Mahindra. Despite the cost, Tesla’s global brand appeal and advanced tech are expected to attract affluent buyers.

Competitive Landscape and Challenges

The Model Y enters a competitive luxury EV market, facing off against the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Mercedes-Benz EQA. Its premium pricing positions it as an aspirational choice, but high import duties and the absence of local manufacturing could limit accessibility. India’s new EV policy, allowing reduced duties for manufacturers investing ₹4,150 crore, may pave the way for future price reductions if Tesla sets up local production.

The Model Y’s success will hinge on Tesla’s ability to navigate India’s unpredictable roads, especially for its FSD features, and the rollout of its Supercharger network. Social media sentiment on X reflects excitement over Tesla’s arrival but also concerns about affordability, with users noting the SUV’s ₹61.07 lakh base price compared to ₹36 lakh in Australia.

What’s Next for Tesla in India?

Tesla’s India launch is a turning point for the country’s EV ecosystem, signaling growing interest in sustainable mobility. With deliveries set for Q3 2025 and a charging network in the works, Tesla aims to establish a foothold in India’s fast-growing automotive market, valued at ₹12.5 lakh crore. The company’s plans for additional showrooms and potential local manufacturing could further boost its presence.

For the latest updates on Tesla Model Y, EV trends, and India’s automotive market, stay tuned to Bharat Tone.

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